How Heat and Alcohol Affect Sports Fans: Risks and Safety Tips

Early on a recent Saturday morning, Los Angeles’s The Greyhound Bar & Grill buzzed with soccer fans cheering and celebrating. Paris Saint-Germain faced Arsenal in the Champions League final. The crowd had already purchased $1,300 in drinks at 9:20 a.m., only 30 minutes into the game. Madeline Guillen, sipping a mimosa, reflected on how sports and drinking often go together.

This summer, as the FIFA World Cup unfolds in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, experts are concerned about alcohol consumption in extreme heat. They warn that mixing drink with high temperatures can increase risks, especially if people drink heavily or neglect hydration and cooling strategies. Different studies highlight that summer drinking peaks in hotter climates.

The Effect of Climate on Drinking Habits

Climate change, driven by coal, oil, and gas combustion, worsens summer heat, which raises concerns for soccer players and fans. Studies show that alcohol consumption rises in warmer weather; this is sometimes called the “hedonic effect,” where alcohol eases discomfort. Nathan Morris of the University of Colorado explains that while alcohol feels good, it masks the body’s drive to cool down, potentially leading to heat stress.

Heavy drinking during sports events is documented, including a study in Australia where fans consumed an average of five drinks in just over two hours at football games. A 2023 study from New York state found that rising temperatures correlated with increased alcohol-related hospital visits.

The Risk of Heat and Alcohol

When the body cannot cool itself due to excessive sweat loss, heat exhaustion occurs. It can escalate to heat stroke, which may cause confusion, unconsciousness, or even death. Conditions compounded by humidity, such as in Miami, Houston, and Monterrey, Mexico, hinder sweat evaporation.

Alcohol impacts the central nervous system, inducing dizziness, headache, loss of balance, and increased urination. Combined with sweat-induced fluid loss on hot days, this can hasten dehydration, amplifying alcohol effects. Drinking also reduces sunscreen use and increases sunburn risk. Dr. Lorenzo Leggio from National Institutes of Health notes that high temperatures and alcohol can create a “synergistic effect,” leading to thirst, headache, and dizziness.

Fabiano Amorim from the University of New Mexico has studied alcohol effects in hot environments. He warns that alcohol consumption the night before can stress kidneys and raise heat illness risks. Though World Cup fans aren’t under physical strain, they may face crowded places and sun exposure. He cites cumulative drinking effects during tournaments.

Elderly individuals, those with alcohol disorders, heart conditions, or chronic health issues are most vulnerable.

Safety Tips for Drinking in Heat

Dr. Leggio advises abstaining from alcohol. But if you drink, eat a meal first, hydrate with water, choose low-alcohol drinks, and consume responsibly. Nathan Morris emphasizes basic precautions such as wearing sunscreen and having non-alcoholic drinks available. He recommends a companion for support if you feel unwell.

Seek shade to reduce body heat stress by 25-35% and keep cool by slushies, popsicles, and water application. Be alert to early symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision, and seek help immediately. Medical personnel will be on-site at stadiums and fan festivals.

In Los Angeles, Daniel Tran planned to attend several games and festivals. Though nervous about the heat, he intends to hydrate in advance, consume electrolytes, and avoid over-drinking. With 104 games planned, he advised pacing oneself.

For more information on environmental topics, visit AP’s environmental coverage.