New sports hall for the region? Analysis examines the need
- 21.02.2025
- Practical Project
This image was generated using AI to show the vision for a new sports hall in the region: a modern, multifunctional space for sports and community, supported by innovative technology.
How great is the need for a new sports hall in Kufstein and the surrounding communities? A current needs and acceptance analysis by the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is getting to the bottom of this question. The focus is on clubs, athletes and the population – their opinions are incorporated directly into the study.
The demand for modern sports facilities is growing: existing halls are often overstretched, changing rooms and storage space are in short supply, and specialized sports facilities are lacking. In light of this, a group of students from the part-time Master's program in Sports, Culture & Event Management is conducting a comprehensive analysis as part of a practical project. The study is being carried out on behalf of the Sportunion Kufstein and will determine how and to what extent a new sports hall in Kufstein, Ebbs, Langkampfen, Kirchbichl, Kiefersfelden, Oberaudorf and Thiersee could be used.
A special focus is on the needs of local sports clubs that want to expand their offerings, for example in the area of health training for older generations. But topics such as location, accessibility, financial aspects and sustainability also play a central role. The analysis takes into account both indoor and outdoor sports, so that all sports clubs in Kufstein and the surrounding communities are included, without prioritizing special groups.
COMBINING QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
The analysis is based on two central data collection methods:
- Focus group interviews with representatives of sports clubs, coaches and other relevant stakeholders
- Quantitative survey of the population and club members to determine usage scenarios, acceptance and willingness to pay
The sports hall is to be designed as a classic multipurpose hall, without special surfaces for certain types of sport. The planned usage remains purely for sports, although external usage is still being discussed. Financing models, such as through subsidies, are currently being examined. Sustainability is also a focus: the hall should be as energy-efficient as possible and usable around the clock. The location of the hall has not yet been definitively determined, but there are already two potential proposals. The survey will not directly address the preferences of the population regarding the location, but will focus on how important the aspect of accessibility is for the respondents.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The analysis will run until mid-2025, after which the results will be presented – possibly at a press conference at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. A decision on whether to pursue the project is expected by the end of 2025, with construction planned to begin in 2028.
The research team consists of students Nadja Baumgartner, Marie-Theres Gurschler, Tatjana Hoffmann, Viktoria Jöchl and Timea Somogyi, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Claudia Stura. The study makes an important contribution to the future of the region's sports infrastructure.
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This article was written by students on the part-time Master's program in Sports, Culture & Event Management as part of their practical project.
