Tim Hill - From Liverpool FC's Anfield to Berlin’s Techno Clubs. Why Rituals Matter!

Tim Hill shares his unique insights into the magic of live events and the communal experiences they create. Drawing from his ethnographic research at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium and Berlin's underground techno clubs, he shares how rituals, community, and emotional connections shape unforgettable experiences. He emphasises the importance of co-creation in designing atmospheres that resonate deeply with audiences, illustrating how these moments of togetherness can be both powerful and transformative.

00:00 — Opening: The Magic of Live Events
01:42 — Understanding Anfield's Unique Atmosphere
04:19 — Researching Local Football Culture
05:21 — The Challenges of Ethnographic Research
08:19 — Exploring Fan Demographics
11:36 — The Role of Rituals in Atmosphere
14:19 — Designing Experiences at Anfield
16:20 — The Impact of "You'll Never Walk Alone"
18:51 — Community Identity and Solidarity
22:46 — Designing Emotionally Engaging Experiences
24:34 — The Four-Step Ritual Design Process
31:27 — Thinking Beyond Football: Broader Applications
36:47 — Insights from Berlin Nightclubs
41:42 — The Paradox of Fitting In and Standing Out
48:39 — The Importance of Exclusion in Experience Design
51:45 — Final Thoughts on Designing Rituals

Bio & links

Tim Hill is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Bath and Director of Studies for the BSc Business program. His research explores the edges of consumer culture, from hardcore football fandom to Berlin’s exclusive techno scene, uncovering what these fringe worlds reveal about belonging, identity, and community. Tim’s work has been published in leading journals, and he’s also the co-author of The Dark Side of Marketing Communication and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Marketing Management.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-hill-99425b378/