Abstract
This study examines the distinct fan cultures of LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC (LAFC), two Major League Soccer clubs sharing geographic proximity yet exhibiting markedly different supporter identities. Through analysis of over 400,000 Reddit comments across 50 variables, this research investigates how fan communities construct cultural boundaries despite shared territorial location. LA Galaxy (established 1996) demonstrates traditional supporter practices, while LAFC (founded 2018) has cultivated a socially conscious fan identity emphasizing social justice and community activism. The analysis reveals how fan culture emerges from the intersection of organizational history, socioeconomic contexts, and digital media affordances, with LAFC’s newer status enabling progressive practices contrasting Galaxy’s conventional approach. These findings illuminate how contemporary sports fandom operates as both cultural practice and civic participation within digitally mediated environments. Methodologically, this project uses computational methods to analyze large-scale digital data, employing Python programming and Reddit API techniques. The research demonstrates how big data approaches illuminate fan identity construction and the relationship between digital communication and collective identity formation, extending theoretical frameworks in sports sociology by examining how institutional age and digital engagement produce distinct supporter cultures.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Sporting Cultures and Identities
KEYWORDS
Fan culture, Supporter identity, Social media analysis, Cultural boundaries
