Case Study

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225573787

Resident Perceptions of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia Development in Cape Town

Article in Urban Forum · February 2009

DOI: 10.1007/s12132-009-9052-2

CITATIONS

55

READS

725

2 authors:

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

EXPO Dubai 2020 View project

Sport mega-events legacy View project

Urmilla Bob

University of KwaZulu-Natal

33 PUBLICATIONS 451 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

Kamilla Swart

American University in the Emirates (AUE)

58 PUBLICATIONS 595 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Kamilla Swart on 14 August 2014.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Resident Perceptions of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia Development in Cape Town

Urmilla Bob & Kamilla Swart

Published online: 10 February 2009 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009

Abstract The 2010 Federation Internationale de Football (FIFA) World Cup to be hosted in South Africa is expected to provide an opportunity to further the country’s objectives of using sporting events to signal international recognition and promote socio-economic development. Studies on sport tourism events tend to focus on economic impacts and neglect social issues (Ritchie and Adair 2004). In particular, residents’ perceptions are overlooked although they are often directly impacted by sport events, especially when they reside in close proximity to the event location. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is heralded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with significant legacy benefits for South Africans. However, generally, the actual voices of local residents are absent in relation to debates pertaining to this event and concomitant anticipated benefits (Swart and Bob 2007). One hundred residents in each location were interviewed. The focus of the study was to examine the perceptions of the residents towards the proposed stadia development and potential impacts of the 2010 World Cup. The findings reveal that there is considerable support and positive perceptions relating to South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup. However, there were several concerns raised in relation to the distribution of anticipated benefits and the impacts of the stadia on their lives.

Keywords 2010 FIFAWorld Cup . Resident perceptions . Social impacts .

Stadia development . Cape Town . Athlone . Green Point

Urban Forum (2009) 20:47–59 DOI 10.1007/s12132-009-9052-2

U. Bob (*) Geography, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa e-mail: [email protected]

K. Swart Tourism, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Introduction

Mega sport events have increasingly become highly sought after commodities for both developed and some developing countries (including South Africa) as they move towards event-driven economies (Swart and Bob 2009). One of the tangible, long-term legacies associated with hosting the FIFA World Cup is the potential infrastructural benefits. In particular, stadia development (both upgrading of existing stadia and new stadia) are key features of South Africa’s 2010 sport infrastructural improvement and expansion programme. This is also the case in Cape Town.

The 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament is the single biggest catalyst that will help trigger major infrastructure investments in Cape Town.

(City of Cape Town 2007a: 1)

Linked to infrastructure development and investments associated with 2010 is the anticipated outcome that infrastructure-led economic growth must promote job creation (Helen Zille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town cited in City of Cape Town 2007a). Despite the predominant policy focus on event economic impact, event organisers and host community residents are calling for attention to be paid to the social value of events (Chalip 2006). Similarly, while the majority of research and scholarship in the field of sport tourism has been conducted on sport tourism events, especially economic impacts, little research has been conducted on the social impacts of these kinds of events (Ritchie and Adair 2004). Specifically, there are very few studies on resident perceptions. Successful events are underpinned by community support (Fredline 2004). It is, therefore, crucial to examine residents’ perceptions and concerns.

With a few exceptions (generally in the form of letters to the editor), the actual voices of local residents are absent in relation to debates pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup (Swart and Bob 2007). They further assert that often, the concerns of residents are raised by politicians, civil society organisation leaders and government officials who claim to be speaking on their behalf or serving their interests. This article, therefore, undertakes an analysis of primary data that was collected in Athlone and Green Point to examine the perceptions of the residents towards the proposed stadia development. Perceptions regarding the potential impacts (both positive and negative) of the 2010 World Cup are also examined.

