Friday, February 8, 2008

Who should foot the bill for any new stadium built in the Albuquerque area?

Governor Richardson's office recently announced the appointment of Brian O'Neill as executive director for the New Mexico Sports Authority. "I am charging Brian with developing a proposal for a multipurpose arena in Bernilillo County," Richardson said.
My immediate response to that was, "Who will pay for it, if it is built, the citizenry of the state?"
In Pittsburgh a few years ago the powers that be built two new stadiums – one for the Pirates and the other for the Steelers. Guess who paid for them? When they tore down the "old" Three Rivers Stadium they still owed $45 million on it!
WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD FOOT THE BILL FOR A STADIUM, IF IT IS BUILT, IN THE ALBUQUERQUE AREA?