Features

Calgary was ranked fourth in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Event Strategy. The Calgary Sport Tourism Authority (CSTA) is responsible for bidding for sports events for the city and is reflective of the city’s pervasive sporting culture. The CSTA is a collaboration of leaders in sport, business, government and tourism who are mandated to provide advice, due diligence and strategic direction in evaluating and attracting sports events.

London was ranked fifth in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Event Strategy. The Greater London Authority (GLA) leads the strategy for sports events in London and oversees the bid process for any major sports event. An organisation called London & Partners assists in winning and promoting major events for London to generate economic benefit.

In the second in a series of five mini reports on sports event hosting, in association with the Ultimate Sports Cities rankings, we take a look at legacy. There is a discussion of the latest thinking around legacy, and case studies looking at the top five cities in the category of legacy in this year's rankings - Auckland, London, Manchester, Cape Town and Calgary.

Countries and cities have various reasons for bidding to host an event beyond financial gain. Legacies can include improving the image of the city or country, putting it on the map in terms of attracting future events, creating a positive economic impact from increased tourism (the subject of a later report in this series), building venues and facilities that will enhance the health of a nation and help develop new sports stars, and improved infrastructure in areas from transport to telecoms and beyond.

Auckland was ranked first in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Legacy. Each major event supported by Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), the body responsible for such events in the city, must have a plan that sets out the legacy that the event organiser will work towards.

London was ranked second in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Legacy. The London 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games were a huge global marketing showcase for London. The city is delivering the legacy of 2012 by maintaining the momentum and enthusiasm for major sporting events, and using its infrastructure, logistics and expertise to host more events.

Manchester was ranked third in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Legacy. The city's commitment to sport has delivered impressive results not least through creating a lasting legacy for the city region. Manchester recognises that legacy is not captured via investment in major events, but by ensuring that strategies for sport development, community delivery, health and education are intrinsic to the bidding for major events.

Cape Town was ranked fourth in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Legacy. The city approaches legacy in a way that contributes to two main pillars of the city’s 2012-2017 Integrated Development Plan: "Opportunity City" and "Inclusive City". Both pillars incorporate several criteria for events.

Calgary was ranked fourth in the 2014 Ultimate Sports Cities rankings in the category of Legacy. The 1988 Olympic Winter Games provide the best illustration of Calgary’s commitment to lasting legacy. Following 1988, and benefiting from endowment funds left for the Games’ legacy, the Calgary Olympic Development Association, now called WinSport, has evolved into a new vision for Canadian winter sport.

Ahead of this month’s Manila Masters, Rob Ridley looks at how 3x3 basketball could be set for a significant growth curve, helped by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA)’s new tie-up with IMG.

Plans are afoot for an NFL (National Football League) developmental league. Barry Wilner explains how it could work, and why it could be a watershed for a variety of stakeholders in north America’s sports industry.

Alan Pascoe was among the first business leaders interviewed in depth by SportBusiness International 18 years ago. Now, as he steps back as president of CSM, he reflects on a pioneer career in international sports marketing. Kevin Roberts reports.

OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) and ANOC (Association of National Olympic Committees) president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait reveals his life influences and aspirations within the inner circles of the Olympic Movement.

At the end of May, London’s Wembley Stadium transformed from the host of an international football match to the setting for a world title boxing match in a matter of hours. Elisha Chauhan finds out exactly how it was done.

Following the rollout of Barcelona’s new outdoor lounge, Elisha Chauhan looks at some recent innovations in the use of sports stadia for non-matchday hospitality.

Elisha Chauhan looks at how an innovative wave machine has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for cities looking to host major surfing events.