Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix and the City

Abstract

There is a strong relationship between sport event image and destination image as implied in previous studies (Kaplanidou, 2007; Lee et al., 2005; Xing & Chalip, 2006). This paper aims to identify urban elements of a host destination that boost participant experience of a sport event, contributing to sport event tourism.The five key elements of the city are adopted to study how the Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix (F1SSGP) circuit’s urban elements have accentuated Singapore’s city image. Urban analysis of previous F1SSGP participants’ experiences gave rise to five urban elements by which people perceive the event: “access”; “facility”; “telegenic hotspots”; “other events”; and “setting”. Positive correlation between city image and urban elements of the street circuit is found. Findings provide basis upon which to further urban studies on how outdoor sport events develop tourism the industry.