World Stadium Index (2012)

The present study has looked into 75 venues in 20 countries that have been built or undergone major renovations in order to host a major international or continental sporting event. The aim of the study has been to examine how and to what extent stadiums built for these events are utilised after the events have taken place. The main variable in the report is the number of spectators per season/year. By dividing the attendance figures with the stadiums’ capacities, the researchers have created an index that has made it possible to compare the stadiums included in the study in a simple manner. The index has also made it possible to visualise the state of each stadium built or renovated for particular events, and compare and examine the events to determine which types of events have been most successful in terms of sporting legacy. Even though the study shows that some stadiums have had positive legacies and satisfying developments post-event, it also demonstrates that numerous stadiums that have been built or renovated for major events have had problematic legacies. A majority of the stadiums included in the study have had problems attracting larger crowds, and in general their attendance figures are low.