Quantifying the Impact of Sports Stadiums on Urban Morphology: The Case of Jiangwan Stadium, Shanghai

Sports stadiums significantly influence urban morphology; however, empirical quantification of these effects remains limited. This study quantitatively examines the spatiotemporal relationship between sports architecture and urban functional evolution using Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai—China’s first Western-style sports facility—as a case study. Employing Point of Interest (POI) data, ArcGIS spatial analyses, chi-square tests, and linear regression-based predictive modeling, we illustrate how the stadium has catalyzed urban regeneration and functional diversification over nearly a century. Our findings demonstrate a transition from sparse distributions to concentrated commercial and service clusters within a 1000 m radius around the stadium, notably in food and beverage, shopping, finance, insurance, and transportation sectors, significantly boosting local economic vitality. The area achieved peak functional diversity in 2016, showcasing a balanced integration of residential, commercial, and service activities. This research provides actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers on leveraging sports facilities to foster sustainable urban regeneration.