Hey we did build it? Cancel The title field is required!

1. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   8/27/2012 12:08 PM

   Saw on one of the weekend shows, the center in Tampa (Tampa Turbine Forum?) where the Republican convention is being held was built with 63% (or something like that) taxpayers money.
   
   I know if the city hadn't come through with the money some sports team's owner would have probably moved the team (I believed this is where the Tampa Bay Lighting play hockey) and then the city is out all the visitors and revenue the team brings into the city, and also the jobs associated with it (of course Lakeland where they built a civic center back in the late 70's where I saw many concerts in 79 and early 80's might not be happy). My question on any of these deals are; does the city get a return on their investment? Would the building or business get built at that location without the help of the government? I'm sure there are many more I will think of.
   
   Why can't both sides accept the facts that they need each other to be successful?
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
2. Wahlin Scott B

   
   8/27/2012 12:08 PM

   I am not that up on it, but I believe it is being held at Tropicana Field where the Devil Rays play. It is actually in St. Petersburg, near Tampa. That is an indoor baseball venue, but I suppose they could play hockey there as well. I am going to venture to say that the public funds that were used to build it will make the municipality money eventually. It has been there for quite some time and Tropicana, a big industry in that area has supported it for many years. If you happen to go to Tampa, I would suggest the following in this order. Oh, and if you can handle your tobacco (unlike me) be sure to pick up a handmade cigar in Ybor City.
   
   http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/
   
   http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor.asp
   
   http://www.thehurricane.com/

   
   
   
   
3. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   8/27/2012 1:08 PM

   The RNC welcome party was held at Tropicana Field (home of the Rays) in St. Petersburg and the RNC is being held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (home of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team and the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football team) in Tampa down on Channelside. They just did a $40 million privately funded renovation last year I believe mostly paid for by the owners of the Lightning.

   
   
   
   
4. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   8/27/2012 1:08 PM

   Keith Lamb said: The RNC welcome party was held at Tropicana Field (home of the Rays) in St. Petersburg and the RNC is being held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (home of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team and the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football team) in Tampa down on Channelside. They just did a $40 million privately funded renovation last year I believe mostly paid for by the owners of the Lightning.

   
   
   
   The Trop is a horrible venue for anything. It needs to be burnt to the ground and rebuilt closer to Orlampa to have any sort of draw of fans for the Rays.
   
   The Ice Palace (Tampa Bay Times Forum, or whatever they are calling it now), is a great venue. Many cities could learn from this. Probably one of the best venues for anything from basketball, hockey to concerts.
   
   I wonder why there are two distinctly different venues across the water from each other in (basically) the same town. You'd think SOMEBODY would look at the others failures (and positives).
   
   And yes, the city makes money. Tourists pay sales tax, bed tax, alcohol tax, etc....I'm sure it's made up rather quickly. Of course, look at what's going on right now in Atlanta with the Georgia Dome. Taxpayer funded and 20 years later it's still not paid off and the Dirty Birds want Joe taxpayer to build a new stadium.

   
   
   
   
5. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   8/27/2012 1:08 PM

   Keith Lamb said: The RNC welcome party was held at Tropicana Field (home of the Rays) in St. Petersburg and the RNC is being held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (home of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team and the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football team) in Tampa down on Channelside. They just did a $40 million privately funded renovation last year I believe mostly paid for by the owners of the Lightning.

   
   
   Keith you are correct, there was no public funds used in the $40 million upgrade, it is according to the website a publicly owned arena so I'm guessing public money paid for it to be built. I guess that's my deal I've got to check out both sides of the story. I certainly applaud those that contributed funds for the upgrades and I hope they get a return on their investment with no harm done to the city.
   
   Interesting up in KC from what I understand the county paid for the renovations to Kauffman and Chiefs stadiums. I might have to google that and see if that's all true....I figure with Glass as the owner of the Royals, there is no way he's putting his own money into the upgrades. Upon further review, it's the county that is helping with expenses associated with the stadium and they are being questioned, because some seem to be associated with game days and that the team should be funding, the county was providing funds for other areas.
   
   I guess the gist of this is it seems both sides find it better to work together. Something that isn't happening in Washington in my opinion.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO