CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL STADIUM: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CHINA'S PPP IMPLEMENTATIONS IN MAJOR SPORTS FACILITIES

With Beijing's success in bidding for the 2008 Olympic Games, the increasing demand for infrastructure development and reduced public sector funding capacity has created a significant funding gap which calls for alternative project delivery methods such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Although the exploration of infrastructure projects using PPP model have been practiced since the late 80s, the $560 million National Stadium which served as the main venue for the Olympic Games is the first stadium project in China to be delivered under PPP operation. The project is generally considered successful despite the concession transfer in 2009 with concern of better serving the public interest. Compared to other infrastructure projects such as transportation, waste management and water management, the development of major sports facilities for mega-sports events with PPP has its own unique features and is subject to different major risks. This research identifies and analyzes critical risks in the implementation of PPP in major sports facility development through case study of the National Stadium project. A questionnaire survey and several interviews are conducted to solicit expert opinions from experienced practitioners. The purpose is to provide additional insights in risk management strategies and opportunities in China's PPP implementations in major sports facilities for policy makers and private sectors involved with investment decisions in future similar infrastructure development.