Sports and urban development: an introduction

Abstract

PurposeAlthough both sports and cities have transformed over the last century, research on the intersection of sports and urban development remains scarce. This special issue was designed to advance a research agenda in relation to sports and urban development. The sports and urban development special issue of International Journal of Sport Marketing and Sponsorship brings together a collection of conceptual, empirical and commentary papers from four continents. Themes explored in this special issue include legacy, governance, image, climate change and sustainability. We encourage collaborative approaches between sport researchers and those with a focus on urban development, urban design and urban governance. Understanding the role of sports in the development of smart cities is an excellent opportunity for these collaborations to occur.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive review of literature was undertaken to assess the literature related to sports and urban development.FindingsIn addition to this introductory article, there are ten manuscripts selected for this special issue investigating sports and urban development.Originality/valueThis special issue seeks to promote more research on sports and urban development, ultimately ultimately advancing theories and providing solutions.

Examining the impact of urban built environment on sport participation: Development of a conceptual framework

“…Sports are a vital force in urban transformation, modernity, and belonging in a city (Koch, 2018). While major sporting events can be a tool for cities to improve their international profile, attract media attention, boost tourism, and encourage economic growth (Dickson and Zhang, 2020), city infrastructure and environment have strongly influenced both professional and grassroots sport development. Each has impacted on and profited from the other.…”

“…For cities with limited open space and/or under regular extreme weathers, indoor facilities provide locations for sports activities. Urban built environment has become more vital for residents' mental and physical well-being (Dickson and Zhang, 2020).…”

“…Each impacts and benefits the other. Sports can revitalize the urban landscape, transform communities, advance public infrastructure, improve destination image, invigorate the quality of life for city residents, promote healthy lifestyles, boost cohesion and sense of belonging, and accelerate economic growth (Dickson and Zhang, 2020). Particularly, professional leagues and sports mega-events bring opportunities to develop urban sports infrastructures (Baade, 1996).…”

Sustainability in Sport-Related Studies: A Non-Systematic Review to Increase the Sports Contribution to the 2030 Agenda

“…-the opportunity to assess the economic, environmental and social aspect of sports events to ask for public funds (Fairley et al, 2011); -the media power of the Olympic Games to communicate and transfer sustainability values (Horton & Saunder, 2012); -small events as opportunities for sustainable tourism attractions for the benefit of local communities (Gibson et al, 2012); -sports tourism as an opportunity to discuss the economic, sociocultural, environmental, policy and technological opportunities for small and medium businesses operating in this sector (Carneiro et al, 2016); -sports initiatives as opportunities to trigger transformative processes of urban spaces and the possible involvement of citizens who can generate human capital (Wasche et al, 2021); -the construction of large-scale infrastructure for sports events as a possible threat to urban sustainable development (Dickson & Zhang, 2020); -the use of an assessment tool to evaluate the impact of sports-event infrastructures to guide specific technical choices (Yuce et al, 2020).…”

Research on Promoting the Micro-Governance of Sports in China’s Urban Communities under the Concept of Common Construction, Common Governance and Sharing

“…Literature [14] reveals the ways in which local rural civic and governmental organizations deal with the conflict between local sports and cultural heritage and modernity and how to incorporate local sports and culture in rural governance. Literature [15] introduces the International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship and encourages sports research scholars and urban design researchers to fully communicate and explore the best path for sports integration into smart cities and promote the development of sports in urban communities. Literature [16] explores the attitudes and perceptions of urban planners towards the integration of sports activities into the design of urban planning.…”