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A lot of professional teams tend to use other cities they may move to as leverage in getting a stadium built.
I know in Minnesota, I've seen the taxpayers subsidize a college football stadium and an mlb stadium (Hennepin County). Now the Vikings want a new stadium subsidized.
I know that the Tampa Rays are trying to get a new stadium.
Pittsburgh was at risk of losing an NHL team until the Penguins got a new NHL rink.
Lots more of cities out there...
I've never believed in big government especially when subsidizing wealthy owners stadiums. But I do believe that government can and probably should step in if there is economic benefit that justifies the cost.
So, I am curious:
Fundamentally, should cities or states subsidize sports stadiums or not?
Is there an economic benefit that outweighs the cost? I've seen studies that argue both sides although I have always believed the cost isn't justified. Than again, you have: jersey sales, ticket sales which will trickle down. You have bars and resturants which probably benefit on game days for sports. You have rich players (in professional sports) that probably spend a lot due to high incomes and have higher taxes (since most professional players make good salaries). Service jobs at stadiums...
You also have an emotional benefit since it is usually fun to watch the team/s play (unless they are a toilet bowl franchise).
In this day and time, i'd seriously consider tossing out of office any official that mentions using tax dollars to subsidize a sporting facility. When times are good, it may be a worthy consideration. But, as you said, many studies have been done showing that it's not always a good investment. Accordingly, I don't think it's a risk worth taking in these dire economic times.
Similar I think to a government bail-out. Those sports teams ought to be able to afford a new stadium if their situation requires it. They are a business just like every other. Taking the Twins example in particular, the threat they made to move if the city didn't buy them a new stadium was ridiculous. On the other hand, if other cities were duped into building them one, it would then be a business decision. I blame the players union for causing salaries for playing a game to reach the levels that they have. If payrolls weren't so high, teams could afford to build new venues and keep ticket prices lower.
Similar I think to a government bail-out. Those sports teams ought to be able to afford a new stadium if their situation requires it. They are a business just like every other. Taking the Twins example in particular, the threat they made to move if the city didn't buy them a new stadium was ridiculous. On the other hand, if other cities were duped into building them one, it would then be a business decision. I blame the players union for causing salaries for playing a game to reach the levels that they have. If payrolls weren't so high, teams could afford to build new venues and keep ticket prices lower.
Easy to agree, very incredible how money always finds a way to "beg"
Similar I think to a government bail-out. Those sports teams ought to be able to afford a new stadium if their situation requires it. They are a business just like every other. Taking the Twins example in particular, the threat they made to move if the city didn't buy them a new stadium was ridiculous. On the other hand, if other cities were duped into building them one, it would then be a business decision. I blame the players union for causing salaries for playing a game to reach the levels that they have. If payrolls weren't so high, teams could afford to build new venues and keep ticket prices lower.
It's a joint effort between the county ($300m) and the Pohlad family ($200m). The richest owners in baseball btw...I thought that would make you fell better
The stadium alone created 500 jobs. Not to mention the surrounding businesses. It was a good investment.
It's a joint effort between the county ($300m) and the Pohlad family ($200m). The richest owners in baseball btw...I thought that would make you fell better
The stadium alone created 500 jobs. Not to mention the surrounding businesses. It was a good investment.
The argument isn't whether it helps the economy. Of course it does. You have the contruction jobs as you mentioned. You have service jobs at Target Field. You have jersey sales etc.
The real argument is: will all this come to 300 million over the 30 year life of stadiums? Is it JUSTIFIED. I don't know.
I know fundamentally, I have a big problem with owners getting money unless it helps Hennepin County OVERALL.
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