The Value of Public Goods Generated by a Major League Sports Team: The CVM Approach

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Peter Groothuis Ph.D., Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: This article reports an application of the contingent valuation method to measure the value of public goods generated by a professional sports team, the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. The data and analysis indicate that a major league sports team can produce widely consumed public goods such as civic pride and community spirit and that the value of those public goods may be substantial. However, in the case of the Penguins, the value of the public goods is far less than the cost of building a new arena. Although the analysis of public goods generated by other teams in other cities might lead to different results, the results of this article call into question the widespread practice of government funding of sports stadiums and arenas because it appears that the costs borne by taxpayers exceed the benefits received.

Additional Information

Publication
Johnson, B.K., Groothuis, P.A., and Whitehead, J.C. (2001), The Value of Public Goods Generated by a Major League Sports Team: The CVM Approach. Journal of Sports Economics, 2(1): 6-21 (Feb 2001). Published by SAGE. doi:10.1177/152700250100200102
Language: English
Date: 2001

Email this document to