Resident Perceptions

The developmental agenda of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has foregrounded the need to integrate social issues at the local level (Swart and Bob 2007). However, several researchers raise concerns about how this will be achieved and who specifically are likely to experience tangible and long-lasting benefits (Cornelissen and Swart 2006; Swart and Bob 2004). Sporting events have, albeit differentially, impacts upon the community within which they are held (Ohmann et al. 2006). Community support for an event will depend on the perceived benefits and costs associated with the event (Deccio and Baloglu 2002). There are a range of

48 U. Bob, K. Swart

potential impacts linked to hosting a mega event. One of the main perceived benefits is the creation of short- and long-term employment opportunities (Page and Hall 2003; Hall 2004). A range of factors inform residents’ reactions to events (Fredline 2004). One of the main factors is the anticipated direct benefits, especially financial opportunities through employment or ownership as well as their perception of justice in the distribution of these costs and benefits. Price inflation, tax burdens and mismanagement of public funds are frequently cited negative impacts associated with events (Ritchie and Aitken 1984). They further illustrate that perceived social issues such as community pride and international recognition were viewed as being important benefits by residents at previous Olympic Games. Identification with the event theme, contact (physical proximity to the event and involvement in event activities) and their perception of their ability to participate in the planning process also influence how residents respond to an event (Ritchie and Aitken 1984). Furthermore, the social and political values of residents as well as their level of attachment to the community are viewed as being important.

Resident reactions to the staging of two recurring international motorsport events revealed that those who live in areas closest to the hub of the event are likely to be most affected (Fredline and Faulkner 2002). It is for this reason that the residents living in close proximity to the Green Point (competition venue) and Athlone (training venue) were the focus of the study.

The social impacts of the Sydney Olympic Games suggest that the most socio- economically disadvantaged are not the most enthusiastic about the event, particularly since they perceive limited direct benefits (Waitt 2003). The results do, however, indicate that mega sport events can be used as a mechanism to generate a sense of community, amongst the youth and ethnic minorities but the event’s significance in addressing social issues reduces if these benefits are not sustained after the event. This is a key challenge in South Africa where, despite concerns over the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, there is generally popular support and widespread enthusiasm about this upcoming mega event. The South African Social Attitudes Survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council reveal that for the third consecutive year (2005–2007) South African attitudes remain positive towards the 2010 World Cup, specifically in relation to perceived economic growth, job creation and putting South Africa on the international map (Pillay and Bass 2008).

The harshest critics were those who evaluated the public costs as excessive and perceived the event to be inconveniencing their personal lives (Waitt 2003). These findings indicate that resident perceptions of impacts from hosting a mega sport event have the potential to undermine public confidence in the event and, therefore, should be addressed by the event organisers and the government sector who invest significant resources to support the hosting of the event.

Stadia and Legacies

Increasingly, the long-term legacies and sustainability imperatives associated with the hosting of mega events are being questioned given the massive initial economic investments required (Swart and Bob 2007). Proponents of mega event projects tend

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia development in Cape Town 49

to make over-optimistic economic estimates, while dissenters raise concerns about “public debt and opportunity costs when public money is spent on architecturally dazzling stadia and other spectacular infrastructure” (Whitson and Horne 2006: 73). In terms of infrastructural development (transport and stadia development being the biggest investments), it is generally assumed that the construction of infrastructure in particular will generate local economic activity and resultant jobs. Also, it is often assumed that a suitably located stadium will contribute to the re-imaging of a location as well as retain and attract capital and people (Swart and Bob 2007). Furthermore, they state that from a political and developmental perspective, the creation of jobs and wider positive economic impacts are often used to justify massive state commitments and investments.

The training ground upgrade programme forms a crucial part of the overall strategy to leave a lasting legacy. SAFA (South African Football Association) is firmly resolved to provide facilities that meet every FIFA requirement and, when the tournament is over, continue to have a positive relevant impact on local communities for decades to come.

(South Africa 2010 Bid Book 2003: 10)

Athlone Stadium is a case in point. The construction of training venues (regarded as legacy stadia) in appropriate locations to promote sport and development in disadvantaged communities are seen as key legacy, long-term outcomes emanating from the 2010 World Cup. However, this is not always the case (Whitson and Horne 2006). They show that the facilities built for Japan’s co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup were required for elite sport and were too large and too sophisticated for general community use. Specifically, they illustrate that the legacies of these facilities are of debatable value to low income residents and show that the co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to create infrastructure for sport development purposes were rarely used by local communities.

