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The Mega-Event Syndrome: Why So Much Goes Wrong in Mega-Event Planning and What to Do About It

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  • Martin M�ller

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Mega-events such as the Olympic Games and the Football World Cup have become complex and transformative undertakings over the last 30 years, with costs often exceeding USD $10 billion. These events are currently planned and governed in ways that produce adverse effects for cities, regions, and residents. This study identifies a mega-event syndrome , a group of symptoms that occur together and afflict mega-event planning, including overpromising benefits, underestimating costs, rewriting urban planning priorities to fit the event, using public resources for private interest, and suspending the regular rule of law. I describe each of these symptoms, providing empirical examples from different countries and mega-events, examining the underlying causes. The research is based on material from field visits to mega-event sites in 11 countries as well as 51 interviews with planners, managers, politicians, and consultants involved in mega-event planning. Takeaway for practice: To curb the mega-event syndrome, I propose both radical and incremental policy suggestions. The most crucial radical change that an event host could make is to not tie mega-events to large-scale urban development, avoiding higher risks that create cost overruns, substandard construction quality, and oversized infrastructure not suitable for post-event demands. Further, event hosts should bargain with event-governing bodies for better conditions, earmark and cap public sector contributions, and seek independent advice on the costs and benefits of mega-events. Event-governing bodies, for their part, should reduce the size and requirements of the events.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin M�ller, 2015. "The Mega-Event Syndrome: Why So Much Goes Wrong in Mega-Event Planning and What to Do About It," Journal of the American Planning Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 81(1), pages 6-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rjpaxx:v:81:y:2015:i:1:p:6-17
    DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2015.1038292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Baumann & Victor Matheson, 2013. "Infrastructure Investments and Mega-Sports Events: Comparing the Experience of Developing and Industrialized Countries," Working Papers 1302, International Association of Sports Economists;North American Association of Sports Economists.
    2. Holger Preuss, 2004. "The Economics of Staging the Olympics," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3473.
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    1. Yamawaki, Y. & Castro Filho, F.M.d. & Costa, G.E.G.d., 2020. "Mega-event transport legacy in a developing country: The case of Rio 2016 Olympic Games and its Transolímpica BRT corridor," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).

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