[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

In addition to the sea-chickens that stadium is also used by the
Washington state cougars, The seattle sounders, various supercross and monster truck events, home construction expos, trade shows, concerts, etc
How much revenue is generated by all those people who attend all those events?
How many people work at those events, earning money and paying taxes?

People who go to those events also buy gas at the local station, buy food at the local restuarants, etc.
Tourism is a cash cow.
They spend money and that revenue promotes the economy as well as generates tax revenue, which offsets some if not all the cost to the city of that stadium.
People who work at those events also earn money which they spend and contribute to the economy and city coffers.
in many cases building a new sporting facility can also spur a wave of urban renewal, turning blighted downtown into a yuppy paradise complete with townhomes, yuppy cafes, starbux, etc (which is not necesasarily a good thing).

I wouldn't be surprised if there is some occasional corruption where the gumbint O'fficials brother-in-laws get their pockets lined and I vote against such a deal whenever I get the chance, but it isn't as one-sided as it seems on the surface.

if all the numbers were broke down and analyzed it's probably a win-win.

Wichita built a new arena as part of their downtown rejuvenation, it was paid for by a $0.05 sales tax that was in effect for three years and voted on by taxpayers. I suspect most stadiums are the same, the average city council doesn't have the clout to build a stadium against the wishes of the taxpayers and stay in office. People that complain about how public money pays for sports stadiums are too stupid and lazy to do their homework. It's really a great deal, as the tourism economic impact is HUGE relative to the stadium cost. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, gas, there are numerous positive impacts.