The rise and fall of the mega sport events: The future is in non-mega sport events.

Abstract

This contribution pleas for the organization of “non-mega” sport events (NMSE) in a global world. The analysis reveals that from and economic, tourism, social and sport participation perspective, NMSE’s are more likely to generate positive (or less negative) impacts and outcomes for host communities compared to “Mega” Sport Events (MSE). Economically, NMSE carry lower financial risk; they create better opportunities for flow-on tourism. Closer connectedness of the local population with NMSE increases the likelihood for sustainable social and sport participation outcomes. This makes NMSE more relevant as a means to creating durable benefits for host communities. More research is needed to start exploring the power of NMSE for host communities.