Month: October 2011

Sport isn’t simply entertainment, it’s a serious business with global repercussions in many cases. Governments around the world are well aware of the impact that sport plays in distracting, amusing or aggravating their populations but most of all – they’re aware that supporting sports which their demographic is skilled at is a must for winning over votes.   With this in mind, governments and sporting bodies (like FIFA or the NBA) pour hundreds of millions of dollars into promoting events, building stadiums and paying exorbitant salaries to players. Still, despite all this the investment is undeniably worth it. Sport gives nations a constructive (usually) outlet for their competitive urges against other countries and helps to promote a feeling of nationalism. Sometimes it may seem to go a little far though, as with the costs behind the following trophies.   Super Bowl Trophy – $50,000 An impressive $50,000 is spent every year to create a new Super Bowl trophy, since the item is permanently taken home by the winning team after having their roster engraved on it. The trophy is made from sterling-silver by Tiffany and Co. It’s nearly two feet tall and is shaped like a kick-ready football with the words “Vince Lombardi Trophy” and the NFL shield engraved onto the base. Estimates say that the item takes 72 hours to complete.   The Stanley Cup – Approximately $650,000 (due...