Then again there are stadia like Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, which has not only the Patriots but many concerts and other events. Owner Robert Kraft has expanded into retail/
restaurant establishments (Patriot Place). Now it is a possible site for a casino but the townspeople are very
divided and may not go for it. I’d like to think that
the stadium helps the economy of the town and area.
The New England Revolution soccer team plays there too (but may get their own stadium).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Place
>>Patriot Place is an open-air shopping center located in Foxborough, Massachusetts built around Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. Phase 1 opened in fall 2007, which included the construction of a small strip mall containing Bass Pro Shops, Staples, Christmas Tree Shops, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Circuit City (now closed). Phase 2, built on the site of Schaefer Stadium, includes a 4-star hotel, and the opening of the stores in the mall portion, such as Red Robin and a Hollister Co.. It is also home to one of the first locations for Showcase Cinemas’ Cinema de Lux brand.
The mall, and Gillette Stadium, are owned by The Kraft Group.
That's good. It is privately owned, though. I have no beef whatsoever with privately-funded stadiums. I still have my doubts about their ultimate economic impact on the regional economy, because entertainment businesses don't create wealth, they transfer it from one person to another.
That's not a criticism at all, we need and want entertainment and are willing to pay for it. Retail does create some wealth though in an area of stable population, it will just take business from somewhere else.
My real complaint is with publicly-financed sports venues that are sold to taxpayers as economic generators. I just don't see how they can be.