Urban infrastructure supporting motor sport event: potentials, problems, and limitations of Saensuk municipality, Chonburi province
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Abstract
Sports tourism serves as a crucial mechanism for driving urban economies and enhancing city image. This research aims to examine the relationship between motorsport activities and urban infrastructure through the case study of the Bangsaen Street Circuit or Bangsaen Grand Prix at Saensuk Municipality, Chonburi Province. The circuit hosts an international street racing event that integrates sporting activities with public spaces in a coastal urban area. The research objectives include: (1) investigating the existing conditions of blue, grey, and green infrastructure in supporting motorsport activities, (2) analyzing the potential and challenges of utilizing each infrastructure type, and (3) proposing improvement guidelines for infrastructure to ensure sustainability.
The research employs a qualitative methodology through in-depth interviews with four stakeholder groups: local government agencies, event organizers, racing participants, and local tourism entrepreneurs. The findings reveal that grey infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, has been adequately improved to accommodate the event, though limitations remain in traffic management and community impacts. Green infrastructure functions as a buffer for noise and pollution while enhancing the city's tourism image, yet lacks a sustainable restoration system. Blue infrastructure, particularly Bangsaen Beach, reinforces the event's unique identity and tourism value but requires pollution control measures and post-event restoration protocols. Key recommendations include developing an integrated urban infrastructure master plan that allows flexible adaptation for special events, implementing digital technology in urban management, and promoting community participation to achieve sustainable development as a sport city.
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