Background to Case Studies and Methodology

The background information for Athlone and Green Point is summarised below. The information is derived from Bayette Development Consulting’s study (2006) which evaluated competition venues in Cape Town that had the potential capacity to host 2010 matches. The study was limited to a 1-km radius around the stadia. Athlone is located approximately 10-km from the City Centre towards the East of central Cape Town. The designated area for the study comprised of four wards with a population of 128,484. It is a historically Coloured residential area and the unemployment rate is 18% with a 22% poverty rate. Green Point is a historically White residential area located in close proximity to the City Centre. The designated area under study has two wards with a population of 63,473, almost half the population size of Athlone. The unemployment rate is 6% and the poverty rate is 12%. Green Point is a relatively better-off residential community in comparison to Athlone.

After considerable debate (see Swart and Bob 2009) Green Point Stadium, an existing multi-purpose stadium situated in close proximity to Cape Town’s (and

50 U. Bob, K. Swart

South Africa’s) most popular tourist attraction, the V&A Waterfront was identified as the competition venue. Athlone stadium was identified as a Western Cape 2010 Legacy Project which will be used to host international warm-up matches.

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 200 households, 100 each in Athlone and Green Point during December 2005. The survey instrument was based on Fredline and Faulkner’s (2002) questionnaire and questions were modified and included to suit the South African context. A spatially based random sampling approach was used in both the communities. Households within a 1-km radius from the venue precinct were the target of this research endeavour. The intention was to focus on the views and concerns of residents living in close proximity to the stadium venues under discussion. A list was compiled of all households within the identified and demarcated 1-km zone. A random table was then used to select 100 households in each area. If a chosen household was not available or declined to participate in this study, fieldworkers interviewed a neighbouring household.

Data Analysis

Demographic Background of Respondents

The majority of the respondents in both Athlone (76%) and Green Point (73%) were male (Table 1). In many cases, fieldworkers reported that when household members present were informed that the survey was related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and stadia, it was generally the male head of the household who participated. This tendency for adult males to respond to the survey may be indicative of sport in general and football in particular being seen as male-dominant.

The average ages of the respondents were 38.4 years in Athlone and 35.4 years in Green Point. The majority of the respondents in both areas were in the 21–30 years (21% in Athlone and 38% in Green Point), 31–40 years (28% in Athlone and 27% in Green Point) and 41–50 years (15% in Athlone and 17% in Green Point) age categories.

Table 1 also illustrates that in terms of the historical racial categories of the respondents, in Athlone, the majority of the respondents were Coloureds (85%) followed by Indians (10%) and Africans (5%). In Green Point, the majority of the respondents were Whites (46%) followed by Africans (33%), Coloureds (20%) and

Table 1 Gender and historical racial category of respondents (in %)

Athlone (n=100) Green Point (n=100)

Gender Male 76 73 Female 24 27 Historical racial category African 5 33 Coloured 85 20 Indian 10 1 White – 46

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia development in Cape Town 51

there was one Indian respondent. The dominance of Coloureds in Athlone and Whites in Green Point reflects the historical context of the Group Areas Act that designated racial residential neighbourhoods during the apartheid era in South Africa.

The results indicate that more households in Athlone are established in the area since the majority of the respondents have lived in Athlone for 16–20 years (21%) and more than 20 years (44%). In Green Point the majority of the respondents have lived in the area for less than 5 years (36%) and 6–10 years (24%).

The non-Whites who reside in Green Point are generally from middle and upper income backgrounds who have moved into the area in the last 10 years. The higher socio-economic status of Green Point in comparison to Athlone is also reflected in the relatively higher educational levels among Green Point respondents. The majority of respondents in Athlone indicated primary completed (29%), secondary completed (36%), certificate/ diploma (17%) and undergraduate degree (11%). In Green Point, the majority of the respondents indicated secondary completed (33%), certificate/ diploma (19%), undergraduate degree (23%) and postgraduate degree (13%).

