economic impact of pro sports

Another day, another stadium debate, or so it seems. Here in Minnesota, the Vikings’ plea for a public financed stadium to replace the ol’ Mall of America field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome seemingly dates back to the days of Leif Erikson.

And now the Timberwolves, playing in perhaps the worst arena in the NBA, are wanting a renovation of their own. It won’t be long until the Twins are asking for a new stadium so they can afford to pay all of their overpriced injured players.

Suffice it to say, the people of Minnesota have tired of all the stadium rhetoric. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Minnesota sports teams have been so brutal lately. But that’s a story for another day.

The question I’m interested in is how much sense it makes for taxpayers to foot (at least part of) the bill for a pro sports team’s stadium.