Examining the effect of social legacies on support for a formula one sport mega event

Purpose In spite of the reported importance of social legacies, research has yet to measure their individual impact on residents’ attitude towards hosting a sport event. This study sought to determine how a more inclusive list of social legacies influences residents’ overall attitude towards hosting a sport event and political legacy. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey as its method, this study sought to redress the research gap by measuring the influence of six social legacies on residents’ overall attitude towards a Formula One (F1) event. Findings The results indicated that residents’ overall attitude towards the event was influenced by perceptions of civic pride, entertainment, social inclusion and the event’s negative impacts. Secondly, the more positive the overall attitude towards the event, the greater the intention to vote for a political party that supports it. Research limitations/implications An important academic contribution stemming from this study was the way in which it measured the social legacies. One limitation relates to differences between the sample and the population it was intended to represent. Practical implications The results suggested that by emphasising the benefit yielded by entertainment, civic pride and social integration and seeking to minimise the event’s negative impacts it is far more likely to garner the support of local residents. Originality/value The study found that the influence of residents’ overall attitude on their voting intentions is moderated by their level of event involvement. As event involvement increases, the propensity to vote in favour of a political party that supports the event.