As indicated earlier, Athlone is a lower-income residential neighbourhood as compared to Green Point. More respondents stated that they were unemployed in Athlone (16%) than in Green Point (7%). Additionally, more respondents in Green Point than Athlone indicated that they were administrators or managers (17% and 7%, respectively), salespersons (16% and 12%, respectively) and professionals (12% and 6%, respectively).

Interest in Football

The responses illustrate that there is a significant support of football in both the communities under study. The figure below (Fig. 1) illustrates that slightly more respondents in Athlone (68%) watch football matches as compared to Green Point (64%). Additionally, more respondents in Athlone (69%) intend to attend 2010 football matches than in Green Point (54%). It is interesting to note that although the responses are almost the same in relation to current attendance and intention to attend 2010 matches in Athlone (68% and 69%, respectively), fewer respondents intended to attend 2010 matches in Green Point than those who currently attend football matches (56% and 64%, respectively). The reasons for not attending 2010 matches were: not interested in football (16% in Athlone and 10% in Green Point), will not be able to afford to purchase tickets (9% in Athlone and 11% in Green

0

20

40

60

80

Athlone Green Point

Attends football matches in Cape Town

Intends to attend 2010 football matches

Fig. 1 Current attendance of football matches in Cape Town and intention to attend 2010 football matches

52 U. Bob, K. Swart

Point) and prefer to watch the game on television (6% in Athlone and 23% in Green Point).

Table 2 below indicates that most respondents’ interest in football as a spectator was that they were avid fans of the sport and always try to attend or watch it on television (67% in Athlone and 45% in Green Point) or they were interested in the sport and see it when they can (14% in Athlone and 21% in Green Point). Only 6% of the respondents in Athlone and 12% in Green Point had no interest at all in football. The results show that there is a higher level of interest in football among the respondents in Athlone as compared to Green Point.

The results indicate that more respondents (83% in Athlone and 88% in Green Point) would consider watching the game at dedicated spectator locations on big screens. Furthermore, the majority (74% in Athlone and 72% in Green Point) stated that they would attend these spectator locations if a fee is attached. The interest in participating in the 2010 World Cup in some way is, therefore, notably high and is again an indicator of resident support for and excitement towards the 2010 event. South Africa needs to consider the development of dedicated spectator locations in the broader 2010 plans in relation to facilities and infrastructure development. This will create opportunities for increased access to the matches in terms of broadening participation and interaction.

Location of Stadia and 2010 Facilities

It is important to note that the surveys were conducted at the time when the decision that Green Point will be the competition venue and Athlone the legacy stadium was imminent. Almost all the respondents in Athlone (98%) and all the respondents in Green Point indicated that they were aware of a major sporting event that will take place in South Africa in 2010. They identified the event as the FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, 81% of the respondents in Athlone and 84% in Green Point indicated that they were aware that a dedicated soccer venue is being planned as a 2010 soccer legacy. A significant proportion of the respondents in Athlone (46%) identified Athlone as a competition venue. Twenty-nine percent of the respondents identified Green Point and 5% stated both Athlone and Green Point. In Green Point, the majority of the respondents (73%) identified Green Point as the competition venue. Eighteen percent of the respondents in Athlone and 21% of the respondents in Green Point indicated that they were not sure or did not know where the competition venue

Table 2 Statement that best summarises respondent’s interest in football as a spectator (in %)

Athlone (n=100)

Green Point (n=100)

I am an avid fan of the sport and always try to attend or watch it on TV 67 45 I am interested in the sport and see it when I can 14 21 I am not particularly interested in the sport, but I enjoy seeing it when it comes to our area

9 12

I am not interested in the sport but sometimes attend or watch it because family or friends are interested

4 10

I have no interest in this sport or the associated festivities even when it is held in our area

6 12

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia development in Cape Town 53

will be located in Cape Town. In terms of the legacy stadium, in Athlone, the majority of the respondents identified Athlone (33%) and Green Point (41%) as the proposed legacy stadium. In Green Point, 51% identified Green Point and 18% identified Athlone as a legacy venue. Twenty-four percent of the respondents in Athlone and 29% of the respondents in Green Point indicated that they were not sure or did not know where the legacy venue will be located in Cape Town.

