Privately financed, but publicly named?
Some things could only happen in San Francisco. Pac Bell stadium is a shining example of privately financed sports stadiums. Unlike
most other stadiums around the country, the taxpayers of San Francisco and CA did not shell out one penny for Pac Bell stadium. No tax breaks, no land subsidies, nothing. Yet Pac Bell Stadium has been incredibly successful - it's profitable and has revitalized the surrounding area.
Particularly in this hyper-liberal city, with so many urban issues, the additional funds available for legitimate concerns such as homelessness, public schools, and other city services are critical. The city should be patting itself on the back for not succumbing to the blackmail of the professional sports leagues and owners.
Instead, the Board of Supervisors is suggesting that the park should not be renamed SBC Park (SBC acquired Pacific Bell a few years back), but instead
should be renamed 'Mays Field at SBC Park'. Matt Gonzales commented, "Increasingly, it's become commonplace that people think arenas should be named for corporations..."
Well funny, that Matt - they paid for it, and they think they should be able to name it. San Francisco voters made the right decision not to pay for the park. The city is better for it. But this means that the Board of Supervisors has no right to suggest a new name. And anyway, aren't there more important matters for the Board of Supervisors to think about?
Posted by Stephen Bronstein at January 27, 2004 08:41 AM