Although scholars have had a long-standing interest in product innovation based on
technological development, limited attention has been devoted to the study of the
innovation of sport event experiences. Two quantitative studies, from the consumer’s
perspective, were completed to validate the proposed conceptualization of sport event
innovativeness composed of six dimensions (player performance, respectful access, selfservice technology, aesthetic environment, fan community, and loyalty program), and to
examine the hypothesized relationships impacting consumer behavior. Including the
dimensions ofplayer performance, fan community, and loyalty program, extends previous
research that has focused primarily on technology and process-based innovations. The
results indicate the effects ofthe six dimensions on overall innovativeness are contingent
on a consumer’s age. The ideas merit further research with respect to formulating an
explanation of what factors contribute most to connecting consumers to sport
organizations through innovative sport event experiences.