The above results illustrate that many of the residents appeared to be unclear about the location of 2010 stadia in Cape Town. The responses also reflect confusion among residents about what is a competition venue versus a legacy stadium. It appears that key decisions regarding 2010 stadia developments are not adequately communicated to residents whose lives are likely to be impacted by 2010 activities taking place in close proximity to their homes. The results raise concerns regarding the communication and dissemination of information in relation to 2010 plans and decisions.

There was strong support for stadium development in both areas by resident households living in close proximity to the venues with 90% of respondents in both communities stating that they were in favour of a 2010 stadium being located in the area where they reside. The main reasons forwarded by the respondents for being in favour of a 2010 stadium being located in the area where they reside were that it will:

& Bring them an exciting/lifetime event. & Assist in improving soccer in the area and contribute to sport development. & Create job opportunities and boost the local economy. & Provide an opportunity to watch matches live.

Ten percent of the respondents in both communities objected to the 2010 stadium being located in their area. A few of the respondents forwarded reasons for their position which were that the event will increase crime in the area (6% in Athlone and 2% in Green Point) and there will be traffic congestion during the event (2% in each community). One respondent in Green Point stated that the current Newlands stadium should be upgraded. Furthermore, among the 10% of the respondents who objected, 3% in Athlone and one respondent in Green Point stated that the stadium should be located in another location in their community while 7% in Athlone and 4% in Green Point felt that the stadium should be located in another location outside their community. Five percent of the respondents in Green Point did not provide a response. It is also interesting to note that none of the respondents interviewed stated that stadium development in Cape Town for 2010 should be discontinued and 91% of the respondents in both communities stated that Cape Town should host a semi- final match, irrespective of event location. This again illustrates positive attitudes among residents to 2010 stadium development specifically and the World Cup more generally. Also, there is strong support for Cape Town’s participation as a host city.

Ninety-five percent of the respondents in Athlone and 88% in Green Point indicated that they would like to be updated on stadium developments in their area related to the 2010 event. Respondents indicated a preference for multiple types of communication strategies. These were television (61% each in Athlone and in Green Point), newspapers (31% in Athlone and 38% in Green Point), radio (26% in Athlone and 22% in Green Point), short message service (17% in Athlone and 14%

54 U. Bob, K. Swart

in Green Point), community meetings (17% in Athlone and 12% in Green Point), Internet (10% in Athlone and 13% in Green Point), posters (10% in Athlone and 13% in Green Point) and e-mail (9% in Athlone and 12% in Green Point). The responses indicate that organisers and officials must consider a range of communication strategies which should be presented in a manner that is easily accessible to local residents.

Some of the respondents (31% in Athlone and 24% in Green Point) forwarded suggestions to improve the communication of information to residents relating to the 2010 event. These were:

& Meetings with the public & Involve locals in planning & Improve media coverage and dissemination of information (including more

television, radio and newspaper coverage) & Improved marketing and advertising of 2010 event & Replace SAFA staff

Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Aspects Relating to Venue Selection

In order to determine the perceptions and attitudes of the residents towards 2010 venue selection and stadium development in Cape Town, respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement with a range of relevant statements. The Lickert scale was used with the following options available: SD = Strongly Disagree, D = Disagree, N = Neutral, A = Agree and SA = Strongly Agree. Table 3 presents the findings in Athlone and Green Point, respectively. The key aspects are summarised below.

The majority of the respondents in both Athlone (80%) and Green Point (81%) agreed and strongly agreed with the statement that “the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be the best ever and leave positive legacies for South Africa”. This indicates that most of the respondents have a positive impression about the event with regard to 2010 legacies that will accompany the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the building of stadia. The respondents’ perceptions tend to support Allmers and Maennig’s (2008: 14) assertion that there is a possibility that in the long-term all of the stadia will have some “lasting external effects for the regional economy”.

