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Playing Games with Sydney: Marketing Sydney for the 2000 Olympics

Author

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  • Gordon Waitt

    (School of Geosciences, Geography, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia, g.waitt@uow.edu.au)

Abstract

Using the example of Sydney's 2000 Olympic bid, this paper examines the relationship between hallmark events and three characteristics of the post-modern city: government policies informed by entrepreneurial rather than welfare goals; the transformation of the city into a product to generate 'cultural capital'; and, the importance of marketing places. Two themes are discussed in the analysis of the Sydney Olympic Bid Limited's invitation material. First, within the theoretical framework of Harvey's time-space compression, the bid is examined as a manifestation of the specific needs of the communicators and a product of the broader socio-political system. Secondly, the ideological and rhetorical meanings of selected city images are examined within the theoretical contests of Lefebvre-Shield's process of 'social spatialisation'. The selection, promotion and presentation of Sydney images are inextricably bound up with de Coubertine's visions of peace and harmony between peoples. Utilising the themes of multiculturalism and environment, the paper illustrates how an Olympic spectacle can defuse, convert and contradict the 'realities' of post-colonial racism and environmental degradation.

Suggested Citation

  • Gordon Waitt, 1999. "Playing Games with Sydney: Marketing Sydney for the 2000 Olympics," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 36(7), pages 1055-1077, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:36:y:1999:i:7:p:1055-1077
    DOI: 10.1080/0042098993097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Allan Cochrane & Jamie Peck & Adam Tickell, 1996. "Manchester Plays Games: Exploring the Local Politics of Globalisation," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 33(8), pages 1319-1336, October.
    2. Gregory, R.G. & Hunter, B., 1995. "The Macro Economy and the Growth of Ghettos and Urban Poverty in Australia," CEPR Discussion Papers 325, Centre for Economic Policy Research, Research School of Economics, Australian National University.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ida Andersson & Thomas Niedomysl, 2010. "Clamour For Glamour? City Competition For Hosting The Swedish Tryouts To The Eurovision Song Contest," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 101(2), pages 111-125, April.

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