Tag: City Council

Ballpark Stadium

Kansas City officials have little information but so what? Here is $600M for the Royals new ballpark

Over the last two decades, we have seen some terrible stadium deals for local taxpayers. I mean, awful. But what is happening in Kansas City (well, Jackson County) is one of the first times that I can remember multiple city leaders publicly admitting to not knowing large parts of the agreement. Yet they are still pushing to finalize a deal where taxpayers give over $600M to the Kansas City Royals. In April 2024, Jackson County…

William Neilson Jr.
Stadium

Denver NWSL owners demand city give them $50 million without limits or else they will leave

Last week, the Denver City Council was expected to give Denver's NWSL owners $50 million in taxpayer money for construction of a new soccer stadium. The city could also spend an additional $20 million in improvements near the stadium. The team continues to claim that they are on a quick deadline because of a “promise it made to the National Women’s Soccer League” to have the stadium ready for the 2028 season. One council member finally challenged…

William Neilson Jr.
Stadium

More fake love for Jacksonville’s stadium proposal, this time coming from Jax Chamber

I know that what I am about to say isn't shocking. This topic happens in every city that builds a professional sports venue today. But it still bothers me whenever I read an article or opinion piece from a person/group who has a predetermined agenda. As in, someone, or some group who claims to support a new Arena/Ballpark/Stadium, only to find out that the person or group is paid directly or indirectly by the team…

William Neilson Jr.
Ballpark

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce backs Tampa Bay Rays ballpark proposal

A member of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce wants everyone to know something. The newest proposal by the Rays is “good” for the area. How? Well, according to the author, building this ballpark would “attract businesses and provide high-quality jobs”. Beyond that, did you know that the current ballpark brought a “positive atmosphere” to downtown Tampa Bay? Then he claims that the Rays are handing over $700 million of their own money into the…

William Neilson Jr.
Stadium

Former San Diego councilman talked to city leaders about a sports arena. Forgot to mention being a paid consultant for the project.

Last night, I saw a very interesting article on a site called LaPresna.org. In it, they discuss a former San Diego Councilman (Byron Wear) going in front of the city four different times to push hard on approving a development project that would involve a new sports arena district. This in itself is not that odd. Except, in this case, it was a bit different since he wasn't telling anyone that he was a paid…

William Neilson Jr.
Ballpark

Anaheim Angels continue to violate their lease. Oh well, maybe next year

2022 was quite the year for Anaheim City Hall. The FBI began to look into allegations of corruption involving the mayor (and others in the city government) and the Anaheim Angels owner, Arte Moreno. Before this investigation, Moreno had agreed to buy the ballpark's home field for $150 million in cash. But days after the FBI investigation came to light, the city cancelled the deal. Moreno, however, had spent the previous few days trying to…

William Neilson Jr.