Models and analysis of stadium and commercial space integration: a case study from China

Stadiums that are solely used for athletic competitions can lead to a desolate post-event environment and the waste of resources. However, China still lacks systematic research on the integration models of and paths between stadiums and commercial spaces. This study identified models of stadium and commercial space integration, analyzed the associated factors, and proposed a development framework. The research methods included literature review, case data collection, pattern induction and expert interviews. By analyzing 58 cases, this study summarized eight models for stadium–commercial space integration; analyzed the correlation between different models and development types, land use environments, and business configurations; and conducted in-depth analysis of two cases. The findings indicate that an open mindset during the development stage can promote the emergence of new models, utilizing the land environment during the design stage can improve stadium utilization rate, and a multi-business configuration during the operation stage can promote the formation of urban vitality. A development framework is proposed, which emphasizes the collaboration of all stakeholders to optimize every step of the decision-making, construction and operation processes. These findings contribute to identifying development directions for stadiums in China and provide practical methods for the transformation of stadiums into dynamic urban complexes.