Date of Award

Fall 12-15-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Finance and Economics

College

College of Business

First Advisor

Andrew Weinbach

Abstract/Description

There has been debate about whether or not professional sports teams impact their local economies. Research shows local economic growth has been generated from the presence of a professional sports team in multiple ways: the creation of new jobs, increased consumer spending, increased sales in certain market segments, and increased tax revenue. Other beneficial impacts caused by sport franchises are increased tourism from hosting large nationwide events such as a Super Bowl or World Series, and game's media coverage provides free marketing/advertising for home cities. Teams also impact the lives of their fans and cities in non-measurable, qualitative ways, such as the quality of life, city morale, and a "major league" city image. However, hosting a professional sports team is costly; expensive public funding needs to be supported by even greater returns. Therefore, despite the changes in the local economy, there are those who question if the franchise is worth the investment [of public funds]. Some research illustrates the investment of stadiums for teams are not worth the smaller return generated because a greater impact on the economy can be accomplished elsewhere.

Included in

Finance Commons

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