Satellite fans’ nostalgia buffers negative emotions and increases well-being and travel intention

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to examine how satellite fans perceived the risk of COVID-19 and its influence on their emotions (i.e., nostalgia, depression, and frustration), well-being, and intention to travel to the stadium of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) teams in the future. A total of 511 EPFL fans in Singapore participated in this study. Results showed that the perceived risk of COVID-19 increased depression and frustration; satellite fans who felt frustrated were more likely to feel depressed and nostalgic, and nostalgia positively affected well-being and travel intention. In addition, we found that the satellite fans who felt well were more likely to visit the stadium of their favorite EPFL teams. We identified the buffering role of nostalgia, which contributes to advancing the literature on sports tourism development and provides a deeper understanding of the behaviors of sports fans during the COVID-19 pandemic.