New Poll Gives Voice to College Football Fans Across the Nation
RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 6, 2012--
They may not be wearing college football logos on their tuxedoes and
gowns, but according to the new Discover Fan Loyalty Poll, couples would
change their wedding day plans if the bride or groom’s favorite team was
playing its biggest rival on their big day.
In the first week of Discover’s new national survey to gauge college
football fan loyalty, nearly half of respondents, 49 percent, said they
regularly wear clothing or other items with the logo of their favorite
college football teams. When it comes to their wedding day, 51 percent
said they would go ahead as planned if their teams played a big rival
that day. However, 25 percent said they would keep the time but have the
game broadcast during the reception, 14 percent said they would change
their wedding date, and 7 percent would just change the time.
Fans also agreed with coaches and sports writers that Alabama is the
best college football team in the county right now. When asked to choose
from among the top schools in the weekly Associated Press ranking, 32
percent said Alabama is the best team, followed by:
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University of Southern California, 17 percent
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Oklahoma, 7 percent
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Louisiana State, 7 percent
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Oregon, 4 percent
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Florida State, 4 percent
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Michigan, 2 percent
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Georgia, 1 percent
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Not sure, 9 percent
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Some other team, 18 percent
When asked which of the above teams’ fans would most like to see
win the national championship, Alabama still came out on top, but a high
percentage of fans, 40 percent, chose the answer: Some other team.
More highlights from the poll:
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52 percent of all fans follow teams in the Big 10 or SEC conferences,
followed by the 12 percent in ACC, 9 percent PAC 12, 9 percent Big 12
and 4 percent for the Big East.
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83 percent found it somewhat or very important to watch their teams
play each week.
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88 percent said they still watch their teams during a bad season.
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The vast majority of fans don’t hide their school pride: 81 percent
said that most of their friends and family know which team is their
favorite.
The 15-week Discover Fan Loyalty Poll is conducted by Rasmussen Reports,
a nationally recognized leader in polling, who gathers sentiment by
phone from 800 college football fans who follow games at least once per
week on television, radio, in person or online.
Discover launched the Fan Loyalty Poll to give die-hard fans a platform
to showcase their dedication and love for their favorite college
football team leading up to the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship
Game and 2013 Discover Orange Bowl. Each week the poll will offer new
questions about what college football fans are thinking this season.
Beyond title sponsorship of the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship
Game and 2013 Discover Orange Bowl, Discover’s commitment to college
football includes relationships with ESPN and Notre Dame Football on NBC.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment
services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S.
financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become
one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company
operates the Discover
card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers home loans, private
student loans, personal loans, online savings accounts, certificates of
deposit and money market accounts through its direct
banking business. Its payment
businesses consist of Discover
Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE,
one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners
Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in
more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.
Source: Discover
Discover
Katie Henry
224-405-4437
kathrynhenry@discover.com