Advantages of Hosting A Major Event


london olympic stadium


Advantages of Hosting a Major Event

Raise profile of city / country.


Long Term Investment

A  significant benefit is the long-term investment which comes from preparing for a major event. The city / country will have a legacy of improved sporting venues. Also, cities will usually have to invest in infrastructure and transport to cater for influx of cities. For example, there has been significant investment in public transport projects around London. This will leave a lasting legacy for residents of London, especially East London.

Jobs and Investment.

The several years of planning and investment will help create jobs and can revitalise depressed cities. This was an important claim of the London Olympics, choosing a site in East London, which at the time was relatively depressed. It is estimated the London Olympics 2012, will create 8,000 full time jobs, and lead to a boost in economic output of close to £2bn [1]



Short Term economic benefits.


Disadvantages of Hosting Major Sporting Events

Cost of building stadiums.

To host a major sporting event like the Olympics can cost significant sums, which have to be paid for by the taxpayer. Costs of Olympics have a tendency to rise over time and be much greater than expected.

Short-Term use.

Many facilities built for the Olympics can never be fully used again. e.g. an 80,000 athletic stadium will rarely be full outside of the Olympics. This can be mitigated by careful planning. e.g. the London Olympic stadium will be used by West Ham, other Olympic facilities, like the Olympic village will be converted into affordable housing.

Potential for Negative Publicity.

If things go well, a city can benefit from positive publicity, but if things go badly, it can cause the opposite. For example, the Winter Olympics has received adverse publicity because of corruption and cost over-runs. The football World Cup in Qatar, could back-fire, if players complain about the heat. Delhi suffered negative publicity over the state of its facilities at the Commonwealth Games.

Cost of Security


Higher Taxes to Pay Cost

Some cities have seen an increase in tax post games to finance a loss making sporting event. The post-games cost of London is uncertain.  (BBC link)

Should a Country like the UK be Hosting a Major Event with a large national debt?


The investment and spending are important given the state of economy. With unemployment close to 3 million, this investment helps create economic recovery. The investment has potential for leading to higher growth and higher future tax revenues.