While more than half of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed with the statement that “too much public money will be spent on the 2010 event that could be spent on other activities”, a significant proportion (slightly more than a third) of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed with the statement. The responses indicate that while most residents generally supported the 2010 event, a significant proportion of the residents interviewed questioned the use of public monies. Concerns relating to public expenditure on the infrastructure needed for mega events emerges in several resident studies (Kim et al. 2006; Kim and Petrick 2005; Pennington-Gray and Holdnak 2002). It is, therefore, important for government, prior to the event, to provide people with information as to how these infrastructures will be utilised once the event is completed (Kim et al. 2006).

In relation to economic benefits, the vast majority of the respondents in Green Point agreed and strongly agreed with the statement “the 2010 event will be good for

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia development in Cape Town 55

local business (increases turnover)”. Additionally, most of the respondents in Athlone and in Green Point agreed and strongly agreed with the statement “the event will be a major boost for economic development in the areas where stadiums are located”. The results show that the vast majority of residents believed that the 2010 event will result in economic opportunities at the local level.

In addition to economic benefits, most of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements pertaining to community benefits: “the event will stimulate training and skills development for members of the community where events are held”, “the community will benefit directly from the 2010 event” and “the standard of living for communities located close to the stadia will increase as a result of the 2010 World Cup”. Most of the respondents therefore associate the 2010 event generally and the stadia development in areas where they reside more specifically with a wide range of community benefits. However, in terms of distribution of benefits it is important to note that 69% of the respondents in Athlone and 61% in

Table 3 Respondent’s level of agreement in Athlone (A) and Green Point (GP) towards statements pertaining to key aspects of venue and 2010 event (in %)

SD D N A SA

A GP A GP A GP A GP A GP

2010 Legacies The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be the best ever and leave positive legacies for South Africa

4 - 3 10 13 9 29 44 41 37

Public money Too much public money will be spent on the 2010 event that could be spent on other activities

27 26 23 30 13 10 25 19 12 15

Economic benefits The event will be a major boost for economic development in the areas where stadiums are located

2 3 3 4 6 12 50 35 39 46

The 2010 event will be good for local business (increases turnover)

2 3 3 3 1 5 48 49 46 40

Community benefits The standard of living for communities located close to the stadia will increase as a result of the 2010 World Cup

5 7 7 9 17 17 49 41 22 26

The event will stimulate training and skills development for members of the community where events are held

3 3 11 8 20 17 44 47 22 25

The community will benefit directly from the 2010 event 5 6 7 7 11 19 44 36 33 32 Only some members of the community will benefit from the 2010 event/ the 2010 event will increase social inequity

3 6 19 16 9 17 24 32 45 29

Disruption to local residents The 2010 event will disrupt the lives of local residents and create inconvenience

28 11 14 36 15 13 33 23 10 17

The 2010 event will cause traffic congestion and parking difficulties

14 11 21 31 11 12 35 30 19 16

The 2010 event will create excessive noise in the community

16 11 22 29 15 17 31 31 16 12

Crime will be a major problem during the 2010 World Cup

9 6 10 13 17 16 32 34 32 31

PRICE: During the 2010 event period, the overall cost of living will increase around the stadia locations

6 6 5 7 14 22 41 36 34 29

56 U. Bob, K. Swart

Green Point supported that statement “only some members of the community will benefit from the 2010 event/ the 2010 event will increase social inequity”.

Almost equal proportion of respondents in Green Point and Athlone supported and disagreed with the statements presented regarding the disruption of local residents during the 2010 event. Thus, a significant proportion of the respondents (ranging from 40% to 54%) agreed and strongly agreed with the following statements: “the 2010 event will disrupt the lives of local residents and create inconvenience”, “the 2010 event will cause traffic congestion and parking difficulties”, and “the 2010 event will create excessive noise in the community”. The responses indicate that slightly more respondents in Athlone supported the statements as compared to Green Point.

The results support research that illustrate that local residents often perceive social impacts to be one of the main sources of both “potential event values” and problems (Chalip 2006: 109). Furthermore, clearly, although communities may express support for tourism development associated with events, many local residents are also concerned with its associated inconveniences such as traffic congestion, crime and overcrowding (Twynam and Johnston 2004). It is, therefore, important when conceptualising and planning an event and related activities to examine and understand the likely social impacts of mega events. This requires focusing on the perceptions and concerns of local communities.

