Municipal Perspectives on Collaboration in Regional Sport Event Hosting: A Case Study of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games

Abstract

Increasingly, sport event bids indicate that multiple jurisdictions within a given region will collaborate on hosting efforts, so that they can share the risks, leveraging opportunities, and benefits of hosting. However, such hosting arrangements are complex and involve many stakeholders, including municipal departments. In this case study, we examine the perspectives of municipal actors involved in a regional approach to hosting the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. Framed with concepts of collaboration and organizational capacity, we used social network analysis and semi-structured interviews to collect data. Our findings include a sociogram as well as a discussion of: (1) buying in to a regional approach; (2) addressing variability in size, scope, and capacity across municipalities; (3) networking and communication among municipalities; and (4) assessing the regional hosting approach. Through this case study, we contribute a nuanced understanding of municipal actors’ perspectives and experiences of collaboration in the regional hosting process.