More Than a Game: Why Boston Should Say Yes to Major Sporting Events

Large sporting events draw massive crowds and, depending on the event, can generate significant revenue for host cities.

Hotels fill up. Restaurants have waitlists. Local businesses often see record profits.

But do host cities really reap the financial rewards? What about the investment in infrastructure? The risk of “white elephant” venues sitting abandoned? Traffic in already congested areas? Increased security demands and heightened safety concerns? And perhaps most importantly—how does this disruption affect daily life for residents? 

The decision is not an easy one. Cities are often divided as they weigh the advantages and disadvantages of hosting these events.

But if you ask me—bring it on. 

Major sporting events offer more than just economic impact. They bring visibility, civic pride, and a renewed sense of energy and excitement to a city.

Consider the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches in Foxborough: seven games, with tickets selling quickly. 

The New York Times recently reported that Foxborough is projected to receive approximately $2.4 million in direct revenue from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including more than $1.5 million from ticket tax.  

The tangible benefits are clear. The intangibles, however, are immeasurable. 

The next time your city is considered for a major sporting event, let’s not just ask what it costs—let’s ask what it creates. Pride, energy, and a shared experience that brings us together. Let’s be the kind of city that says yes.

Let’s also remember, hosting sporting events is not just filling seats in large stadiums (which is great) but it also means filling our restaurant tables, selling out our hotel rooms, and creating amazing opportunities for our local shops and businesses to attract new revenue.  

 
Boston is already a role model – we have a winning attitude about everything – our teams, our schools, and our people. We can set the standard for others to follow!  “How did Boston do it?” or “I heard Boston really nailed it!”  

Boston won’t just host – we will lead. We can define how events should be experienced. Boston is a city that supports businesses, welcomes visitors, and comes together to be more than a host, we are the model. 

Students and community members will step up to volunteer. Visitors will book planes, trains, and automobiles to get to Boston. The region will buzz with excitement, and global sport events and the culture of our city will be on full display. 

As one government official from a visiting city noted, “Thousands of people are flying to the United States –  Boston - to watch the games.”’  We will have the chance to showcase Boston not just to visitors but to every single Boston resident.  

Let’s be the city that sets the standard. And let’s be the city that always makes us proud.