Professional sports facilities have a relatively short lifespan, are often built through public funding that could be used to address more important needs and can drive up property prices in local areas. However, they can also play an important role in the sustainable development of cities, argues Arizona State University’s multimedia platform Global Sport Matters (GSM).
The article cites the example of the recent acquisition by CounterPointe Sports Group (CSG) of professional French basketball team Élan Béarnais. Committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, CSG is planning green real estate development for 15 acres of land adjacent to the team’s arena. It will include a Climate Park for cross-collaboration between environment- and climate-focused institutions.
Sports facilities also have the potential to build local networks to strengthen economic activity, employ local workforces and create opportunities for residents – an impact that would need to be measured using new metrics if municipalities are offering subsidies for facility construction, according to GSM. Given that they serve as anchors for the development of sport and entertainment districts, they can also be used to create greener, walkable cities.
Finally, sports facilities encourage healthy living from a young age. According to GSM, sports offer children a sense of security by providing safe spaces to learn and grow through play. “Play boosts well-being, mental health, and resilience,” writes the article. “When play-friendly spaces are lacking or inaccessible, communities suffer.”
