OT (kinda): Detroit, Red Wings to get new hockey arena

[YogiStewart]

This is OT, but the discussion of publicly-funded arenas for ANY sport is applicable.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/sto ... litch.html

Keep in mind that the City of Detroit is on the verge of declaring bankruptcy and is defaulting on a $2.5 billoon loan. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/06/15/em ... b-it-owes/

Also keep in mind that Detroit's population is declining. and that its downtown is a burned out shell.


so...should taxpayers' money go towards pro sports?

[Mohanad]

This is great news for Detroit, I think you have the wrong idea about Detroit these days, what you're describing is no longer the case downtown, there are new condos and buildings being built with a younger generation choosing to live downtown as opposed to the suburbs and that's driving business right now. A new building in the downtown core will only help, Detroit like the big 3 auto companies in the states is making a comeback. And the arena is being paid mainly by private funds, not to mention it's 32 years old. Illitich wanted this to happen for the longest time and everyone knew it was coming. He's the best owner is sports, always wants to win and not afraid to spend big when it matters.

[Mohanad]

Developers and supporters of that legislation said it will create upward of 8,300 new construction jobs and pump $1 billion into Michigan's economy. Opponents counter that funding a private stadium with taxpayer dollars shouldn't be a priority, especially when that money was otherwise going to the School Aid Fund.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/sto ... litch.html

[YogiStewart]

This is great news for Detroit, I think you have the wrong idea about Detroit these days, what you're describing is no longer the case downtown, there are new condos and buildings being built with a younger generation choosing to live downtown as opposed to the suburbs and that's driving business right now. A new building in the downtown core will only help, Detroit like the big 3 auto companies in the states is making a comeback. And the arena is being paid mainly by private funds, not to mention it's 32 years old. Illitich wanted this to happen for the longest time and everyone knew it was coming. He's the best owner is sports, always wants to win and not afraid to spend big when it matters.

there are a # of studies that show that publicly-funded arenas do not contribute to a city's economy. but then again, look at Winnipeg. the jets have helped vitalize downtown. the new buildings aren't (overly) gov't funded.

[ansoncarter]

only thing that can save Detroit is poppy fields. And the time to act is now, there is a huge void to be filled since Afghanistan got arrested

[FlutieX]

Nothing can save Detroit. The city has been declining ever since the race riots of 1967. Turn that **** into farm land and feed some people already.

[C_Money]

I've always wondered how many of those Red Wing fans come from Windsor? All of them?

[dTox]

GM has reported one of its biggest profits since the start of the 08 recession, that should also help boost the city's economy.

[Kevin Willis]

Detroit Red Wings is a wonderfully run franchise and they're deserving of a new building. I hope the best for them and hopefully it can bring in more visitors to the city and more corporations are willing to invest in the surrounding area.

[True_Shooting]

Nothing can save Detroit. The city has been declining ever since the race riots of 1967. Turn that **** into farm land and feed some people already.

shut up

[YogiStewart]

Detroit Red Wings is a wonderfully run franchise and they're deserving of a new building. I hope the best for them and hopefully it can bring in more visitors to the city and more corporations are willing to invest in the surrounding area.

for most cities, i'd say you are incorrect. for example, do the Maple Leafs really bring in value/revenue to Toronto? same with the Flames or Oilers? likely not.

the Red Wings probably bring in free money from Windsor. is it enough to justify spending a few hundred million in taxpayers' money, though? likely not

[J-Roc]

I've always wondered how many of those Red Wing fans come from Windsor? All of them?

Windsor fans are Leaf fans.

The Passion that Unites Us All.

[Kevin Willis]

Well all arenas bring in money to the surrounding area. The strike showed how area business struggled and people were let go. But enough to make a big difference probably not. Still it might help for the short term, not like current spending is making a difference.

[Spacing]

I disagree that taxpayer money should fund billion dollar corporations so they can continue to make record profits while offering the customer $10 beer and $200 nosebleed tickets.

[Spacing]

Well all arenas bring in money to the surrounding area. The strike showed how area business struggled and people were let go. But enough to make a big difference probably not. Still it might help for the short term, not like current spending is making a difference.

Local businesses don't benefit from an arena but they do benefit from the team. People going to bars, etc. The strike had zero effect on the the situation at hand, which is should tax payers pay for billion dollar corporations arenas?

Arena staff are not full time staff, most are seasonal employees or part timers who get no benefits and work for mostly the minimum wage.

[KobeDwightPau]

Its great, finally they will have normal boards.

[KobeDwightPau]

I've always wondered how many of those Red Wing fans come from Windsor? All of them?

Windsor fans are Leaf fans.

The Passion that Unites Us All.

WRONG. This windsor fan is a detroit fan. Detroits taking the east and the cup next year boy

[J-Roc]

I've always wondered how many of those Red Wing fans come from Windsor? All of them?

Windsor fans are Leaf fans.

The Passion that Unites Us All.

WRONG. This windsor fan is a detroit fan. Detroits taking the east and the cup next year boy

Can't wait for some Norris Division action. haha