Borrowing Heritage - Authenticity and the Stadium Tour

What is it about?

Behind-the-scenes tours at sports venues have become tourist attractions, with many sports venues boasting a globally recognizable history and heritage. However, what about tours of venues that are not old or particularly famous? Do they still use history and heritage? This study examines tours of the Bank of America Stadium, an NFL venue in Charlotte, North Carolina, and finds that the tours borrow heritage from other, more well-established venues in order to boost the venue's authenticity.

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Why is it important?

Because of the global broadcast of sporting events, a team's heritage - including its home venue - can be one of its selling points. Stadium tours have helped organizations to show pride in their heritage and venue, as well as market team products. Not all teams and venues are globally famous, so some teams must borrow heritage from other places to establish their venue as a site worth visiting. The idea of "borrowed heritage" is new and provides a platform for understanding heritage tourism.