An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll with the Center for Sports Communication at Marist College reveals 56 percent of American sports fans believe people should not be participating in indoor team sports such as basketball. Among all respondents, a slightly higher, 58 percent, felt teams should not be participating.

The telephone survey of 1,065 adults was conducted from December 1 to 6. Of the respondents, 603 said they were sports fans.

Other findings from the poll:

  • 54 percent of all respondents and 56 percent of sports fans were very concerned, or concerned that, the playing of indoor team sports will spread coronavirus in their local community;
  • 58 percent of both respondents and sports fans believe the government should be able to place restrictions on playing indoor team sports because of the coronavirus;
  • 46 percent of both respondents and sports fans do not think fans should be allowed to attend games for indoor team sports; 34 percent of all respondents and 36 percent of sports fans felt fans should be allowed, but only with restrictions, and 19 percent of all respondents and 18 percent of sports fans felt fans should be allowed;
  • Asked about student-athletes participating in college football games, 30 percent of all respondents and 28 percent of sports fans felt they should be allowed; 39 percent of all respondents and 42 percent of sports fans felt they should be allowed, but only with restrictions; and 31 percent of both respondents and 31 percent of sports fans felt they should not be allowed;
  • Asked about fans attending the Super Bowl, 19 percent of all respondents and 16 percent of sports fans felt they should be allowed; 29 percent of all respondents and 34 percent of sports fans felt they should be allowed, but only with restrictions; and 49 percent of both respondents and sports fans felt they should not be allowed.

The full survey is here.