Logistical management of iconic sporting events

Abstract

There are many potential complications and challenges involved in organizing iconic sporting events. Crowd numbers can be problematic, local weather can be random, and the host site may not be prepared to handle the supplementary demands that are faced. Logistics managers need to identify some of the coordination challenges of event planning such as inter alia, the need to schedule carefully timed event delivery and comply with strict legal and customer requirements, and this while coordinating events with a large number of constituents. There is thus inordinate stress, energy, and much activity surrounding an event. Logistics plans have to be guaranteed and events reliably hosted. Cycling, off-road mountain bike racing and road running events are fast becoming popular (and in many cases with previously disadvantaged groups a form of income), to the extent that per-capita participation exceeds traditional sports such as soccer, cricket, rugby and netball. Despite the high cost of acquiring equipment, entrance/registration fees, transport to and accommodation at the events, and the considerable time needed to prepare and partake in these events (ABSA Cape Epic, 2015), competitor-numbers continue to increase in South Africa, in line with international events, possibly enhanced through TV coverage. Extensive interviews using semi-structured questions were conducted with the organisers of five mega sports events in and around Cape Town, author-participation in some of the events, and on-site visits and discussions with competitors at the events formed the research methodology on which this paper is based. The major findings of the research reveal the huge and diversified nature of the organisation of these iconic events.