Aurthur Blank is at it again. He is making noise about wanting a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons to play in. And to that extent, I have no issue with it...
But he seems to think it is the responsibility of the taxpayers to pick up the tab. Why? What responsibility do the taxpayers have to fund the business locations for private businesses? The Falcons are arguing that the need more luxury suites in order to increase revenue... Ok.
The State of Georgia will only barely be at the end of paying for the Georgia Dome when Blank wants another one... 2015.
But that doesn't matter... What matters is that there shouldn't even be a question. If the Falcons want a new stadium, make a business case for it, go out and get the money... and BUILD IT. But don't get the money from taxpayers, get the money yourselves.
- Lower pay for the players...
- Raise prices for the fans...
- Charge more for TV rights...
- Renovate the current stadium... but pay for it yourselves.
Has Road Atlanta or Atlanta Motor Speedway taken hundreds of millions of dollars from the state to build new facilities? No... Even though there are more tickets sold for TWO weekends at AMS than for a season of Falcons football. Road Atlanta hosts 320,000+ fans each year... One could certainly make a case that they have a significant economic impact on Hampton and Braselton, GA.
Sports teams don't have a right to taxpayer money... They are business franchises, and as such should be responsible for their own venues... Just like ANY other business.
Lane,
I suppose Arthur is trying to keep up with the Jones's he is envious of the cowboys so he
must keep up.
Lane,
Quite well said. With ticket prices, parking, and food concessions at a game being what they are (not to mention TV and licensing revenues), seems like he (and the other owners) could build a new stadium if that was their priority. :)
Steve
There really is no good reason the publc should pick up the tag for such things. That is especially true in today's economy.
We have been going through this in Seattle. The public twice voted against using tax payer money to replace the King Dome. Regardless the Legislature here and then governor decided to use taxpayer money to build the Mariners Stadium. The Seahawks built a new stadium shortly afterwards.
Good for you....get er done. I would agree. Do like the Cowboys did and then you can do what you want and charge who you want because of owning it.
Lane,
I ma with you on this matter. If the public pays for anything it needs to be a multi-purpose facility that profits the public in direct tangible ways (like rent). So often these deals are financially vague and are boondoggles for the owners.
I think pro sports are in trouble. baseball playoffs on TNT? World Series in November if anyone is watching? A looming NFL strike? When the collapse comes they will whine and ask for bailouts. Sports will always go on and I enjoy my NFL, but I do not need to pay for this crap. If they fail there are other things to do. I watch my kids play baseball and go to minor league games. I have not been to a major league came in 5 or 6 years.
John - I'd like to keep up with the guys in NASCAR. Will Aurthur pay for it for me? ;^ )
Thanks everyone... BTW, I like racetracks, but I don't think governments should pay for those either.
Speak it, Lane!!! BTW: I'm not quite sure how you weren't an "associate" of mine on Active Rain but I just added you ;-)
Thanks Tara. I knew I was an associate of yours before... now it's formal.