The impact of Large - Scale Events for Greek Medium Sized Cities development. The case studies of Thessaloniki, Patras and Ioannina and comparisons with the German experience

Abstract

In the world - wide contest developed, the prize of which is the chance to host a large scale event, Cities of Medium Size (CIMES) try to obtain a role and secure investments and development prospects. The main subject which is being questioned is whether and to what extent a medium size city has the ability to host and exploit a large-scale event. Initially, the main special characteristics of CIMES are going to be presented as well as the general impacts of large-scale events. Further research will be based on three case studies from Greece. Thessaloniki and Patras were designated to be the European Capital of Culture for the years of 1997 and 2006 respectively and Ioannina has repeatedly organised smaller events such as the international rowing games. Moreover, the peripheral effects caused by Athens 2004 Olympic Games to these cities will be explored. The main issues raised are the impact on spatial planning, infrastructure development and city image. More pecifically, the research will focus on the policy applied, the main projects and infrastructure facilities developed both in order to host the events and to improve city’s services and on how these interventions change the economic function and everyday life of the city. In this attempt, examples from German cities’ experience will be used.In the world - wide contest developed, the prize of which is the chance to host a large scale event, Cities of Medium Size (CIMES) try to obtain a role and secure investments and development prospects. The main subject which is being questioned is whether and to what extent a medium size city has the ability to host and exploit a large-scale event. Initially, the main special characteristics of CIMES are going to be presented as well as the general impacts of large-scale events. Further research will be based on three case studies from Greece. Thessaloniki and Patras were designated to be the European Capital of Culture for the years of 1997 and 2006 respectively and Ioannina has repeatedly organised smaller events such as the international rowing games. Moreover, the peripheral effects caused by Athens 2004 Olympic Games to these cities will be explored. The main issues raised are the impact on spatial planning, infrastructure development and city image. More pecifically, the research will focus on the policy applied, the main projects and infrastructure facilities developed both in order to host the events and to improve city’s services and on how these interventions change the economic function and everyday life of the city. In this attempt, examples from German cities’ experience will be used.