The impact of recurring non-mega sport events on residents’ support intention

Purpose This study aims to address a gap regarding the positive and negative social impacts of recurring non-mega sport events perceived by local residents. It seeks to deepen understanding of how these events contribute to community support or resistance. The current study emphasizes the moderating role of community identity and sport participation. In doing so, it hopes to offer insightful information on local communities’ reactions and provide useful suggestions for policymakers and event planners to improve community support and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted among 592 local residents of Rongjiang County, China. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effect of perceived social impacts on event support intention. Multi-group analysis was used to explore the moderating roles of community identity and sport participation. Findings The results suggest that residents’ perceived positive social impacts positively affect their event support intentions. Conversely, negative impacts hinder residents’ support intentions. Community identity and sport participation positively moderate the effect of positive impacts, but it neither moderates the effect of negative impacts on support intentions. Originality/value By originally developing social disruption theory to examine the negative social impacts of events and validating the applicability of social exchange theory and self-determination theory to the context of event research, the current research provides new insights into the social impacts of events on local communities. It emphasizes the need for a strategic, community-focused approach to managing recurring non-mega sport events.