Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322901 
Year of Publication: 
2013
Series/Report no.: 
Discussion Papers Series No. 13-09
Publisher: 
Utrecht University, Utrecht School of Economics, Tjalling C. Koopmans Research Institute, Utrecht
Abstract: 
This paper discusses reasons why politicians still favor hosting mega events despite the discouraging evidence regarding their financial benefits: (1) early political enthusiasm, (2) tying side-projects to the bid to raise political support, (3) biased reading of history, (4) the winners curse, (5) redistribution and lobbying, (6) a media bias in favor of hosting and (7) boosting happiness and pride of residents. Bringing happiness to the people might be a valid reason for hosting a mega event, however, economists are yet insufficiently capable of capturing this effect. Moreover, alternative explanations for political support cannot be deemed invalid ex ante.
Subjects: 
Bidding
mega sport events
Olympic games
lobbying
happiness
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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