The current study intends to evaluate the link between the affects observed by citizens on athletic events, the perception of their contribution to municipalities' sustainable development, and support for their celebration. A total of 2049 inhabitants from the Valencian Community's three provincial capitals (Spain) took part in this study, which used a stratified random sample with proportionate allocation. The causal association model fit well, with RMSEA = 0.044, NNFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.95, and IFI = 0.95. The study's findings demonstrate that residents' perceptions of the positive and negative impacts caused by sporting events in their communities are an antecedent that explains how these events contribute to sustainable urban development. A positive relationship between perceived sustainable development and support for the hosting of sport events in these localities was also found. These results highlight the need to promote sustainable management development of any sporting event to increase local support from the residents.
Keywords: Residents' perceptions; Social impact; Sporting event; Sustainable development; Sustainable development goals.
© 2023 The Authors.