SportBusiness.com

Bidding costs rise but bidders get better value than ever

A new report on bidding for sports events shows that the cost to aspiring hosts is higher than ever. Developing Successful Strategies in Sports Events Bidding, quotes London 2012’s bid budget at £29 million; Sochi is said to have spent $60 million on its successful 2014 campaign and budgets for the 2016 summer Olympic Games bidders are rumoured to be as high $100 million. Cities feel they need to achieve ever higher technical standards and are investing more in PR and marketing.

However, the report, published by SportBusiness Group, goes on to show the increasing value bidders get from competitions. In the same way as the main value of an Olympic Sponsorship can be obtained before the games themselves, bidders can gain significant tangible benefits in the process of bidding.

Among the benefits of bidding the report cites the value of international PR and “place branding” which would in itself cost many millions of dollars to buy. The galvanising effect of a bid also has very beneficial consequences. Past bidders in Olympic and other sports event competitions report that the process drove forward planning for sport and wider city infrastructure. It united diverse groups from planning, transport, regeneration and tourism as well as sport around a common goal and the benefit of the relationships made continue to be felt long after the result was announced.

Communities involved in a bid gain from the social cohesion that results although the feel good factor can evaporate rapidly if a bid is unsuccessful. Finally, the experience gained by the losing bid team can often help them succeed in future bids.

Developing Successful Strategies in Sports Events Bidding is the latest intelligence report from SportBusiness Group. It draws on the experience of those that led bids for the 2012 and 2014 Olympic Games as well as presenting case studies from Cricket, Rugby, Formula 1, Tennis and Sailing. It sets out a strategic approach to bidding including planning, stakeholder support, facilities and infrastructure, legacy and PR and communications to provide a complete guide to the bidding process for cities and countries and sports event and venue owners.

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