Sports complex location selection for traditional games

The simultaneous consideration of various economic, social, and environmental factors in determining the proper location for constructing a sports complex for traditional games is crucial to the continuation of such events. To achieve this goal, we begin by identifying relevant criteria through a comprehensive literature review and interviews with experts, including faculty members, executive professionals from sports departments, and board members of a municipality. Subsequently, we assess the significance of inter-city (optimal city selection) and intra-city (optimal geographic area identification) criteria in two distinct stages. These assessments are based on experts' opinions, collect via an online questionnaire developed in alignment with the Best Worst Method (BWM). In an effort to assess the desirability of the cities under consideration, we apply piecewise linear preference functions (PLPFs) to determine the ranges in which each of the items achieve their best score. Also, the best area for constructing a sports complex is selected using the geographical information system (GIS). The results of this research confirm that social factors are more important than economic and environmental ones in the evaluation phase of the candidates and PLPFs produce different results vis- à-vis the existing linear methods. The framework presented offers decision-makers a comprehensive overview of the considerations involved in selecting suitable locations for sustainable sports complexes. Notably, it specifically delineates the criteria essential for the location selection of sports complexes dedicated to traditional games. Furthermore, the proposed methodology can be regarded as an expert-based solution applicable to a range of challenges in sports complex location selection.