Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2023

DOI

10.25776/5tg4-ep18

Publication Title

The State of the Region: Hampton Roads 2023

Pages

144-153

Abstract

Hampton Roads can learn from the experience of other cities and states. If there is a strong business case for a sports stadium, sports park, or entertainment venue, then investors should be able to tap into financial markets. In this chapter, we examine the arguments surrounding public investments in highly visible facilities. We pose questions that should be asked when considering such investments and explore the potential opportunity costs of these projects. We offer a cautionary tale that such projects are sold as transformative but often fail to generate the promised benefits, not only for taxpayers but also for the cities and regions in question.

Share

COinS