© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNPR News sports coverage brings you a mix of local and statewide news from our reporters as well as national and global news from around the world from NPR.

Are Big Sports Tournaments Worth It?

Matthew Kenwrick (Flickr Creative Commons)

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Tucker/Where%20We%20Live%2006-18-2012.mp3

Today, the Traveler’s Championship week kicks off in Connecticut. It was known for years as the Greater Hartford Open...the GHO. It’s always raised lots of money for charities and always attracted thousands of visitors. But on a few occasions in its history, it has almost gone away. The corporate community stepped in once again - with a local title sponsor - and the tournament is expected to mean nearly $30 million to the local economy.

But are events like this always worth it? Are those numbers real? Whether it’s an annual golf tournament or the old Pilot Pen tennis tournament (now called the New Haven Open) regions vie for sporting events as a matter of prestige and hoped-for economic development.

Today, the economics of sports...and we don’t mean bringing the Whalers back. Can events that only last a week or three really pay themselves off? Are they worth it?

The ultimate example of this question comes in the form of the Olympic Games...coming to London this summer. In a tradition that seems as old as the torch run itself, London officials are already complaining about the cost overruns and reality of needing to build millions of dollars in facilities that may never be used again. As the London Olympics minister asked: “Had we known what we know now, would we have bid for the Olympics...Almost certainly not.” 

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content