Leisure Constraints Theory on sports tourism among Oklahoma State students

Sports tourism is defined as traveling to sporting events to either participate in or watch. It is a significant and growing sector, which can foster community connections and enhance overall mental well-being within those that participate. A potential problem with sports tourism may be the constraints that may come with this leisure activity and why some do not participate. While it is a growing sector, the purpose of this quantitative study is to identify the effects of Leisure Constraints Theory (LCT), examining intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural constraints. These constraints can limit an individual's ability to engage in sports tourism. Intrapersonal constraints focus on psychological barriers such as low self-esteem, lack of motivation, or lack of confidence, while interpersonal constraints involve social factors, such as the need for leisure partners or family support. Structural constraints are external factors, like financial limitations or lack of transportation, which can restrict access to events. Focusing on OSU, the study aims to examine how these constraints affect OSU students' participation in sports tourism, especially when traveling to OSU away sporting events. The research intends to identify key barriers and explore potential solutions to increase overall participation in sports tourism, which could enhance the sense of community among students, alumni, and fans.