Assessing the impact of mega sporting events on urban mobility in secondary cities: balancing the short-term demands with long-term needs

Abstract

Mega sporting events are large-scale urban interventions that draw millions of visitors and promote infrastructure development, with transportation being essential, as mobility systems are crucial to event operations and have long-term impacts on accessibility and sustainability. They represent both opportunities and difficulties for host cities, with match days stressing transit networks, causing overcrowding, accessibility issues, and environmental impacts. To manage these demands and comply with bid requirements, hosting cities typically use temporary measures, such as shuttle services and road closures, or implement long-term upgrades, such as metro expansions and pedestrian pathways. While major cities have been extensively analyzed, secondary cities face similar challenges with fewer resources but must still meet event standards. The study examines how secondary host cities develop transportation strategies for mega sporting events and whether these strategies support long-term urban mobility goals. Using a comparative case-study approach, the research analyzes Kansas City (U.S.), Monterrey (Mexico), Durban (South Africa), and Brisbane (Australia) through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with transportation-planning stakeholders. The findings show that governance structures significantly influence mobility outcomes. Cities like Brisbane with coordinated frameworks align event planning with long-term transport strategies, while Kansas City relies on short-term, fragmented coordination. Monterrey demonstrates solid planning but unclear implementation, and Durban's mega-event investments tend to exacerbate spatial inequalities. The research indicates mega-events do not inherently create lasting mobility changes; outcomes rely on governance continuity and alignment with transport systems. These insights are useful for Kansas City and future host cities aiming for sustainable urban mobility.