Paper short abstract:

This study explores how the use of technology can be utilized to understand how the rise in football tourism affects avid supporters in Anfield's matchday stands. We examine the clash between tourists' use of technology and traditional fan practices, revealing impacts on atmosphere and identity.

Paper long abstract:

Tourists, whether avid football fans or casual visitors, are increasingly drawn to iconic football stadiums like Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, to experience match days, often promoted as unique spectacles. However, the globalization and commodification of football have introduced tensions between tourists and long-time local supporters. This study investigates how technology—implemented by both clubs (e.g., WiFi) and individuals (e.g., selfie sticks, iPads, and phones)—disrupts locals’ traditional match-day experiences. Through fieldwork at Anfield and an online ethnographic study of the ‘Red and White Kop’ fan forum, it examines the impacts of these disruptions on social rituals, atmosphere, and community among Liverpool fans. Drawing on Georg Simmel’s and Émile Durkheim’s theoretical frameworks, the study reveals that the (over)use of mobile technology exacerbates a divide between loyal fans and tourists, affecting match-day rituals and eroding the sense of collective identity in the stands. By highlighting these shifts, the study deepens the understanding of the evolving relationship between local fans and tourists in modern football culture. It also emphasizes the need for policies to balance the preservation of traditions and atmosphere with the demands of a globalized audience in the English Premier League.