nep-spo New Economics Papers
on Sports and Economics
Issue of 2013‒09‒06
three papers chosen by
Joao Carlos Correia Leitao
University of Beira Interior and Technical University of Lisbon

  1. The bidding paradox: why economists, consultants and politicians disagree on the economic effects of mega sports events but might agree on their attractiveness By Michiel de Nooij; Marcel van den Berg
  2. The bidding paradox: why rational politicians still want to bid for mega sports events By Michiel de Nooij; Marcel van den Berg
  3. The Impacts of Promotions/Marketing, Scheduling, and Economic Factors on Total Gross Revenues for Minor League Baseball Teams By Cebula, Richard; Coombs, Christopher; Lawson, Luther; Foley, Maggie

  1. By: Michiel de Nooij; Marcel van den Berg
    Abstract: The ambition to host mega sports events is (or can be) perfectly justifiable with various arguments. The most persistently used argument is the supposed financial or direct economic gain for the host economy, of which the compelling body of evidence is discouraging. This implies that the justification for hosting should come from a different, broader economic angle. This paper provides a critical discussion of the myriad of economic and frequently intangible effects that could be put forward in the public debate preceding the submission of a bid. Paradoxically, most of these effects are not, or infrequently employed in public debates.
    Keywords: Bidding; mega sport events; Olympic games; economics; fun and pride
    JEL: D61 D72 H54 L83
    Date: 2013–08
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:use:tkiwps:1309&r=spo
  2. By: Michiel de Nooij; Marcel van den Berg
    Abstract: This paper discusses reasons why politicians still favor hosting mega events despite the discouraging evidence regarding their financial benefits: (1) early political enthusiasm, (2) tying side-projects to the bid to raise political support, (3) biased reading of history, (4) the winners curse, (5) redistribution and lobbying, (6) a media bias in favor of hosting and (7) boosting happiness and pride of residents. Bringing happiness to the people might be a valid reason for hosting a mega event, however, economists are yet insufficiently capable of capturing this effect. Moreover, alternative explanations for political support cannot be deemed invalid ex ante.
    Keywords: Bidding; Bidding; mega sport events; Olympic games; lobbying; happiness
    JEL: D61 D72 H54 L83
    Date: 2013–08
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:use:tkiwps:1308&r=spo
  3. By: Cebula, Richard; Coombs, Christopher; Lawson, Luther; Foley, Maggie
    Abstract: This empirical study finds that total revenues at minor league baseball games are influenced by marketing, economic factors, scheduling, and the weather. In particular, total gross revenues are an increasing function of marketing/promotions such as low value merchandise giveaways, high value merchandise giveaways, group discounts, and fireworks displays. Revenues are also an increasing function of the metropolitan area population and a decreasing function of poverty rates. Teams with higher priced general admissions tickets also experience higher revenues. Revenues are generally higher on Fridays and Saturdays and during July and August (and possibly June), while being lower on Mondays and Tuesdays and during May. Finally, inclement weather, especially rain, reduces revenues.
    Keywords: promotions; scheduling; economic factors; total gross revenue
    JEL: D12 L25 L29
    Date: 2013–01–09
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:49437&r=spo

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