Chapter 4: Progress in Sports and Event Tourism Research: A Review Study

Leisure has been an important aspect of human life (Auger, 2020). Since the evolution of life on earth, humans have engaged themselves in leisure through various activities. Leisure not only helps humans to relax but also provides psychological and physiological relief to continue focusing on activities (Paggi et al., 2016; Trenberth & Dewe, 2002). Leisure can happen through several activities. One such prominent method to enjoy has been through engaging in sports and events (Mutz et al., 2021). Historical records document that board games, ballgames, polo, wrestling and boxing were played even around 2500 BC. Engaging in these events need not necessarily involve active participation. The audience has been a significant aspect of these events and games. They influence the performance of the sportsperson. Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in Rome, enjoyed success because of the audience that rooted for their preferred player. Modern sporting events such as Olympics, FIFA World Cup and Cricket World Cup enjoy their success because of the active participation of the spectators.