Research on Race Event Funding

[TomFun]

Hi all,

I'm doing some research on the public opinion about sporting events and their relation to the tax payer. Was in the news not too long ago that Northamptonshire County Council is owed tens of millions by Silverstone, and also Northampton Town FC. Also, with the questions risen about the sustainability of Silverstone hosting the Grand Prix, whether it will be able to pay the Council back at all.

Basically one very simple, open question and a bit of an explanation is all I'm asking. Any comments, or discussion, more than welcome.

Question is simply, should the taxpayer fund events like the British Grand Prix, as it has done with the Olympics. If so, should it be to it's current extent, should it be more so like in places like China or Bahrain where it is heavily funded by the state in order to promote the countries, tourism etc. or should it be funded privately, by sponsorship, ticket sales etc.

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Any and all opinions welcome. Thank you