Speakers
Description
Not only that the 2020 European Football Championship was organised in several major European cities, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was postponed and finally organised in diverse covid-regulated environments. Among the host cities, Budapest was among the few to host the allocated four matches with limited restrictions. The present research aimed to examine impacts of EURO2020 perceived by inhabitants of Budapest along perceptions connected to economic, social, environmental and tourism dimensions. Data collection was conducted on a representative sample of Budapest residents (N=1003, aged 18+) considering gender, age and place of residence through telephone enquiry over a 5-day period prior to the event. The developed questionnaire integrated surveys from previous research applying considerations for national character. Socio-demographic background, involvement in sport, status of quality of life and attitude to pandemic period was also measured. In contrast to the intensive national and international public debate connected to the event we found that over half of the population either planned to be present in person at the stadium or in fun-zones, to follow matches through television in pubs or from home. As expected, attitudes expressed were influenced by age, education, and sport participation of respondents. Relation to sport in general indicated more positive perceptions about hosting the event, which was reinforced by love of football; gender differences were fading, but still noticeable. The majority of residents were positive on overall impacts; those interested in football were less influenced by the pandemic situation in Europe. The representative sample of local residents allows more opportunities for interpretation of results.
