Which would be direct competition for a Cardinals baseball game?

• A. A Ram's football game
• B. A Blues hockey game
• C. Six Flags amusement park
• D. A college baseball game

Answer: (D)

Direct competition means events that satisfy the same consumer need at the same time. A Cardinals baseball game is a baseball event, so the most direct substitute is another baseball game that would attract the same fans. A college baseball game fits best because it delivers the same sport experience, targets a similar audience, and can occur in the same region and season, making fans choose between two baseball outings. The football game and the hockey game are different sports and attract somewhat different fan bases, while the amusement park is not a live sporting event and doesn’t directly substitute the baseball experience.