Public Perception of Intangible Benefits and Costs in the Valuation of Mega Sports Events: The Case of Euro 2012 in Poland

This article estimates the intangible benefits and costs of Euro 2012 in Poland. Using the contingent valuation method (CVM), a study was conducted among residents of all four host regions of the event and one nonhost region. This provided the basis for determining the net intangible benefit arising from Poland's hosting of the European football championships (Euro 2012), which was estimated at 5.3 billion PLN2012. The aggregate values were then compared with the country's actual expenditures on sports facilities. The obtained results undermine the use of financing based entirely on public funds.