Contribution of 2010 World Cup To Local Businesses Term Paper

Contribution of 2010 World Cup To Local Businesses - Term Paper Example The main area of consideration in this review is the impact on local businesses. There are several expenses incurred during preparation and several benefits result from the events according to Maennig & Zimbalist (2012). The first article by Andrew Carlson discusses the heavy spending during the stadia construction. The government spent several million for the stadia at the expense of local projects. The tournament attracted investment from foreign companies and local companies were excluded from participating at the event. The big companies benefited from the constructions and FIFA partnerships. The second article discusses the marginalization and injustices experienced by informal traders. They were driven out of the cities and the municipality authorities increased the licensing fee. This locked out several traders from benefiting from the event. Some of their goods were confiscated by the authorities and some traders were arrested. Workers in the construction companies were also underpaid. The third article focuses on the benefits brought about by the link between the beachfront and the stadium in Durban. These infrastructural developments brought both positive and negative effects on local businesses in Durban. The transport business was improved, and there were short term job opportunities. Negative effects such as criminal activities were also attributed to the tournament. From: Carlson, A. (2010). A Theoretical Analysis of South African Identity and Audience for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Preamble, 6, 1-18 Carlson discusses the impact of the world cup on the country’s identity. The world cup was a historic event that would change the image of the country and continent in the global economy. The world cup is defined as a mega event that has both long term effects, both positive and negative. The government hoped to alleviate poverty levels and boost its economic development agenda. The expected economic windfall was more compelling for the country t o host the tournament as suggested by Matheson and Baade (2004). Carlson examines the identity and negotiation in the postmodern era. Some of the impacts were increased tourism, improvement of infrastructure, and short-term business growth. Infrastructure improvement and job creation occurred at the expense of local projects and finances. The aim was to improve the national pride and unity. The country was required to construct stadiums that met the FIFA standards. This meant constructing new stadia instead of renovating the existing stadia in the country. In Cape Town, the government had to forego the smaller and accessible Athlone stadium and construct a larger Green Point stadium. Athlone is the home to Ajax football club. It is located on the Cape Flats, which would increase accessibility for local fans. The Green Point stadium was more expensive than Athlone upgrades. This construction cost was borne by the local municipality and the government. However, Green Point provided a better view of the ocean and Table Mountain. This construction was aimed at enhancing the World Cup value instead of contributing to the development of the local area according to Alegi (2007). Several companies were given contracts for the construction work. These companies benefitted from millions of rand set aside for the stadia projects.