Impact of a Sports Stadium on a Neighborhood

Sports stadiums are incredibly influential structures in a city. Cities have recognized the value and status that comes with hosting a major league team and are willing to commit to the extended stadium development process. While governments and developers stress the positive economic impacts of stadiums, there is evidence that stadiums create little to no positive impact on neighborhoods. While there is a major emphasis on economic development during the construction and development process, residents of these neighborhoods experience negative social impacts. These stadiums cause major shifts in community identity and potentially catalyze gentrification in their host neighborhoods. The potential economic success is spotlighted in the decision-making process while preparing and planning for social impacts are not prioritized. Through my quantitative and qualitative analysis of National’s Park in Washington, D.C., I analyze the economic and social impact of this Major League Baseball stadium on the Navy Yard neighborhood. Through this case study, we can observe the priorities cities and governments make during the stadium development process and how these decisions can severely impact the livelihood and experience of original/longtime residents