Major sporting events—planning for legacy

Abstract

The planning of major sporting events now requires serious consideration to be given to legacy. This paper examines the nature of legacy planning and how its importance is now recognised by both bidding teams and event planning bodies. The concept of legacy is shown to be broad, encompassing economic, social, cultural, environmental, sporting and political impacts. Several examples of good and less good practice in respect of legacy planning are examined and a detailed review of how London's 2012 organisers are learning the lessons of past major sporting events is presented. To maximise the impact of legacy for major events, this paper suggests it is critical that the legacy vision—a clear articulation of legacy benefits—is in place well in advance of the event. Six ways in which legacy benefits can be secured for major sporting events are recommended: articulating the vision for legacy development as early as possible; legacy business case evaluation; attracting private sector funding for legacy development; the delivery of venues that meet the legacy aspirations of all stakeholders; coordinated venue management and operation; and rigorous evaluation of the wider socio-economic legacy.