Economic impact of major events

Objective:

Learners critically examine the economic, social, and environmental consequences of large-scale events using a selected example and weigh up the opportunities and risks.

Contents and methods:

Based on informational texts about various roles (e.g., city administration, citizens' initiative, environmental officers), learners develop subject-specific arguments. The method includes preparing a structured discussion using tables and concluding with the creation of an informational statement to announce the decision.

Skills:

Multiperspective analysis of complex economic issues
Argumentation and judgment skills in socio-political debates
Transfer of theoretical economic data to municipal decision-making processes
Cooperation and communication skills within a role simulation

Target group:

Grade 8 and above

51 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

Grade 8 and above

Subjects

EconomicsGeographyPolitics

Preview

Economic impact of major events

Introduction

Major events attract millions of people because they offer unique shared experiences and emotional highlights in an increasingly digital world. For the host cities and nations, however, these events are much more than just entertainment; they are significant economic factors with enormous potential. In this worksheet, we examine the economic opportunities and risks associated with such major events.

Have You Heard of the Super Bowl?

Are you familiar with the Super Bowl? This grand event, orchestrated by the National Football League (NFL), stands as one of the most spectacular and widely watched sporting phenomena globally. Annually gracing the first Sunday in February, the Super Bowl captivates not only die-hard football enthusiasts but also a diverse audience. Its blend of intense athletic competition, mesmerizing halftime performances, and innovative commercials elevates it to a cultural marvel that garners attention far beyond the borders of the United States.

The halftime show is a perennial highlight, showcasing esteemed artists who deliver musical entertainment at the pinnacle of excellence. Coupled with the elaborately crafted commercials aired during the game, reaching millions of viewers, the Super Bowl transforms into an unparalleled experience. Companies vie for coveted advertising slots, while friends and families unite for Super Bowl parties, collectively savoring the spectacle.

Imagine the possibility of the Super Bowl taking place in your city. The decision is yet to be made, and you have the chance to envisage the unique atmosphere that this grand event could bring. An occurrence that not only etches sports history but also wields social and economic influence over the region. It would be an opportunity to intimately experience the energy and enthusiasm of the Super Bowl and become part of this cultural phenomenon. Should the Super Bowl be hosted in your city?

📌Discuss this together in class and decide whether the event should be held in your city. Take one of the following positions. You will find additional information in the material to help you with the discussion.

Note for the teacher

Below you will find material that students can use for a group discussion. In addition, several links are provided where further arguments can be researched.

Students collect their arguments in the table. They can also note down possible counterarguments there. It may be useful to simulate a “coffee break” during the discussion, during which the individual positions can be exchanged informally, alliances formed, or the table supplemented.

📌 Here you will find information about your position. Read the text and then note down the most important information in the table to prepare for the discussion.

Mayor / City Council

The Mayor or City Council plays a pivotal role in deciding whether a city should host the Super Bowl. Their primary interests are urban development, budget responsibility, and enhancing the city's image. Hosting the Super Bowl can bring significant economic benefits, but it also involves weighing costs against these benefits. For instance, hosting the Super Bowl can result in infrastructure improvements, such as road and drainage projects, which totaled over $70 million across more than 500 initiatives in Louisiana. However, the financial burden can be substantial, with cities sometimes spending upwards of $50 to $100 million on security, infrastructure, and promotional events. The net profits for host cities are around $150 million, but revenue often leaks to national hotel chains and the NFL. The short-term economic impact can range between $300 million to $500 million, but economists argue that the actual benefit can be between $30 to $130 million. Additionally, hosting the Super Bowl can enhance civic pride and national exposure, making it worthwhile for non-financial reasons. The decision involves carefully considering these factors to ensure that hosting the event aligns with long-term urban development goals and budgetary constraints.

The Mayor or City Council focuses on urban development, budget responsibility, and enhancing the city's image.

City Administration / Finance Department

The City Administration and Finance Department focus on revenue, expenditures, and infrastructure when considering hosting the Super Bowl. They are tasked with breaking down costs related to security, cleaning, and infrastructure, as well as forecasting revenue from tourism and sponsorships. Hosting the Super Bowl can generate approximately $500 million in total economic impact for regions, bringing tens of thousands of fans from across the globe. However, the cost to cities can be substantial, with an example being Santa Clara’s expected expenses of around $6.5 million, primarily for safety-related expenses, staffing, and city services. Despite the costs, hosting the game can boost tourism, civic pride, and national exposure, making it worthwhile for non-financial reasons. Additionally, the Super Bowl can lead to improved public transportation and stadium renovations, further supporting urban development. The City Administration must balance the immediate financial impact with long-term benefits, ensuring that hosting the event does not strain the household budget or compromise sustainability efforts.

The City Administration and Finance Department focus on revenue, expenditures, and infrastructure related to hosting the Super Bowl.

