Quote:
Originally Posted by Berklon
It's been proven time and time again that arenas/stadiums offer very little boost to the local economy. I've heard anecdotal evidence many many times, and in those same cities it's been disproved. I've also seen report after report spinning it in the best possible light - it's a lie.
I guess "this time it's different" for Edmonton - which is what I hear every time a new arena/stadium is built.
It's amazing how people fall for the same con they've seen someone else fell for. I guess it's too easy to learn that lesson from other cities so they have to learn it for themselves.
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Living in Edmonton I can only say that "This time is very different". Lots of cities have undertaken similar arena developments with the hope that the arena will spur on surrounding developments. Took a number of years for LA Live to reach its full potential. Other cities got nothing to show for it. In Edmonton, I only need to look out my window from midway up the MNP tower to see the brand new Edmonton tower and the Stantec and Marriot towers reaching for the sky and the residential tower slowly reaching grade not far behind.
I agree with sentiments of others here who have said that the attitude has changed in terms of dining out before and after the events at Roger's Place. I can see that every time I leave my office on game nights and walk by all the packed bars and restaurants.
There will always be an argument of just how much incremental change has happened but I think there has been a somewhat substantial change toward the plus side of the argument.