Research on the Impact of Large-scale Sports Events on the Economy of the Host City
Research Article
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Research on the Impact of Large-scale Sports Events on the Economy of the Host City

Zhixin Liu 1*
1 A-LEVEL CENTER of Zhenhaizhongxue
*Corresponding author: thomasliu9116@outlook.com
Published on 9 September 2025
Journal Cover
AEMPS Vol.214
ISSN (Print): 2754-1177
ISSN (Online): 2754-1169
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-353-6
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-354-3
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Abstract

Nowadays, sports events are becoming increasingly popular with people, and large-scale sports events are often held all over the world. This study aims to explore the role of large-scale sports events in promoting host city’s economic development, taking the FIFA world cup as an example. The research motivation stems from interest in the potential impact of sporting events on host countries' economies. This article adopts the method of literature review and collects primary and secondary materials to conduct an in-depth analysis of previous cases of holding large-scale sports events and their post-match utilization. Large-scale sports events can not only drive growth in various fields such as tourism, catering, and retail, but also enhance a city's image and popularity. However, these advantages often come with substantial financial risks, as cities may face budget overruns and underwhelming attendance. Furthermore, environmental considerations play a crucial role in shaping sustainable practices for future events. By analyzing both positive and negative outcomes, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how hosting major sports events can shape the economic landscape of cities and contribute to their long-term growth.

Keywords:

Large-scale sports events, Economic development, Urban branding, Sustainability, FIFA World Cup.

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Liu,Z. (2025). Research on the Impact of Large-scale Sports Events on the Economy of the Host City. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,214,64-69.

References

[1]. Tsang, A., Wang, K. T., Zhu, N. Z., & Yu, L. (2022). The economic consequences of hosting the Olympic Games: International evidence from cross-listings. Journal of International Accounting Research, 21(1), 101–129. https: //doi.org/10.2308/JIAR-2020-025

[2]. Flyvbjerg, B., & Stewart, A. (2012). Olympic proportions: Cost and cost overrun at the Olympics 1960–2012. University of Oxford, Saïd Business School.

[3]. UK Government & Mayor of London. (2013). Inspired by 2012: The legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Retrieved August 9, 2025, from https: //assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/224148/2901179_OlympicLegacy_acc.pdf

[4]. Baade, R. A., & Matheson, V. A. (2016). Going for the gold: The economics of the Olympics. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 30(2), 201–218. https: //doi.org/10.1257/jep.30.2.201

[5]. Hu, L. (2020). Exploration of sports events to the cultivation of urban sports culture. Frontiers in Sport Research, 2(8). https: //doi.org/10.25236/FSR.2020.020804

[6]. Allen, D., Knott, B., & Swart, K. (2013). ‘Africa's tournament’? The branding legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The International Journal of the History of Sport, 30(16), 1994–2006. https: //doi.org/10.1080/09523367.2013.822602

[7]. Nie, X., Qu, Y., & Yi, F. (2022). The impact of sports event branding using edge computing on urban marketing under the background of Internet of Things. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2022, Article 5837919. https: //doi.org/10.1155/2022/5837919

[8]. Swart, K., Cazorla Milla, A., & Mataruna-Dos-Santos, L. J. (2021). From the desert to the city: How is Dubai branding itself through sustainable sport events? Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 13(1), 34–48. https: //doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-08-2020-0081

[9]. Li, X. L., Johnston, K. A., & Feng, J. (2024). Virtual community engagement: Engaging virtual communities for nation branding through sports. Public Relations Review, 50(3), 102440. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2024.102440

[10]. Avraham, E. (2004). Media strategies for improving an unfavorable city image. Cities, 21(6), 471–479. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2004.07.004

[11]. Green, B. C., Costa, C., & Fitzgerald, M. (2003). Marketing the host city: Analyzing exposure generated by a sport event. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 4(4), 48–66. https: //doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-04-04-2003-B006

[12]. Oldenboom, E. R. (2008). The impact of the broadcasting of sports events on the image and awareness of host cities abroad. Belgeo. Revue belge de géographie, (2), 167–180. https: //doi.org/10.4000/belgeo.10868

[13]. Zheng, J., & Mason, D. S. (2022). New media, digitalization, and the evolution of the professional sport industry. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 921329. https: //doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.921329

[14]. Hashmi, S. M., Fida, B. A., & Alhayky, A. (2008). Economic impact studies of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. China-USA Business Review, 7(5), 27–35.

[15]. Matheson, V. A. (2024). The economics of the FIFA World Cup. In M. J. Du Plessis & W. Maennig (Eds.), Research handbook on major sporting events (pp. 663–677). Edward Elgar Publishing.

