well, I can answer some of those questions.
The Battle of Giants Norway is so successful that they're having a second one this year. Not sure how I'll record that at musclememory yet. When Sami won the first one in 2007, the prize money was
1. US $12000
2. 7000
3. 5000
4. 3000
5. 2000
6. 1000
What difference does it make what percentage came from sponsors? Or the cost of the hotel?
My contention all along has been that it should be possible to put on an event and not lose money based solely on the ticket gate. The IFBB promoters try to make things into to big of a weekend. Rent a theater and the crew to run it. Rent hotel rooms for the athletes and judges. Advertise, especially locally. Rent out a banner or two. Forget about everything else.
getbig's ibfasport should be able to tell us more about the logistics of the Rome show, as he's involved with the event.
The fact that it's being put on for second year dont mean squat....the PDI had a second year as well.
What difference does it make? ALL. If the money being put out is from someones pocket, then taking a substancial loss for a year or two will take its toll, and the very reason you dont see shows for a 3rd or 4th time...if the money is sponsor driven, then its certainly more likely that a show can be around for a while while it gains momentum...this of course, is subject to the turnout/ gate...as sponsors also need to see a return for their dollar. A sparcly attended event will shy companies from coming back, as there is no ROI.
This answers your next comment as to if contests are based "soley" on the gate...they're not..IF there are enough sponsors to cover the up front costs.
I like how you so candidly explain it out...rent out a hall, pay for the rooms...etc, etc...sure, and pay the sanction fee and put up the prize moey, and pay for the awards, and pay the help, and pay the union fees, etc.
If it were that easy, or that profitable....there would be a lot more shows/ promoters.