[mattpoulsen]

But in that calculation you should also deduct all the taxes that we have not had to pay due to the revenue generated by the Qwest Center. Not to mention the jobs produced by it and the increase in jobs produced by peripherally associated entities.

Large things like this are financed because as a whole they benefit the community. Sure, if you just look at one balance sheet it appears as though its a loss in terms of tax payer dollars but there are so many other benefits that are not accounted for explicitly on the tax rolls its not really fair to claim it as a burden on tax payers. Think of the tax revenue that is generated with one sold out concert. Food, hotels, entertainment and etc. for 20,000+. After a while those things start to add up.

Its kind of like saying a road system is a burden on tax payers without taking into account the massive amount of revenue generated because of those roads.

I for one am very happy with the Qwest center and I support its continued upkeep.

[Raphael07]

I agree with Matt, and the Qwest Center also generates national attention and could be a factor in people moving here, it also helped create the entire North Downtown and Riverfront districts.