It's not just the CA building costs, mind you. The Giants pulled it off in one of the most hostile political arenas possible. It's, like you said, Oakland is an armpit -- and they don't care. The Giants rule the roost and a step child team operating in a shithole does not have any leverage -- for anything.
Always enjoy your take, the popcorn is winding up to be fun with this one. The A's can do it. Step one is always to ask for handouts. The A's could become a powerhouse franchise in LV with a great stadium, hopefully some investors come in to make it happen mostly privately. I'd love to go see them there!
Mostly agree. Most corp subsidies, but especially sports stadiums, are a scam on taxpayers. And unfortunately the pols fall for these games all too frequently. Scott Walker got hoodwinked by both the Bucks and Foxconn. But there are examples of nice municipal owned/financed stadiums. Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Pirates come to mind off the top of my head. The ATL cost was >$1b.
IMO Kaegi's assessment doesn't seem out of line - the assessment was approx the price paid for the site. In any case, it's a cost of a few million $ for a few years on a $5b project which seems pretty much peanuts. It's good the team is putting up its own $. Will be interesting to see how much of a draw an amusement park in Arlington Heights is. But I agree with you, I'd move to IN before either Arlington Heights or Naperville.
Great perspective Mr Carter! The Bears need to get off the government teat!
It's not just the CA building costs, mind you. The Giants pulled it off in one of the most hostile political arenas possible. It's, like you said, Oakland is an armpit -- and they don't care. The Giants rule the roost and a step child team operating in a shithole does not have any leverage -- for anything.
Always enjoy your take, the popcorn is winding up to be fun with this one. The A's can do it. Step one is always to ask for handouts. The A's could become a powerhouse franchise in LV with a great stadium, hopefully some investors come in to make it happen mostly privately. I'd love to go see them there!
Mostly agree. Most corp subsidies, but especially sports stadiums, are a scam on taxpayers. And unfortunately the pols fall for these games all too frequently. Scott Walker got hoodwinked by both the Bucks and Foxconn. But there are examples of nice municipal owned/financed stadiums. Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Pirates come to mind off the top of my head. The ATL cost was >$1b.
IMO Kaegi's assessment doesn't seem out of line - the assessment was approx the price paid for the site. In any case, it's a cost of a few million $ for a few years on a $5b project which seems pretty much peanuts. It's good the team is putting up its own $. Will be interesting to see how much of a draw an amusement park in Arlington Heights is. But I agree with you, I'd move to IN before either Arlington Heights or Naperville.