The impacts of professional sport facility construction

Abstract

Generally, the use of public funding for constructing stadiums and arenas is justified by the expected region-wide economic impact, or positive externalities and public-goods aspect of sports. However, it remains unclear whether these impacts or benefits are fully supported by academic evidence. This study, therefore, presents a systematic mapping review of literature to assess the impacts and benefits of sports facilities. Quasi-experiment studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 1997, presenting evaluations of the impact of sports facilities and professional sports teams as well as monetary assessments of their intangible benefits, were reviewed. A structured overview of 52 selected studies, conducted primarily in the United States, is provided. The review presents the scope and type of impact, outcome variables, methodological approaches, and main findings of these studies. The paper presents a series of implications for policymakers and researchers on sports facility management in Japan.