Category
Theoretical Proposal
Description
There is a documented, ever-rising cost associated with the construction and maintenance of professional sport stadiums across the United States, especially in the southern states. While the public subsidies that support these stadiums remain highly debated among policymakers, taxpayers, economists, and community stakeholders, many facilities serve as mission-ready, high-utility community hubs during public disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and other large-scale emergencies. This study investigates whether a connection exists between a venue’s disaster relief utility and the total public subsidy it receives post-disaster over a defined period of time. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the study aims to determine if high utility services create a perceived social credit that is reciprocated through financial support from local and state governments. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes secondary data available through FEMA and government funding records and primary qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with venue staff. The scope of the study is delimited to 26 major league venues across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, tracking data from 2001 to 2026 to ensure longitudinal consistency and regional relevance. The hypothesis is that the findings will establish a sustainable economic model for dual-purpose infrastructure with an evidence-based rationale to validate public investment through the lens of community service and long-term public value creation.
Disaster Relief Integration and Public Funding Allocation in Professional Sports Venues: A Comparative Analysis
Theoretical Proposal
There is a documented, ever-rising cost associated with the construction and maintenance of professional sport stadiums across the United States, especially in the southern states. While the public subsidies that support these stadiums remain highly debated among policymakers, taxpayers, economists, and community stakeholders, many facilities serve as mission-ready, high-utility community hubs during public disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and other large-scale emergencies. This study investigates whether a connection exists between a venue’s disaster relief utility and the total public subsidy it receives post-disaster over a defined period of time. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the study aims to determine if high utility services create a perceived social credit that is reciprocated through financial support from local and state governments. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes secondary data available through FEMA and government funding records and primary qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with venue staff. The scope of the study is delimited to 26 major league venues across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, tracking data from 2001 to 2026 to ensure longitudinal consistency and regional relevance. The hypothesis is that the findings will establish a sustainable economic model for dual-purpose infrastructure with an evidence-based rationale to validate public investment through the lens of community service and long-term public value creation.
