The Minnesota Relocation Battle.

[NanuqoftheNorth]

I think JR's approach to building the stadium set the standard for others to follow.

Haven't heard if the Vikings have considered PSLs, suspect the visit to LA is primarily an attempt to tighten the screws on the good people of Minnesota.

I also remember studies concluding that much of the monies generated by sporting events tended to take funds away from other local forms of entertainment. Once they added in tax breaks and associated costs of providing public facilities for a privately held team it had questionable benefits for the community at large.

Definitely think having pro sports franchises helps the Chamber of Commerce and city leaders to attract new businesses and conventions though.

[rodeo]

Study after study is done on this... The public is lead to believe there is a benefit, but time and time again it is proven, there is very little to no benefit for the local economy.

..and yes, I overstated my thought, Government does need to be involved in some form, but not with public funds.

pete

I've driven to Charlotte twice to see Panthers games, and patronized local businesses, whereas without the Panthers I never would have stepped foot in that boring city.

Opposing fans and non-local fans flood into the city every year to see games. I think these studies that you forgot to link to are wrong or don't exist.

Rodeo

[NanuqoftheNorth]

I've driven to Charlotte twice to see Panthers games, and patronized local businesses, whereas without the Panthers I never would have stepped foot in that boring city.

Opposing fans and non-local fans flood into the city every year to see games. I think these studies that you forgot to link to are wrong or don't exist.

Rodeo

There are actually quite a few studies out there that support either side of the discussion.

Here is one of the studies that seems somewhat more balanced and makes an intriguing point:

"We should consider the net benefits to the community of alternative uses of the funds spent subsidizing sports facilities. Good policy means using the money where the net benefit is greatest, not simply where the net benefit is positive. That’s something state and local governments should keep in mind before pledging millions of dollars to fund the next new stadium project. And it’s something Congress should remember when evaluating the future of U.S. tax policy."

http://www.american.com/archive/2008/april-04-08/a-closer-look-at-stadium-subsidies

Regardless, Charlotte is a lot more entertaining on football Sundays now that the Panthers are in town.

[pstall]

look at it like this and im glad rodeo mentioned coming to the games. that is the true upside in the sense its NEW money coming into the city.

now, that # won't be as high as those that live here becaue of the redirection of funds i mentioned.

i prefer a totally private effort and if the city/county has to improve some infrastructure etc sure go for it. it becomes a top up funnel with proceeds that have a harder time working their way outward to make the impact.

im the same way with the arts etc. govt funds or creates the avenue for any private entity to come in and add what they want but keep the govt funds more towards crucial essentials, cops, fire, schools, hospitals.

yeah, i know arts and sports add to the quality of life. that isn't the argument. it's biggest bang for the taxpayers bucks is what im talking about. too many people will pay more for something they simply may never ever use or enjoy. that doesn't compute.

[Catweisers]

Got this email several months ago and thought was funny in some sad way but is Kolher stadium with retractable roof design.

[PiratePanther189]

I've driven to Charlotte twice to see Panthers games, and patronized local businesses, whereas without the Panthers I never would have stepped foot in that boring city.

Opposing fans and non-local fans flood into the city every year to see games. I think these studies that you forgot to link to are wrong or don't exist.

Rodeo

LOL, what crazy fun city do you live in? Charlotte is far from boring.

[Argus Plexus]

bring them to the carolinas. Wouldn't mind 2 nfl teams. Just put them in the AFC

Die