Hosting mega events: Londoners' support of the 2012 Olympics

Mega-event successes depend considerably on the host community's support, even if their planning and development allows little input from local residents. This study examines the use of a structural model to access key factors of residents' perceptions for the 2012 London Olympics. The findings reveal that community support is influenced by perceptions of positive and negative impacts, and of community participation. They also indicate the importance of the Olympics' perceived positive and negative impacts, whilst the willingness of support is directly and indirectly connected with the community's participation in decision making. Moreover, the study presents the effect of perceived impacts and community participation on local support through the use of a model. Finally, it discusses theoretical and managerial aspects for mega-event planning and development.