Abstract
Given that I'm interested in the relationship between sports, development, and urban economics, I choose to investigate if the building of NBA arenas had a substantial influence on urban population trends. The inspiration comes from seeing the good change that BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, brought about, which sparked infrastructural development, tourism, and economic activity, indicating that arenas may be used as instruments for urban renewal. However, the actual economic benefits of public subsidies for NBA facilities are frequently questioned in the United States. I use a t-statistic regression model to compare population trends before and after arena building in 30 NBA cities, drawing on literature that includes both macroeconomic studies and localized spillover analysis. Despite supporters' claims that arenas do not spur expansion, my results, which are backed by a p-value of 0.027, show a statistically significant rise in population after construction. This implies that U.S. NBA stadiums provide universal demographic benefits, in relation to Rwanda's BK Arena.
Advisor
Kruase, Brooke
Second Advisor
Abramo, Peter
Department
Interdepartmental
Recommended Citation
Balinda Ntwali, Dylan, "Assessing the Economic Impact of NBA Stadiums on Local Cities And Their Migration Patterns." (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11291.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11291
Disciplines
Economics
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Dylan Balinda Ntwali