In both communities, the majority of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed with the statements “the 2010 event will lead to increases in the price of some things such as food, transport and property values around the stadia locations” and “during the 2010 event period, the overall cost of living will increase around the stadia locations”. This illustrates that the majority of the residents interviewed are concerned about the impact of the 2010 event on local prices.

Table 4 indicates how respondents see their involvement in the 2010 World Cup. Twenty percent of the respondents in Athlone and 13% in Green Point stated that they were uncertain or did not know. More than half of the respondents (58% in Athlone and 53% in Green Point) viewed their involvement mainly as spectators at the football matches. A significant proportion of the respondents (16% in Athlone and 24% in Green Point) anticipate income generating opportunities linked to the event. A further 15% of the respondents see their involvement as volunteers and 9% would like to be directly employed. The results indicate that 40% of the respondents in Athlone and 48% in Green Point expect to be directly involved in the 2010 World Cup via voluntarism, being employed in activities and income generating opportunities linked to the event.

Table 4 How respondent sees their involvement in the 2010 World cup (in %)

Athlone (n=100) Green Point (n=100)

Yes No Yes No

A spectator at football matches 58 42 53 47 A volunteer 15 85 15 85 Directly employed 9 91 9 91 Income generating opportunities linked to the event 16 84 24 76 Uncertain/ don’t know 20 80 13 87

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia development in Cape Town 57

The key findings from the primary data collected reveal that generally respondents have positive attitudes towards the World Cup; with most believing that South Africa will host the best ever World Cup which will leave positive legacies for the country. Residents have high expectations regarding the social and economic impacts of the event, especially in terms of local economic development in relation to the creation of employment opportunities and experiencing community benefits. Key concerns raised by the respondents pertain to the use of public funds and disruption to local residents in terms of increasing noise pollution, traffic congestion and parking difficulties, crime, and increases in the cost of living. Thus, the concerns relate primarily to the distribution of perceived benefits with regard to social and economic opportunities as well as inconveniences that are likely to be associated with stadium construction and the hosting of the 2010 World Cup.

The positive attitude towards South Africa hosting the World Cup may be attributed in part to the fact that many of the respondents interviewed expressed a great deal of interest in soccer, both as a spectator and participant. Event support most likely relates more to a “community’s attachment” to a particular sport rather than their interest in hosting the mega event (Twynam and Johnston 2004: 242). The latter sentiment may be relevant in South Africa where football is an extremely popular sport as reflected by the responses in this study.

The study indicates that despite socio-economic and historical differences between the two communities, similar perceptions and attitudes towards the 2010 event and stadia development emerged. There are clearly high expectations among residents that positive economic and social benefits are realized from hosting the 2010 World Cup. To ensure that positive sustainable legacies are achieved, developmental targets have to be met, especially within the nine host cities (Burnett 2008).

Conclusion

This study supports Kim and Petrick’s (2005) position that planners and managers of mega events should be better equipped to address the complexities of resident perceptions as well as to allocate more resources to effectively increase residents’ perceived positive impacts and reduce their perceived negative impacts. This study reveals that residents generally support the hosting of the 2010 World Cup and infrastructural development associated with the event. However, they have high expectations in relation to realising social and economic benefits. Also, concerns were raised which included disruptions to local residents, increase in the cost of living during the event and economic benefits being unequally distributed. Respondents also expressed a desire to know more about 2010 developments and stadia issues in particular. It is important that effective communication strategies and consultation mechanisms are implemented by event organisers and government officials to inform residents of 2010 developments. This should include information pertaining to related opportunities and prospects to participate in planning and decision-making processes.

58 U. Bob, K. Swart

References

Allmers, S., & Maennig, W. (2008). South Africa 2010: Economic scope and limits. Hamburg Contemporary Economic Discussions, 21, 1–33.

Bayette Development Consulting. (2006). City of Cape Town—2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup evaluation of alternative venues. Cape Town: Bayette Development Consulting.

Burnett, C. (2008). Assessing development of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Paper presented at The Impact of Mega Sport Events on Developmental Goals Conference, Cape Town.

