Football Trumps the Election
September 19 2016 - 6:00AM
Business Wire
Retailer’s survey reveals fans would rather
watch football than key election moments
With the election buzz in full swing, and seemingly on
everyone’s mind, it won’t necessarily be what’s on everyone’s
television set. A recent survey by appliances, electronics and
furniture retailer hhgregg (NYSE: HGG) asked the question “For
which election event would you host friends and family at your
home?” to which the overwhelming response at 64% was, “None of the
above, I’ll be watching the (football) game.” That answer beat out
election night coverage (19%) and the presidential debates (18%),
respectively.
Football watching has become an event in and of itself over the
years, and with teams lacing up their cleats and kicking off
another season, hhgregg delved into the topic that continues to
gain traction with fans: Homegating.
hhgregg commissioned a survey of more than 1,000 people and
found that 70% would rather get together with friends and family at
home to enjoy the game than actually go to the game and tailgate.
Not only that, the number of times each season fans are homegating
grew substantially compared to last year. This year, 34% of pigskin
pariahs said they homegate at least four times per season, compared
to 25% last year.
“It’s not just the camaraderie in the comforts of someone’s own
home or the cost savings that continues to drive football fanatics
to the homegate,” said Chris Sutton, Senior Vice President of
Marketing at hhgregg. “4K TV technology has enhanced the
football-watching experience and smart appliances are contributing
to that growing foodie culture who love to entertain guests with
football as a backdrop.”
When it comes to the guests, some of the more intriguing hhgregg
survey findings were related to who people want to saddle up next
to on the couch:
- The Everyman: Michael Strahan
edged out Rachel Ray as the person most requested to host a
homegate, 36% to 35%, respectively.
- Champion in the House: Peyton
Manning, with 51% of the vote, ran away from the pack on the
question “Which former NFL player would you most want to attend
your homegate,” with Brett Favre coming in second at 27%.
- Friends Forever: When football
watchers are hosting a homegate, 58% say they will invite friends
who are fans of a rival team.
With the guest list covered, the survey revealed other nuances
of the homegate that hit home:
- Lazy Bones: 64% would rather
attend a homegate so they can sit back and relax, as opposed to
hosting one so they could be in complete control of everything
(34%).
- Feeling Lucky? When getting the
food on the table for a homegate, 46% said they’d prefer to make it
a potluck, with the next closest answer being to make the food
themselves (29%).
- Getting Social. People really do
still talk to each other. When asked what they do at halftime of a
homegate, “mingle with other guests” was the no. 1 answer with a
whopping 40% of the vote. Checking social media came in at
14%.
So as you chat up Michael Strahan while eating your best
friend’s homemade chicken wings at a homegate near you, check out
hhgregg’s Homegating Sweepstakes where you can win daily prizes.
Enter to win at http://www.hhgregg.com/homegating.
ABOUT hhgregg
Founded in 1955, Indianapolis-based hhgregg is a multi-regional
retailer with 220 brick-and-mortar stores in 19 states. hhgregg's
product assortment includes market-leading brands in consumer
electronics, home appliances and technology, along with
high-quality products for the home. The retailer's online presence
(hhgregg.com) and mobile apps (iOS and Android) give consumers
nationwide access to global and local lifestyle and home products.
Find hhgregg on Facebook facebook.com/hhgregg and on Twitter
at @hhgregg.
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EdelmanSarah Davis312-240-3176sarah.davis@edelman.com