Tourism / Economic Development

Tourism and Economic Development departments are keenly interested in the potential for increased visitor numbers, local businesses thriving, and tax revenue growth when hosting the Super Bowl. The event can significantly boost the local economy, bringing in large sums of money from tourism, event spending, and related activities. For instance, visitors in town for Super Bowl LVIII spent an average of $2,660, which is about twice as much as a typical visitor. The Las Vegas metro area expects at least $500 million in total economic impact and an estimated $70 million in local and state tax revenue due to the game. Additionally, host cities see an influx of fans, media, and executives, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. Despite these benefits, cities must carefully plan to leverage tourism, local business spending, and civic engagement while managing costs and environmental concerns. The short-term economic impact can range between $300 million to $500 million, but economists argue that the actual benefit can be between $30 to $130 million.

Tourism and Economic Development departments focus on increased visitor numbers, local business growth, and tax revenue when hosting the Super Bowl.

Residents / Citizens' Initiative

Residents and Citizens' Initiatives focus on the quality of life, noise, traffic, and environmental impacts when considering hosting the Super Bowl. While the event can boost tourism and civic pride, it also brings potential burdens, such as increased traffic, waste, and temporary infrastructure needs. For instance, Super Bowl parties generate around 2,000 tons of food waste every year, as well as packaging and other garbage thrown away after the celebrations. Additionally, the substantial law enforcement presence required for the Super Bowl can impact city infrastructure and lead to street closures. Cities must plan carefully to leverage tourism, local business spending, and civic engagement while managing costs, environmental concerns, and social impacts. Residents may also raise safety concerns and formulate demands for protective measures to ensure their quality of life is not compromised during the event.

Residents and Citizens' Initiatives focus on quality of life, noise, traffic, and environmental impacts of hosting the Super Bowl.

Event Managers / Trade Fair Organizers

Event Managers and Trade Fair Organizers are focused on ensuring a successful event, maximizing attendance figures, and optimizing PR opportunities when hosting the Super Bowl. The game can generate approximately $500 million in total economic impact for regions, bringing tens of thousands of fans from across the globe. It offers a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services, with the NFL partnering with local restaurants, vendors, and small businesses to maximize economic impact. Host cities see an influx of fans, media, and executives, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. However, cities must plan carefully to leverage tourism, local business spending, and civic engagement while managing costs, environmental concerns, and social impacts. Event Managers must also consider sponsorship and marketing opportunities, ensuring that the event aligns with economic benefits while maintaining a positive image for the city.

Event Managers and Trade Fair Organizers focus on event success, attendance figures, and PR opportunities for the Super Bowl.

Environmental Officers / Sustainability Experts

Environmental Officers and Sustainability Experts focus on the ecological impact, waste, and energy consumption associated with hosting the Super Bowl. The event can generate significant waste, with Super Bowl parties alone producing around 2,000 tons of food waste annually. Additionally, the substantial carbon footprint associated with the Super Bowl is not primarily linked to travel or the show's energy use but largely attributed to the environmental impact of the Super Bowl advertising frenzy. The NFL has taken steps to address these concerns, implementing initiatives such as Net Zero Energy Super Bowl events and coral reef restoration projects. Despite these efforts, cities must carefully plan to leverage tourism, local business spending, and civic engagement while managing costs, environmental concerns, and social impacts. Sustainability experts must propose sustainable solutions and arguments for or against the event based on environmental aspects, ensuring that hosting the Super Bowl aligns with ecological goals.

Environmental Officers and Sustainability Experts focus on ecological impact, waste, and energy consumption associated with hosting the Super Bowl.

Police / Safety Officers

Police and Safety Officers are primarily concerned with safety, traffic planning, and emergency management when hosting the Super Bowl. The event requires substantial law enforcement presence, impacting city infrastructure and leading to street closures. For example, the city’s $6.3 million tab for hosting the Super Bowl often goes toward police and security, matching the security costs for a whole season of 49ers home games. Despite these costs, hosting the game can enhance civic pride and national exposure, making it worthwhile for non-financial reasons. Security measures include heightened screenings and collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The NFL limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the stadium to provide a safe environment and expedite fan entry. Police and safety officers must coordinate with administration and event teams to ensure that hosting the Super Bowl aligns with safety goals while maintaining a positive image for the city.

Police and Safety Officers focus on safety, traffic planning, and emergency management for hosting the Super Bowl.

📝 Fill out the table to prepare for the discussion.

Description of the perspective
Tasks
3 strong arguments
Perspectives with similar interests
2 refuted counterarguments

✨ Bonus task: Search for further arguments under the following links.

Sources

📌 Now you are ready for the discussion.

Economic impact of major events

Economic impact of major events

Introduction

Have You Heard of the Super Bowl?

Note for the teacher

Mayor / City Council

City Administration / Finance Department

Tourism / Economic Development

Residents / Citizens' Initiative

Event Managers / Trade Fair Organizers

Environmental Officers / Sustainability Experts

Police / Safety Officers

📝 Create an information statement for your citizens. Announce your decision and explain why you have decided to hold or cancel the event.