Aurthur Blank is at it again. He is making noise about wanting a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons to play in. And to that extent, I have no issue with it...
But he seems to think it is the responsibility of the taxpayers to pick up the tab. Why? What responsibility do the taxpayers have to fund the business locations for private businesses? The Falcons are arguing that the need more luxury suites in order to increase revenue... Ok.
The State of Georgia will only barely be at the end of paying for the Georgia Dome when Blank wants another one... 2015.
But that doesn't matter... What matters is that there shouldn't even be a question. If the Falcons want a new stadium, make a business case for it, go out and get the money... and BUILD IT. But don't get the money from taxpayers, get the money yourselves.
- Lower pay for the players...
- Raise prices for the fans...
- Charge more for TV rights...
- Renovate the current stadium... but pay for it yourselves.
Has Road Atlanta or Atlanta Motor Speedway taken hundreds of millions of dollars from the state to build new facilities? No... Even though there are more tickets sold for TWO weekends at AMS than for a season of Falcons football. Road Atlanta hosts 320,000+ fans each year... One could certainly make a case that they have a significant economic impact on Hampton and Braselton, GA.
Sports teams don't have a right to taxpayer money... They are business franchises, and as such should be responsible for their own venues... Just like ANY other business.
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