Students analyze demand for sports hall in Kufstein

The Kufstein region faces the challenge of meeting the growing demand for modern sports facilities. Existing halls are often overloaded, changing rooms and storage space are scarce, and specialized sports facilities are lacking.

A team of students from the part-time master's degree program in Sports, Culture & Event Management therefore conducted an in-depth needs analysis until July 2025. They evaluated 198 completed questionnaires and organized five focus groups to identify the wishes, priorities, and usage ideas of the population in the Kufstein area.

Lara Singer, Philipp Mayer, Fabia Trinkl, Sarah Hofstätter, and Sophie Thurnher worked under the supervision of Prof. (FH) Dr. Claudia Stura on behalf of Sportunion Kufstein. The study combined quantitative online surveys with qualitative group discussions, allowing both figures and personal assessments to be taken into account.

The surveys and interviews that served as the basis for the study had previously been developed by another group of students in an earlier practical project.

Two methods, one goal: a reliable basis for decision-making

Between April and June 2025, the students used two methods to assess the need for a new sports hall: an online survey and five focus group discussions with representatives of various sports clubs, functions, and age groups.

The online survey started on April 10, 2025, and reached the target group via posters, emails, social media, and on-site surveys at the Koasa Meeting in the Grenzlandstadion. Of the 377 responses, 198 were complete; 179 participants dropped out prematurely, partly because they were minors. All data was collected anonymously.

With the help of focus groups, the students analyzed the figures obtained and moderated the focus groups on the premises of the FH Kufstein Tirol, documenting the lively discussions. The students evaluated the focus groups using MAXQDA, a software program that systematically analyzes qualitative data such as interviews or group discussions and reveals patterns, themes, and connections. They provided valuable insights into needs, expectations, and challenges. The students then prepared and analyzed the material to supplement the survey results.

Project progress and challenges

The students promoted the online survey in a variety of ways. They put up posters in sports clubs and educational institutions in the Kufstein area, sent emails to clubs, and used social media and WhatsApp groups. They also conducted additional surveys at a local athletics event. Towards the end of the project, it became more difficult to recruit participants, which was a particular challenge given the limited time available during the semester.

The survey, which was originally scheduled to close on May 30, 2025, was therefore extended until the end of June. Of the 200 complete responses targeted, 198 were achieved, a result that is assessed as very solid. The evaluation of the data is still in its final phase. The focus groups also showed that the organization and invitation of participants required careful planning. 

The results so far show that there is a need for a new sports hall in Kufstein. The team is looking forward to completing the project soon and presenting the municipalities with a reliable, practical result that actively supports the implementation of the project.

Links:

• Sports, Culture & Event Management | ptM
• Sportunion Kufstein | Website
• Bedarf für Sporthalle in Kufstein? | News