The Influence of Economic Factors in Urban Sports Facility Planning: A Study on Spanish Regions

Abstract

Sports infrastructure development signals a major economic development in regional and local areas. It has considered one of the main policies related to promoting public health, by various studies. However, economic factors also come into play in the design and location of sports facilities. Our research aims to examine whether the economic development in the regions in Spain helps promote sports infrastructure development, using a synthetic indicator. We also examine the potential relationships in the main economic indicators that determine the wealth and economic development of the regions. There is a significant relationship between the degree of economic development in each Spanish region and the level of sports infrastructure resources. Insufficient investment in sports infrastructure, leads to fewer opportunities for Physical Activity by the population. These results should serve to redirect building planning and sports management policies onto the right path, and also give food for thought.