Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2026
Description
This study sets to determine whether the performance of Chicago’s “Big Four” sports teams correlates with changes in crime rates. While some short-term patterns were observed, particularly increases in minor offenses during and after major sporting events, the overall findings suggest that sports performance is not a primary driver of crime trends in the city. My hypothesis is partially supported. While civic pride and public gatherings may influence behavior temporarily, broader structural factors such as economic conditions, policing strategies, and demographic changes play a far more significant role in shaping crime rates.
