Many cities enter the world stage or maintain their position as international hubs by hosting mega-sporting events that are often justified by economic growth, image building, infrastructure development, and urban regeneration. A critical analysis of literature will inform the creation of a legacy identification and assessment framework that aims to conceptualise an overview of mega-sporting event legacy for use in event and legacy planning. The framework provides context to answer the question: How do the legacies of mega-sporting events impact urban regeneration? This dissertation then aims to discuss how the relationship between mega-sporting events and urban regeneration inform legacy planning, through an analysis of planning approaches, challenges in measuring legacy, the effectiveness of hosting a mega-sporting event for urban regeneration, and recommendations for maximizing the benefits of hosting a mega-sporting event. Various examples will be highlighted throughout the text and the 2012 London Olympic Games will be used as a case study to discuss changing trends in legacy planning. Understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with mega-sporting event legacy and the recommendations for maximising benefit can better inform future event hosting and further urban regeneration projects around the world. |