Sport Facility Operations Management: A Global Perspective

by Eric C. Schwarz, Timothy Kellison, Jay B. Martyn, Stacey A. Hall, Simon Shibli

Overview

Now in a fully revised and updated fourth edition, Sport Facility Operations Management goes beyond the basic theories of sport facility management to examine the practical realities connecting facilities, people, and technology.

An essential textbook for any sport facilities course, it introduces the fundamentals of facility management and presents cutting-edge, evidence-based perspectives that show the reader how to become a more effective practitioner and deliver better results for their organization. Every chapter includes in-depth case studies to illustrate best practice, as well as ‘Technology Now,’ ‘Facility Focus,’ and ‘In the Field’ features to highlight key points. This new edition includes expanded coverage of important themes in contemporary sport facilities operations management, including cybersecurity, the use of AI, data analytics, sustainability, and the politics of event bidding and facility financing, as well as a brand-new chapter on how to build and develop a career in sport facilities management.

This book is an invaluable course text for sport management educators and students, especially those studying facility management. It is also useful reading for industry professionals working in sport facility management, from grassroots and community complexes to global mega stadiums and arenas.

Ancillary materials accompanying this book include PowerPoint presentations for each chapter; multiple-choice and essay questions; online appendices with diagrams, schematics, manuals, and forms; a glossary; and a sample master syllabus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040684689
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/23/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	444
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Eric C. Schwarz recently retired as a Senior Lecturer and the Postgraduate Chair of Sport Business and Integrity at Victoria University, Australia.

Timothy Kellison is an Associate Professor of Sport Management at Florida State University, USA.

Jay B. Martyn is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at the University of Denver, USA.

Stacey A. Hall is a Professor of Sport Management and Executive Director at The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), University of Southern Mississippi, USA.

Simon Shibli is a Professor of Sport Management at Loughborough University, UK.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Acknowledgments, dedications, epigraphs xiii

About the authors xv

Prologue 1

1 Introduction to sport facility operations management 3

Section 1 Pre-Management and Pre-Operational Issues 11

2 Ownership structures 13

3 Financing sport facilities 31

4 Planning, design, and construction processes 51

Section 2 Implementation of Management and Operational Strategies 65

5 Organizational management 67

6 Human resource management 83

7 Financial management 103

8 Operations management 123

9 Legal concerns for owners and managers 143

Section 3 Ancillary Issues in Management and Operations 153

10 Facility marketing management 155

11 Event planning in facility management 171

12 Risk assessment in facility management 181

13 Security planning for facility management 197

Section 4 Effectiveness of Management and Operations 217

14 Performance management and benchmarking 219

Glossary 243

Further reading 259

Index 273

Editorial Reviews

‘A comprehensive, international overview and survey of best perspectives and practices in the increasingly important field of stadium operations. The authors blend theory with extensive examples and case studies to illustrate how today's sport facility operations manager can best maintain security and manage risk in spectator environments; plan and administer large-scale sporting events; and operationalize decision-making, marketing, and human resources practices unique to sports facilities. The strength of this book lies in its international scope … Recommended. Lower and upper-division undergraduates; two year programs; professionals.’ - J. Newman, CHOICE magazine.

From the Publisher