Configurational Models to Predict Hosting Sporting Events: The Perceptions of Urban Residents

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to obtain the combination of conditions that lead to high levels of residents’ support for the hosting of sports events. In addition, we aim to identify which of these combinations can lead to low levels of support for hosting these events. a validated survey was administered to 342 residents. An asymmetric approach (Qualitative Comparative Analysis) was used to examine these variables and calculate the combination of conditions that lead to these two outcomes. To achieve high levels of residents’ support for the hosting of sports events, a combination of residents’ perceptions of psychosocial, sporting and socio-cultural impacts, and the absence of socio-cultural costs, is the main solution. However, support is low if residents perceive that holding the event has no positive psychosocial impacts, but only socio-cultural costs for the local population. This study provides information on achieving residents’ support for the organization of sports events. Local authorities should focus their efforts on reinforcing local traditional values, thus allowing for increased local pride, as well as creating a festive atmosphere during the celebration of the event. It is also necessary to carry out campaigns to promote sports, avoiding a cultural clash between visitors and residents.