ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SPORTS EVENTS IN RIO MAIOR

On January 22, 2025, the study "Economic Impact of Sports Events" was presented, which analyzed the matches played by Casa Pia Atlético Clube football during the 2023/2024 season at the Municipal Stadium of Rio Maior.

The event was attended by representatives from the four partner institutions of the project:

• Rio Maior City Council, represented by the Mayor, Eng. Filipe Santana Dias;
• Desmor, represented by the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Miguel Pacheco;
• Rio Maior Higher School of Sport, represented by the Director, Professor Dr. Nuno Pimenta, and Professor Dr. Alfredo Silva, who presented the study;
• Casa Pia Atlético Clube, represented by the CEO, Dr. Tiago Lopes.

The study analyzed the direct economic impact generated by the 17 matches of the professional competition "Liga Portugal 1 – Betclic," held in Rio Maior between September 2023 and May 2024. The results emphasize the relevance of sports events in driving the local economy, reinforcing the role of sports as a vector for economic and social development for the municipality.

The research involved the administration of questionnaires to 1,097 spectators, using an analytical model adapted from the "EventIMPACTS" project (UKSport, 2013). Data was collected before the start of the matches at the Municipal Stadium of Rio Maior, with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%, ensuring solid conclusions about the economic effects of the events.

The total estimated direct economic impact was €667,435.58, with an average of €39,260.92 per match. Non-resident visitors played a key role, with the following sectors standing out:

• Meals and beverages: €354,117.95 (53.1% of the total);
• Fuel: €213,667.17 (32%);
• Shopping: €61,438.53 (9.2%);
• Accommodation: €24,040.11 (3.6%).

Additionally, it was found that 77.4% of non-resident spectators made some type of expenditure in Rio Maior, with an average spending of €22.45 per person. It is also worth noting that 53% of spectators were from outside the municipality of Rio Maior, reinforcing the role of these events in attracting visitors and promoting the local economy.

The results highlight that sports events can be effective tools for boosting the local economy, generating tangible benefits for multiple sectors. This study reaffirms Rio Maior's commitment to leveraging sports as a driver of economic and social growth, establishing itself as an example of best practices in organizing sports events.

Rio Maior, January 22, 2024