[16]. Du Plessis, S., & Maennig, W. (2011). The 2010 FIFA World Cup high-frequency data economics: Effects on international tourism and awareness for South Africa. Development Southern Africa, 28(3), 349–365. https: //doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2011.605568

[17]. Kato, T. (2021). Opposition in Japan to the Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 8(1), 1–9. https: //doi.org/10.1057/s41599-021-00834-9

[18]. Li, H. (2022). The evaluation, constraints and impacts of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on China's socio-economic development. In 2022 3rd International Conference on Language, Art and Cultural Exchange (ICLACE 2022) (pp. 44–47). Atlantis Press. https: //doi.org/10.2991/978-2-494069-37-4_8

[19]. Bondarik, R., Pilatti, L. A., & Horst, D. J. (2021). The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil: The promised legacy was dribbled past. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 21(1–2), 134–147. https: //doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2021.10036132

[20]. International Olympic Committee. (2019, July 24). Economic growth and tourism. Retrieved August 9, 2025, from https: //www.olympics.com/ioc/news/economic-growth-and-tourism

References

[1]. Tsang, A., Wang, K. T., Zhu, N. Z., & Yu, L. (2022). The economic consequences of hosting the Olympic Games: International evidence from cross-listings. Journal of International Accounting Research, 21(1), 101–129. https: //doi.org/10.2308/JIAR-2020-025

[2]. Flyvbjerg, B., & Stewart, A. (2012). Olympic proportions: Cost and cost overrun at the Olympics 1960–2012. University of Oxford, Saïd Business School.

[3]. UK Government & Mayor of London. (2013). Inspired by 2012: The legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Retrieved August 9, 2025, from https: //assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/224148/2901179_OlympicLegacy_acc.pdf

[4]. Baade, R. A., & Matheson, V. A. (2016). Going for the gold: The economics of the Olympics. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 30(2), 201–218. https: //doi.org/10.1257/jep.30.2.201

[5]. Hu, L. (2020). Exploration of sports events to the cultivation of urban sports culture. Frontiers in Sport Research, 2(8). https: //doi.org/10.25236/FSR.2020.020804

[6]. Allen, D., Knott, B., & Swart, K. (2013). ‘Africa's tournament’? The branding legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The International Journal of the History of Sport, 30(16), 1994–2006. https: //doi.org/10.1080/09523367.2013.822602

[7]. Nie, X., Qu, Y., & Yi, F. (2022). The impact of sports event branding using edge computing on urban marketing under the background of Internet of Things. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2022, Article 5837919. https: //doi.org/10.1155/2022/5837919

[8]. Swart, K., Cazorla Milla, A., & Mataruna-Dos-Santos, L. J. (2021). From the desert to the city: How is Dubai branding itself through sustainable sport events? Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 13(1), 34–48. https: //doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-08-2020-0081

[9]. Li, X. L., Johnston, K. A., & Feng, J. (2024). Virtual community engagement: Engaging virtual communities for nation branding through sports. Public Relations Review, 50(3), 102440. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2024.102440

[10]. Avraham, E. (2004). Media strategies for improving an unfavorable city image. Cities, 21(6), 471–479. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2004.07.004

[11]. Green, B. C., Costa, C., & Fitzgerald, M. (2003). Marketing the host city: Analyzing exposure generated by a sport event. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 4(4), 48–66. https: //doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-04-04-2003-B006

[12]. Oldenboom, E. R. (2008). The impact of the broadcasting of sports events on the image and awareness of host cities abroad. Belgeo. Revue belge de géographie, (2), 167–180. https: //doi.org/10.4000/belgeo.10868

[13]. Zheng, J., & Mason, D. S. (2022). New media, digitalization, and the evolution of the professional sport industry. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 921329. https: //doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.921329

[14]. Hashmi, S. M., Fida, B. A., & Alhayky, A. (2008). Economic impact studies of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. China-USA Business Review, 7(5), 27–35.

[15]. Matheson, V. A. (2024). The economics of the FIFA World Cup. In M. J. Du Plessis & W. Maennig (Eds.), Research handbook on major sporting events (pp. 663–677). Edward Elgar Publishing.

[16]. Du Plessis, S., & Maennig, W. (2011). The 2010 FIFA World Cup high-frequency data economics: Effects on international tourism and awareness for South Africa. Development Southern Africa, 28(3), 349–365. https: //doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2011.605568

[17]. Kato, T. (2021). Opposition in Japan to the Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 8(1), 1–9. https: //doi.org/10.1057/s41599-021-00834-9

[18]. Li, H. (2022). The evaluation, constraints and impacts of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on China's socio-economic development. In 2022 3rd International Conference on Language, Art and Cultural Exchange (ICLACE 2022) (pp. 44–47). Atlantis Press. https: //doi.org/10.2991/978-2-494069-37-4_8

[19]. Bondarik, R., Pilatti, L. A., & Horst, D. J. (2021). The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil: The promised legacy was dribbled past. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 21(1–2), 134–147. https: //doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2021.10036132

[20]. International Olympic Committee. (2019, July 24). Economic growth and tourism. Retrieved August 9, 2025, from https: //www.olympics.com/ioc/news/economic-growth-and-tourism

Cite this article

Liu,Z. (2025). Research on the Impact of Large-scale Sports Events on the Economy of the Host City. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,214,64-69.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICEMGD 2025 Symposium: Resilient Business Strategies in Global Markets

ISBN: 978-1-80590-353-6(Print) / 978-1-80590-354-3(Online)
Editor: Florian Marcel Nuţă Nuţă, Li Chai
Conference website: https://2025.icemgd.org/CAU.html
Conference date: 20 September 2025
Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences
Volume number: Vol.214
ISSN: 2754-1169(Print) / 2754-1177(Online)

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