Mega-Events and Sectoral Employment: The Case of the 1996 Olympic Games

Using the data of the 1996 Olympic Games, this paper analyzes the economic impact of a mega-sporting event. Earlier studies are extended in several ways. First, monthly rather than quarterly data are employed. Second, the impact is analyzed for 16 different sectors. Third, we use a nonparametric approach to flexibly isolate employment effects. Hardly any evidence for a persistent shift in the aftermath of or the preparation for the Olympic Games is supported. We find significant positive employment effects exclusively during the Olympic Games. These short-term effects are concentrated in the sectors of "retail trade,""accommodation and food services," and "arts, entertainment, and recreation".