January 12, 2005
S.D., Indy plans get slim thumbs-up
Two more data points for the argument that if you want public money for your stadium, don't call it "taxes":
- Asked whether the city of Indianapolis should use revenues from legalized slot machines to pay for 90% of a new Colts stadium, 52% of Indiana residents said yes, as against 42% opposed. Asked about using sales, property and income taxes for the same project, respondents were strongly opposed, 71%-24%.
- San Diego County residents are narrowly (47-41%) in support of the Chargers' plan to build a $400 million stadium with private money in exchange for getting 60 acres of free land from the city.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that both teams were winners this year, each winning a division championship. The Chargers hope to hold a referendum on their plan in November of next year; it's not yet clear if the Colts plan will need to be approved by voters.
The Chargers' proposal is a good plan. San Diego is broke. Our City doesn't have any money, so they contribute the land and the team builds a new stadium that the City will own. The poll represents changing attitudes towards the Chargers since the got rid of the ticket guarantee. More people will be in favor of their proposal if they win more games next year.
Posted by Dan Cruz on January 14, 2005 06:17 PM
This deal stinks for SD.
1) The land the city would "contribute" has been valued at 100$ million dollars.
2) The team already has a perfectly functional stadium, that hosted a Super Bowl in 2003. If the stadium can host the Super Bowl, it can certainly pass muster for the Chargers regular season.
3) Seating capacity is likely to be lower in the new stadium. Thus, new fans in SD who want to experience Charger football may be completely locked out.
4) This will not keep the team in SD permanantly. Nothing will prevent the team from holding the city hostage once again when some new stadium fad comes along. A 20 year lease
5) Player salaries are fixed in the NFL; no team needs a new stadium to compete!!
This poll is very disappointing. Hopefully the residents of SD wake up and smell the rat in their kitchen before he eats their cheese!!
Posted by Stadium McGee on February 1, 2005 03:46 PM