Leiden University Student Repository

Mbulu, Marvellous (2024)

Comparative Analysis of Stadium Programs for the FIFA World Cup: South Africa 2010 vs. Germany 2006

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

Stadia, the currency of major international sporting events, have become emblematic of an escalating arms race that has spiralled out of control over the years. Research—both academic and journalistic—consistently shows that host countries often gain little from these events beyond fleeting memories, white elephant stadia, and squandered millions. Despite numerous cautionary examples, the trend of constructing stadia that remain empty post-event continues unabated and is likely to persist. By comparing the stadium programs of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, this dissertation explores the challenges of utilizing these venues once the events conclude, serving as a warning to hopeful future World Cup bidders.

Sports Mega-Event (SME)

FIFA World Cup

Stadium Program

Legacy

White Elephant

Post-Event Utilization

Author

Mbulu, Marvellous

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Africa

Supervisors

Nkwi, W. G.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en