"billionaires using public funds to construct a private playground for the rich and powerful."

[Rabrrrrrr]

That's professional sports for you.

Great line from the Simpsons a while ago.

[flvegan]

1. At least they let us pay to watch them.

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Yes, at least they have the common courtesy, after demanding we pay for it, to make us pay to use it

It's only proper.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Kicking because I think it's bullshit when a wealthy person demands the public pay for a toy

and sports stadiums are just that.

If the public pays to build a stadium for a pro team, then the tickets should be free.

If you sports fucking garbage want money, then build your own goddamn places of business, like Target and McDonalds do.

Goddamned evil immoral fucking filth.

[WCGreen]

6. And they get anti-trust protection as well...

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. That's right! That makes even more bullshit!

[redqueen]

8. They won't though...

they'll just move somewhere where they can get the public to share the cost.

The selling point is they talk about all the business brought in by people going to see the games, who will spend money and increase tax revenues, create jobs, etc.

If someone could prove that's all crap, then you could use that proof to dissuade other cities from participating in the scheme... but until then, there's always another municipality who's willing to pay to get a big sports stadium in their town.

[Rabrrrrrr]

9. Just because people are willing to buy snake oil doesn't mean the snake oil salesman isn't a shitbag

[redqueen]

10. Didn't mean to imply that that wasn't the case.

Just saying they won't build their own stuff till that changes... I agree that they should.

[nickgutierrez]

4. It used to be called professional sports.

Now, it's called Dubai.

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. While that makes no sense whatsoever to anyone with a brain,

I appreciate your courage in exposing your most vulnerable self.

[Blue_Tires]

11. the city and community do get a little back...

most cities, if they are smart in the negotiations, get a big chunk if not all of the parking and food/beer cash, among other things....