Sports

Have mainstream sports finally bounced back after 2020?

Published

2 years ago

December 22, 2021

Whilst many would have been eager to get back to a sports stadium and support their favorite team in person and in the stands, it would seem that it could take some time before the same kind of pre-pandemic numbers are reached.

It is clear that there are many supporters who have decided enough is enough and have worn their team’s colors to the stadium to encourage the team as they try and support them to a win, although recent reports suggest numbers are slow across the entire sporting world at the moment.

Of course, many will have used the campaigns that they were unable to attend venues in different ways, with some likely to have looked and used sportsbooks that offered them the best odds in sports betting available, whilst others would have been happy enough to shout at a TV screen when watching the action.

Premier League soccer attendances are yet to fully recover

According to some data that has been released, it would seem the attendance numbers that England’s Premier League used to experience are yet to return to the levels that had once been enjoyed in 2019/20.

Although the competition is just under halfway through the 21/22 campaign, earlier figures had suggested that attendances were down on those that were experienced in 19/20. However, it does need to be noted that the percentage is very small.

Teams such as Leeds United and Brentford have been able to see the figures be as high as possible as it is the first opportunity fans will have had to watch their team in the top-flight, although others will point to the fact that ticket prices have continued to increase and are perhaps unaffordable currently, especially after a hard 18 months or so.

The NFL shows interesting attendance data

Much like the Premier League, the National Football League (NFL) is one of the biggest sporting competitions around the world and one in which many will look to as a case study for whether mainstream sports have been able to fully bounce back after an impactful 2020.

Again, like the soccer competition, football seems to have had its ups and downs recently in regards to attendance, although there could be some outliers as to why the data currently being shown is what it currently is.

The league’s overall attendance has been relatively strong this season as fans have been able to return to stadiums all over America, with big crowds at venues such as the Las Vegas Radiers’ Allegiant Stadium (93.9% capacity) and the shared SoFi Stadium as the Los Angeles Rams (99.6%) and Los Angeles Chargers (98.2%) having been witnessed. However, it is also the first season in which fans of all three franchises will have been able to go to the new home of each team.

Unfortunately, there are NFL teams that are showing issues in regards to attendances, although this might be based on the fact that there are perhaps some sporting disclaimers that may have led to the fact that fans have opted to stay away. For instance, the Washington Football Team has yet to have announced an attendance of 80% capacity or over.

Teams in New York (New York Giants and New York Jets) and Detroit (Detroit Lions) are franchises that have been called out in the past for low attendances, though, which will have brought the overall number down but this does not mean that mainstream sports have not bounced back. Nonetheless, there are seven teams below 90% capacity overall compared to three in 2019 before the pandemic.

Conclusion

By simply looking at the attendances that can be seen at various sporting venues around the world, it would be safe to assume that mainstream sports have bounced back from the disaster of 2020, although perhaps not as quickly as many may have expected them to.

Sports

Staying Competitive In Show Jumping: Training and Conditioning Tips from Alec Lawler

Published

2 months ago

August 3, 2023

Jonathan Grilli

Show jumping is an exhilarating equestrian sport that demands the perfect harmony between horse and rider. To achieve success in this challenging discipline, riders must be dedicated, skilled, and constantly striving to improve. We had the opportunity to sit down with show jumping expert Alec Lawler, a talented athlete and international business professional with extensive experience in Europe and North America. In this article, Alec shares his valuable insights and training tips to help riders stay competitive and excel in the world of show jumping.

The Importance of Building a Strong Bond

When asked about the key to success in show jumping, Alec emphasizes the significance of building a strong bond with your equine partner. He says, “A horse and rider are a team, and a successful team requires trust, communication, and a genuine connection. Spend time with your horse outside of training sessions to develop that bond.”

Alec’s advice rings true for riders at all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting, taking the time to understand your horse’s personality and preferences can make a remarkable difference in your performance.

Consistency in Training: Quality Over Quantity

In the fast-paced world of show jumping, riders often feel compelled to train for hours on end, believing that more training leads to better results. Alec challenges this notion, stating, “Consistency is vital, but it’s not just about the number of training hours. Focus on the quality of your sessions, not just the quantity.”

Alec recommends tailoring training sessions to suit each horse’s needs and abilities. Instead of long, grueling sessions, he suggests breaking training into shorter, focused segments that address specific areas for improvement. This approach helps prevent burnout and keeps both horse and rider engaged and motivated.

Proper Conditioning and Fitness

Show jumping demands peak physical condition from both the rider and the horse. Alec stresses the importance of proper conditioning, saying, “A fit and healthy horse can perform at its best, and the same goes for the rider. Regular exercise and conditioning routines are essential to build strength, stamina, and overall performance.”

Alec advises riders to work closely with equine veterinarians and trainers to develop personalized fitness plans for their horses. Additionally, he recommends incorporating cross-training exercises to keep horses mentally and physically stimulated.

Mental Preparedness: Visualization and Focus

“Show jumping is not only a physical sport but also a mental one,” Alec shares. He encourages riders to practice visualization techniques and develop a focused mindset before entering the arena. “Visualize your success, envision the perfect jump, and believe in yourself and your horse. Positive mental preparedness can make all the difference when facing challenging courses.”

Alec’s emphasis on mental preparedness highlights the importance of mental fortitude and confidence in the competitive world of show jumping.

Embrace Failure and Learn from It

Even the most accomplished riders face setbacks and failures. Alec advises riders not to be discouraged by mistakes but to embrace them as opportunities for growth. He states, “Failure is a part of any sport, including show jumping. Learn from your mistakes, analyze what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve.”

By adopting a growth mindset, riders can transform setbacks into stepping stones towards success.

Final Thoughts

In the world of show jumping, success comes to those who combine skill, dedication, and an unbreakable bond with their equine partners. Alec Lawler’s valuable insights provide a roadmap for riders aiming to stay competitive and achieve greatness in this thrilling sport. By building a strong bond with your horse, focusing on quality training and conditioning, preparing mentally, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity, you’ll be well on your way to soaring over those jumps and reaching new heights in show jumping.

About Alec Lawler

Alec Lawler is a talented show jumping athlete and international business professional with experience in Europe and North America. He has competed at the highest international level in show jumping throughout North America and Europe, and has won numerous awards and accolades, including the National Grand Prix of Woodside in 2022. Alec founded Lawler Show Jumping LLC in 2019, where he creates strategic marketing plans to build brand awareness and selects, imports, develops, and sells dozens of horses annually.