Residents’ perceptions of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM: A case study of a suburb in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Sport tourism events have grown in prominence globally. Governments increasingly include these activities into their development strategies. Notably, there are benefits and costs to host destinations. The 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup presents South Africa with tangible and intangible impacts. Residents’ perception studies on sport event impacts are limited and it is further recognised that those living closest to the stadium are most impacted by the development. This study investigated Green Point residents’ perceptions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the impacts of the Green Point Stadium (now named Cape Town Stadium), especially given the contentious nature of the selection of the competition venue for the City of Cape Town. A spatially based stratified random sampling method was used to interview 344 residents living within one kilometre of the Stadium. The findings reveal that while the location of the stadium remains a contentious issue with some of the respondents, a large majority of residents are in favour of the chosen stadium site in Green Point. Residents also expressed their support for the event but indicated various levels of participation. They also generally have positive perceptions and attitudes toward the 2010 FIFA World Cup but highlighted concerns in relation the negative environmental impacts of the event, social concerns with respect to inconveniences related to traffic congestion and crime and social inequities. It is concluded that the purported macro-economic and social costs and benefits seem to override concerns expressed at a local level. It is therefore recommended that these concerns be addressed through more democratic planning processes to reduce the negative impacts and enhance the potential benefits.