Discussion Topic: Module 5 Discussion 1 – Weekly Current Event

Module 5 Discussion 1 – Weekly Current Event Name Institution Course and Code Professor Date Module 5 Discussion 1 – Weekly Current Event Introduction Clark Merrefield’s (2024) article, Public funding for sports stadiums: A primer and research roundup, explores the advantages and disadvantages of using public money to build sports venues and their economic effects. Merrefield discusses an example of funding a new Oakland A’s stadium in Las Vegas. The piece highlights that these public investments usually do not bring in much money for the economy. Significance of the Article The article evaluates serious issues related to widely accepted view that public funding of sporting venues results in significant economic growth. The owners of these projects often state that creating businesses and jobs will boost local economies, yet Merrefield (2024) notes decades of data showing that the expected financial gains are usually far less than asserted. Addressing several case studies—one of which is the Las Vegas ballpark—provides a comprehensive analysis of the utilization of public money and its efficiency. Merrifield (2024) also inspires legislators and reporters to examine the claims of the economic impact made by those who advocate this kind of financing. Referencing academic research helps to clear the long-standing uncertainty among economists on the efficiency of sporting venues in generating new economic activity. Cities throughout the nation need this dat...