Artificial Ice explores how hockey has moved from popular pastime to commercial entertainment product, and one struggling to maintain its stature in the North American entertainment market. Contributors to Artificial Ice discuss the changing character of "major league" sports in North America, the strategic mistakes of the NHL in trying to enlarge its US presence, the importance of television to the economics of sports today, and the role of luxury sports facilities in the new "downtown" economy. The book highlights profound social and cultural changes within hockey, as well...

Since the turn of the twenty first century, there has been a trend for urban "mega events" to be awarded to cities and nations in the East and Global South. Such events have been viewed as economic stimulant as well as opportunities to promote national identity, gain greater international recognition and exercise a form of 'soft power.' However, there has also been on-going controversy about the value, impact and legacy of global mega events in these cities and nations.

This book provides a critical examination of the ambition for spectacle that has emerged across the East and...