Re: sports socialism and hockey?
I'm not sure socialism is the right word here, nor if one definition fits all. Cities building stadiums for billionaire owners would be reverse socialism (or neo-conservatism ). Some of these "deals" are ridiculous. Didn't Baltimore and Cleveland shell out like 300-400M for 8 home games a year? Likewise Hartford was going to shell out 1Bn for the Pats and guarantee a sellout for the next 30 years if they moved. Insane.
But bring it down to a college hockey scale. BU built Agganis Arena to the surprise of all of us alums because the admin was anti-sports. However, as they fill the place with concerts and special events (and naming rights for the complex) it makes a lot more sense. Especially since the area was missing a mid sized arena to hold events that were too small for the Garden but too large for the various theatres around town. The Carrier Dome may have a similar function. I guess my question is if the state put up the dough, do they get some of the proceeds? They could do it to revitalize the area I suppose but I'd be a little suspect about that.
I'm not sure socialism is the right word here, nor if one definition fits all. Cities building stadiums for billionaire owners would be reverse socialism (or neo-conservatism ). Some of these "deals" are ridiculous. Didn't Baltimore and Cleveland shell out like 300-400M for 8 home games a year? Likewise Hartford was going to shell out 1Bn for the Pats and guarantee a sellout for the next 30 years if they moved. Insane.
But bring it down to a college hockey scale. BU built Agganis Arena to the surprise of all of us alums because the admin was anti-sports. However, as they fill the place with concerts and special events (and naming rights for the complex) it makes a lot more sense. Especially since the area was missing a mid sized arena to hold events that were too small for the Garden but too large for the various theatres around town. The Carrier Dome may have a similar function. I guess my question is if the state put up the dough, do they get some of the proceeds? They could do it to revitalize the area I suppose but I'd be a little suspect about that.
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