I think it’s difficult to compare the two situations because the financing mechanisms are so different. But if the Sac does end up needing a large amount of money in bonds I don’t think the ESC will happen anyways.

What I was shocked to see was that the SuperBowl might end up costing the city money. I knew they would have to fork out a good chunk of change for the additional work force in preparation and security, but I figured they’d still reap a nice finical gain.

to replace the heavy industries that once filled their coffers, employed their citizenry, and lent communities a certain cachet. But a sports franchise cannot replace a tire plant or a steel mill. The income generated by a franchise in a major league city is nearly insignficant – the Superbowl aside – compared to a major manufacturer that employs hundreds or thousands of people usually 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And cities without indoor stadiums will never host a Superbowl so that eliminates most of the NFL. What you’re left with is hometown dollars being diverted to service the franchise and supporting businesses while bleeding dollars from other sectors of the town’s economy. A few dozen well-paid franchise employees—players, coaches and managers, and minimum wages stadium service and maintenance staff cannot possibly make up for the lost income from stable, union wage jobs with benefits and pensions.

I’m out.