The Role of Sports Facilities in the Regeneration of Green Areas of Cities in Historial View: The Case Study of Great Forest Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary

Abstract

Within the framework of the increasing importance of sports in the last few decades, researchers are focusing more and more on the role of sports facilities in the regeneration of urban areas. The existing studies, however, mainly concentrate on the effects of the investments on the built-up areas, and less attention is paid to the analysis of the relationship between these facilities and the green areas. The primary objective of our—in this context pioneer—research is to analyse the role of the new stadium in the regeneration of one of the most important green areas in Debrecen (Hungary), in Central Europe. We explore the historical influences, the need to foster development and the most significant effects of the investment. Finally, we point out the relationship between the theoretical approaches and our case study in Debrecen.