Problem Statement
According to Coates & Humphreys (2003), the body of literature shows that the sporting facilities do not support the economic growth of the urban environments within their vicinity. In essence, some studies suggest that there is no correlation between the existent facilities and the economic benefits in the pertinent areas. In fact, some of the studies show a negative impact on the economic development of these areas. Indeed, the author suggests that the negative impacts partially emerge from the existence of the sports facilities. Impliedly, the sports facilities do not reflect the pride of the community and the social responsibility concerns directed to the society. In the worst-case scenario, the cities’ residents pay a high price to access and use the sporting facilities besides losing the employment opportunities and income. As such, it is important to evaluate this issue with regards to how the urban residents would need to utilize them to their advantage.
Significance of the Study
The purpose of this study is to conduct an evaluation on the existent literature in order to determine the economic effect of professional sports on the economies of urban areas. Indeed, it seeks to determine the input of these sporting facilities in terms of how they determine the economic prowess of the cities that hold them. Furthermore, the study focuses on the literature examining the economic impacts of mega-events on the same cities. As such, it discusses the financing of the facilities’ construction in order to determine the aspects of political economy surrounding the entire venture. Accordingly, the study is essentially a crucial basis when finding ways of using sports as a factor of economic development.
Methodology
Essentially, this study sought to conduct a survey on the secondary materials that related to the economic prowess occasioned by the sporting facilities. In order to achieve the specified objectives, the researchers selected the studies that have evaluated the local economy of the pertinent urban areas before and after the construction of the sporting facilities.
Findings
Having conducted the study, the researcher discovered that the economic effect of the sporting facilities on the urban cities that hold them is a rich research topic. In addition, the study indicated that the country is on the onset of constructing new stadiums and renewing the old ones. As such, the cities have developed profound interest in regard to how they can benefit from the constructions economically. Many residents intend to invest millions of dollars to take advantage of the growing economic potential of the facilities.
Critical Evaluation
From a critical perspective, it is evident that the research is not very profound in term of the usability of the research finding. Indeed, the results cannot be used resolutely to implement strategies that can benefit the residents of cities with regards to the construction of the sports facilities. However, it acts as a basis of conducting more research since it has exposed the research gaps and deficiencies that exist in relation to the topic. In addition, it has shown the flaws that are made by researchers when choosing and using the research methodologies to study this topic.
Relationship to Topic
While discussing sports and the facilities used in the activities, it is crucial to understand that they are parts of the human development. In essence, sports are not isolated from the broader human life. As such, focusing the economic development associated with the sporting facilities is crucial to the topic since they are critical to human development.
Reference
Coates, D., & Humphreys, B. (2003). Professional Sports Facilities, Franchises and Urban Economic Development. Public Finance and Management, 3(3), 335-357.