There have been a number of studies on the rationality of using tax dollars to create sports stadia. I don't know of any that indicate that it is a winning proposition for anyone but the team owners.
That is why the Houston Astros recruited the vice president's son to be there front man. I believe that was Bush's only successful business venture, since it depended upon influence and connections rather than business sense. Seth Sandronsky wrote:
What of the private/public funding for sports venues as a factor increasing the capital invested in pro sports? Consider this. The well-heeled owners of the Sacramento Kings are angling via "the executive committee" for tax dollars to build a new arena <http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/14278700p-15087496c.html>.
-- Michael Perelman Economics Department California State University michael at ecst.csuchico.edu Chico, CA 95929 530-898-5321 fax 530-898-5901
