A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 15% are ‘very uninterested’ in watching football, tennis or athletics on television. A whopping 69% are already seeking alternative activities while their loved ones are engrossed in the televised sports.
With big match days looming, 16% plan to dodge the sports mania and meet up with friends who share their lack of interest for a different kind of entertainment.
However, more than one in 10 (13%) confess they might get swept up in the excitement and end up watching some events due to FOMO – fear of missing out.
Nicole Whelan, from Haagen-Dazs, which commissioned the study and is hosting sport-free events across the UK as an alternative form of entertainment during the sports-filled summer, said: “It’s undeniable, 2024 is shaping up to be a sport-soaked summer. But we know that’s not everyone’s flavour.”
“As the stadiums fill and pubs pack with passionate fanatics, we want to let you escape it all and enjoy ice cream – celebrating scoops, not scores.”
The research also found that 15% of adults have feigned interest in a sport to fit in with friends or colleagues. And 28% have actually developed a genuine love for a sport because someone close to them was interested.
However, for those dedicated sport-avoiders, 33% are looking forward to less crowded shops when big events are broadcast on TV. A whopping 31% of Brits are set to snatch some precious ‘me time’ while their mates and fam are glued to the telly cheering on athletes this summer.
(Image: SWNS)
Meanwhile, a savvy 13% are planning to hit the gym for a workout in peace when it’s expected to be dead quiet. Turns out, one in five adults would rather give their locks a good scrub than watch sports this summer, and 16% would choose to tackle the lawn over tuning in.
And believe it or not, more than one in 10 (11%) would pick sorting out the stinky bins over catching up with the latest scores, as revealed by stats from OnePoll.com.
For those dodging the sports mania, the Haagen-Dazs Flavour Club is popping up in Manchester, London and Edinburgh from June to August, dishing out free fun that has zilch to do with sports.
Nicole Whelan, from the ice cream giant, said: “Sport is incredible, but you’d be surprised how many people are looking for something different – and luckily this summertime there’s a whole world of non-sporting activity to enjoy.”
“At our events we’ve got everything from DJ sets, comedians, bands, lawn games and places to relax and reconnect with friends, (hopefully) soaking in the sun and indulging in your favourite ice cream.”
BRITS’ TOP PICKS FOR AVOIDING SPORTS THIS SUMMER:
- Catching some Z’s.
- Whipping up a feast.
- Trekking through nature.
- Hitting the grocery store.
- Washing my hair.
- Walking the pooch.
- Organising my kitchen cupboards.
- Donating old threads to charity.
- Mowing the lawn.
- Going to the gym.
- Meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Painting the garden fence.
- Striking up a conversation with a neighbour.
- Defrosting the freezer.
- Cleaning out the bins.