Liminality and event design: Liminal space design for sport events

Abstract

This chapter rejects the argument that ritual has been sacrificed for event management techniques that prioritise economic viability and stakeholder satisfaction (Brown and James, 2004). Countering that, the ritual is resurgent in its impact on (sport) event design. The chapter contributes to research about symbolic relationships between ritual and liminality at liminoid sport events. The relationship between liminality and ritual to celebration, communitas, anti-structure, and symbols is discussed regarding design strategies that promote dramaturgy, atmospherics, and servicescapes. There is an increasing importance for (sport) event organisers to show a greater understanding of how liminality should inform the creative process, enabling them to execute quality events and memorable experiences. Thus demonstrating, liminality can inform event design and is a fundamental concept for an event to be successful.