NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was asked about the Atlanta Falcons’ stadium drive yesterday, and said exactly what you’d expect him to:
“Well, I think there’s a recognition that they do need a new stadium,” Goddell said before the Falcons played the Cowboys at the Georgia Dome. “The question is, how do you do something that makes sense for the community and how do you combine that with what they want to do with the (World) Congress Center? And do it in a way that’s responsible and creates more activity. That’s what the discussion is on both sides.”
And also:
“It’s important for the team to have a [new] stadium when you’re competing against other markets when a [new] stadium can generate more revenue,” Goddell said.
More revenue that would have to be spent on paying off the stadium, of course, which is why Falcons owner Arthur Blank asking for maybe $580 million in public money for the project. Shorter Roger Goodell: FALCONS WILL MAKE MORE MONEY IF THEY SPEND YOURS.
I guess the undefeated Falcons aren’t competing “well” enough???
What happened in the last 3 years that $300 million spent on renovations that were completed in 2009 weren’t enough to generate more revenue on a stadium that opened in 1992? Even those that argue subsidies of stadiums is for the “public good” have to wonder when this madness will stop.
Sometimes one has to wonder if these kind of deals are promoted so places like Pittsburgh can say, “See, we’re not going to hose you for a billion dollars, at least… just a mere $36 million.”