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Elspode · 03-26-2006, 11:32 AM

We're in a serious public brouhaha here in KC over an upcoming tax increase vote which is designed to fund complete overhaul of Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium (our side-by-side dedicated facilities collectively known as the Truman Sports Complex). Part of the deal is a rolling roof which will be able to cover either, but not both, facilities. It is a feature that was originally planned when TSC was built in the early 70's, but scrapped when construction costs were higher than planned (yes, that happened even in the 70's).

I find it interesting that a private enterprise has the balls to put together such a massively hi-tech entertainment site, but people here in KC are bitching about "corporate welfare" because the teams are demanding facilities that are on a par with other cities. In my mind, this ultimately isn't anything to do with corporate welfare...it is about public entertainment, much the same as this water park. A goodly chunk of the eventual taxes paid will come from purchases of tickets, parking, concessions and souvenirs at the improved facilities. The sales tax increase in question is rather small to begin with, and the investment in public pride and stature is enormous.

In any case, it seems to be an interesting and well-conceived plan.

Amazing how I got all of that sort of thought process out of an indoor pool, huh?

03-26-2006, 11:32 AM	#3
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	We're in a serious public brouhaha here in KC over an upcoming tax increase vote which is designed to fund complete overhaul of Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium (our side-by-side dedicated facilities collectively known as the Truman Sports Complex). Part of the deal is a rolling roof which will be able to cover either, but not both, facilities. It is a feature that was originally planned when TSC was built in the early 70's, but scrapped when construction costs were higher than planned (yes, that happened even in the 70's). I find it interesting that a private enterprise has the balls to put together such a massively hi-tech entertainment site, but people here in KC are bitching about "corporate welfare" because the teams are demanding facilities that are on a par with other cities. In my mind, this ultimately isn't anything to do with corporate welfare...it is about public entertainment, much the same as this water park. A goodly chunk of the eventual taxes paid will come from purchases of tickets, parking, concessions and souvenirs at the improved facilities. The sales tax increase in question is rather small to begin with, and the investment in public pride and stature is enormous. In any case, it seems to be an interesting and well-conceived plan. Amazing how I got all of that sort of thought process out of an indoor pool, huh? __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog Last edited by Elspode; 03-26-2006 at 11:35 AM.