August 21, 200422 yr In light of the Marlins possibly getting a partially publically financed stadium, I was wondering how some of you view this taking into account your own views on governmental spending in general. I know some critisize spending on social programs as either be a bad solution or being unecessary at all. This isnt a loaded question either. Id like to get people's views on this. Ive been critisized by my no sports friends when I get excited about the Marlins getting financings as they say that money should go elsewhere. Which, in light of my political views, is hard to respond to. I for one doubt the argument that these stadiums do a lot economics wise.
August 21, 200422 yr Wow. Stadiums are huge investments, but if planned properly there are no boundaries to what can come from them. Civic pride and economic impact being the two biggest positives. Not only sporting events, but concerts, expos, etc. can take place there. The surrounding hotels and businesses get a boost from a stadium, and during big events even surrounding cities will be boosted economically. Stadiums are great and can be counted as a 'social program' if you ask me. Plus, people in the community can even make a profit by buying revenue bonds from the local government. It's a win/win situation if the stadium is planned properly.
August 22, 200422 yr The Marlins will effectively be part owned by the City and County. If the team is sold, both the City and County make a profit, so everybody wins. Green Bay owns the Packers.
August 22, 200422 yr Well I know the city is somewhat helping build that silly Performing Arts Center. 90% of Miami's residents will never go to that thing, but anyone can go to a ballgame.
August 22, 200422 yr Author A retrospective analysis isnt usually the problem though. Of course if the investment turns out fine then it was worth it but if it isnt, then it wasnt. Im asking whether cities and counties should take those risks in the first place. The argument could be made that anything, if planned correctly, is a good investment. But whether something is planned correctly is again, usually in issue of hindsight. As far as the effect goes, I wonder how true it really is and how much of it is simple theory that could be aligned properly. I know economists write about how the effect of a sports stadium economically is simply overrated. Do you guys know of any studies that back up the argument? I for one just dont agree with the argument that it boosts city growth. You could make the same argument for publically financing any private enterprise. The only reason sports gets away with it is because we are all so into it. And as far as the Performing Arts Center goes, Im amazed that you would call it silly. You cant consider Miami to be a forward moving city if it backtracks on the arts. Like furman and juanky, Im simply not sure how I feel. I love the Marlins and want them to be a competitve financially viable team. If any team needs a stadium, clearly its the Marlins. But we are all wearing rose colored glasses too.
August 22, 200422 yr Author In addition, Im wondering how this comports with some of your political views.
August 22, 200422 yr Building the Stadium with government funds is fine with me...I will enjoy that stadium to the fullest...I dont care where the money comes from weather it is privately financed or publicly financed, and a new stadium definately rejuvenates an area, and an area that could use some revitalization is Little Havana
August 22, 200422 yr Author and a new stadium definately rejuvenates an area I dont think that necessarily true. The White Sox built US Cellular on the south side of Chicago and I wouldnt say it has rejuvinated that neighborhood.
August 22, 200422 yr Dade County and the City will profit from this. Dade County will have a facility to attract things like an NCAA Final Four and the City will see the Orange Bowl's value increase and get events like soccer tourneys there for good.
August 23, 200422 yr and a new stadium definately rejuvenates an area I dont think that necessarily true. The White Sox built US Cellular on the south side of Chicago and I wouldnt say it has rejuvinated that neighborhood. 521993[/snapback] Actually it has, at least in the Bridgeport area (the immediate area around the ballpark). But your point is well taken, a new stadium doesn't make the area great. Detroit has built a football and baseball stadium downtown the last few years, and downtown Detroit still is as bad an area as there is in this country.
August 24, 200422 yr Author Its an interesting area to judge because, and correct me if Im wrong, but the whole downtown revitilazition is really moving south. There is a lot of gentrification going on so its hard to say the stadium itself is having the effect. My GF lives in Bridgeport on S. Wells and we went to a game at night once. When I asked her if we could just walk tehre or take the train, she laughed at me and said we were getting a ride. Of course thats not indicitive of anything but my impressions were formed by it. Also, Im assuming your a Chicago native then? I LOVE what Chicago has done with the Musuem area, Grant Park, and Millenium Park. During the summer its a fantastic place to take the family and visit. Ive been told my life long Chicago people that that area used to be railyards and pretty unpleasent until the city improved it. They did a great job. My point being, Id like to see Miami do the same which they seem to be trying to do with their waterfront area, though I may be wrong. I wonder if thats a better approach than stadiums since everyone can enjoy it.
August 24, 200422 yr Actually it isnt really moving south. Along US-1 theres revitilizaiton projects going as far north as 79th St. The biscayne bay area around 62st which has of late been somewhat of a slum is now moving up with the creation of new hotels on the bay, new restaurants, including a starbucks. I think miami is doing a lot with its image and a baseball only complex in downtown defintely will boost the economy and the neighborhood, includign that the residents around the stadium will charge for parking in front of their homes and can also start small businesses on the side as vendors around the stadium area. My politics almost want to disagree with the marlins stadium, but as a marlin fan im torn. I dont believe tax money should be used to help businesses on the other hand my solace is that the stadium will be an eocnomic boost to miami, to the area, and much of this money can be used by city to perform much needed renovations and such
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