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Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11
Saying you won't support a tax-payer funded arena because the Suns aren't playing well is ridiculous. It'd be one thing if the team wasn't spending money and trying to win, but we all know they are. It's a difficult business. A new arena and practice facilities I would argue could actually help in recruiting top-tier free agents.
Ideally I'd like to see some sort of public/private partnership with additional commercial and residential development as part of the deal.
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That argument is the same old tired song and dance that started the "public funded" craze back in the late 80's/early 90's. my primary criticism here is that owners put too much of the onus on the public to foot the bill. and we DON'T get a competitive product for the most part. Coyotes. One really good season in 20? Suns. One good playoff run (sort of) since 2006? Cardinals are the only exception and we're still only talking 3 winning seasons in 25+. Owners and players reap most of the rewards and should foot a commensurate amount of the bill.
We all know there's an economic life for most entertainment venues before substantial renovations are needed and, ultimately, replacement. that's not the issue. the issue is the absurd demand that "we build it for them or they leave". why doesn't the NFL put away some of their substantial cash flow each year toward a stadium renewal/building program? Ditto the others? oh that's right...because we culturally worship sports now and they don't have to. The net gain to the public is absolutely less than an equal investment in just about anything else i bet.
I like sports as much as the next guy but we gotta stop drinking the kool aid. if a team is threatening to leave because the taxpayer won't step up, let them. they probably aren't very good anyway. and eventually another team will move into the 15 largest TV market in the country anyway...
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