Even after social distancing restrictions are relaxed, people still may not feel comfortable attending events, according to the Impact of COVID-19 on Live Events Study by sports and events research firm Performance Research. In a survey of more than 1,000 respondents, 44% said they would be attending fewer events once they are “safe to attend.” Two-thirds of respondents reported being concerned about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the restrooms and food service areas, while more than half said they were more concerned about being in close contact with other attendees than before the pandemic, and 51% said they felt more apprehensive about indoor events than outdoor events.
“When considering all the barriers to event attendance, perhaps nothing can be more personal and emotional than health and safety,” said Performance Research founder Jed Pearsall. However, 46% of respondents also said that they would appreciate going to events more after social distancing, and 53% said they have a “pent-up desire to return to the events they loved once the pandemic has passed.”