The general feeling among the people who heard Holy Cross sports economist Victor Matheson speak earlier this month at the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center is, “Why are we even still talking about this?!” He was quite convincing. Happily, Steve Ahlquist over at RI Future has posted all the slides from Matheson’s BVVC presentation, as well as a video of the entire lecture. (RI Future 5.20.15)
My write-up could only skim the surface of Matheson’s compelling presentation, which was an in depth condemnation of the very idea of public money for stadiums or an economic boom commensurate with such and investment. As we wait for sports consultant Andrew Zimbalist to complete his report for Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and for Governor Gina Raimondo to resume negotiations with the PawSox owners in the aftermath of the surprising and sudden death of the stadium’s chief proponent, James Skeffington, I can present Dr. Matheson’s complete talk, with the original slides from his PowerPoint presentation.
The video is only about one hour long and the quality is excellent. At least check out the slides. Dr. Matheson is an entertaining speaker and knows his stuff. AND he has no dog in this fight, unlike Mr. Zimbalist who seems to have carved out a little niche for himself traveling the land providing cover for stadium-minded pols and owners. (See Mr. Ahlquist’s piece also at RI Future.)
There is no good version of this proposal. Our state leaders should not be negotiating a “better deal” for the people of Rhode Island. It doesn’t exist. Other states have figured this out — let’s not be the last to fall for this.
*RI Future is holding a fundraising event from 6pm to 9pm, Friday, May 29th, at Local 121. Go here for details.*
Thank you Steve Ahlquist.