Chalip, L. (2006). Towards social leverage of sport events. Journal of Sport and Tourism, 11(2), 109–127. City of Cape Town. (2007a). 2010 Triggers Massive Growth. http://www.cbn.co.za/pressoffice/

city_of_cape/fullstory/224.htm. Accessed 14 March 2008. Cornelissen, S., & Swart, K. (2006). The 2010 Football World Cup as a political construct: The challenge

of making good on an African promise. In J. Horne, & W. Manzenreiter (Eds.), Sports mega events – Social scientific analyses of a global phenomenon (pp. 108–123). Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

Deccio, C., & Baloglu, S. (2002). Non host community resident reactions to the 2002 Winter Olympics: The spill impacts. Journal of Travel Research, 41, 46–56.

Fredline, L. (2004). Host community reactions to motorsport events: The perception of impact on quality of life. In B. W. Ritchie, & D. Adair (Eds.), Sport tourism: Interrelationships, impacts and issues. Clevedon Hall: Channel View.

Fredline, E., & Faulkner, B. (2002). Variations in residents’ reactions to major motorsport events – Why residents perceive the impacts of events differently. Event Management, 7(2), 115–126.

Hall, C. M. (2004). Sport tourism and urban regeneration. In B. W. Ritchie, & D. Adair (Eds.), Sport tourism: Interrelationships, impacts and issues. Clevedon Hall: Channel View.

Kim, S. S., & Petrick, J. F. (2005). Residents’ perceptions on impacts of the FIFA 2002 World Cup: The case of Seoul as host city. Tourism Management, 26(1), 25–38.

Kim, H., Gursoy, D., Lee, S., et al. (2006). The impact of the 2002 World Cup on South Korea: Comparisons of pre- and post-games. Tourism Management, 27, 86–89.

Ohmann, S., Jones, I., Wilkes, K., et al. (2006). The perceived social impacts of the 2006 Football World Cup on Munich residents. Journal of Sport and Tourism, 11(2), 129–152.

Page, S. J., & Hall, C. M. (2003). Managing urban tourism. Harlow: Prentice Hall. Pennington-Gray, L., & Holdnak, A. (2002). Out of the stands and into the community: Using sports

events to promote a destination. Event Management, 7(3), 177–186. Pillay, U., & Bass, O. (2008). South Africans believe 2010 can lift them, but how high? HSRC Review, 6

(1), 12. Ritchie, B. W., & Adair, D. (2004). Sport tourism: Interrelationships, impacts and issues. Clevedon Hall:

Channel View. Ritchie, J. R. B., & Aitken, C. E. (1984). Assessing the impacts of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games: The

research programme and initial results. Journal of Travel Research, 22(3), 17–25. South Africa 2010 Bid Company. (2003). South Africa 2010 Bid Book. Johannesburg: SA 2010 Bid

Company. Swart, K., & Bob, U. (2004). The seductive discourse of development: The Cape Town 2004 Olympic

Bid. Third World Quarterly, 25(7), 1311–1324. Swart, K., & Bob, U. (2007). Listening to community voices: Athlone and Green Point residents’ views on

the location of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium in Cape Town. 7th International Hamburg Symposium “Sport and Economics” on the economics of top performance in international sports. Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Hamburg.

Swart, K., & Bob, U. (2009). Venue selection and the 2010 FIFA World Cup: A case study of Cape Town. Chapter in HSRC book.

Twynam, G., & Johnston, M. (2004). Changes in host community reactions to a special sporting event. Current Issues in Tourism, 7(3), 242–261.

Waitt, G. (2003). Social impacts of the Sydney Olympics. Annals of Tourism Research, 30(1), 194–215. Whitson, D., & Horne, J. (2006). Underestimated costs and overestimated benefits: Comparing the

outcomes of sports mega events in Canada and Japan. In J. Horne, & W. Manzenreiter (Eds.),Sports mega events—Social scientific analyses of a global phenomenon. Oxford: Blackwell.

2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Stadia development in Cape Town 59

View publication statsView publication stats