The hype machine seems to have picked up a head of steam already. Or, if we may throw in a somewhat mixed metaphor, media support for professional soccer appears to be in a full court press.
The IBJ hit our mail box yesterday with a 45-inch column coverage of the newest sporting diversion which will undoubtedly take a chunk out of the taxpayer wallet.
Today’s Sunday morning paper uses nearly 50 column inches to give as rosy a picture of the possibilities as is humanly possible while using black type on white paper.
There does seem to be some difference of opinion as to where a new soccer stadium should be located. (It is a foregone conclusion that a brand new stadium is a necessity.)
The folks consulted in the IBJ story seem to think a downtown location is inevitable. This morning’s paper quotes those who think Broad Ripple would be more appropriate. The downtown folks apparently think the vacant Market Square site would be ideal.
We have no idea about any specific area of Broad Ripple availability, but we assume the necessary real estate could be assembled for such an indispensable project. Obviously, the downtown land would be considerably more expensive.
As to the structure, one story cites a cost (2008) of $13 million for a stadium in Canada. The new local owner of this franchise has surveyed the country and found one he liked for $200 million.
Well, after all, Indianapolis history tells us money is no object. Particularly when it is taxpayer money for professional sports subsidy!
Another problem appears in light of a subject also receiving ultra-hyped attention in the media. Would a location in Broad Ripple for a new sports venue require some amendment to the "mass transit" proposals?
We realize that the city is already tackling the problem by building and giving away a $6 million parking garage. But the last time we drove through the area, under current "normal" conditions, traffic was more than just a tad constricted.
But, we assume the "brains" downtown will work things out. Our bet would be on a downtown site, although the proposed new TIF expansion to include Broad Ripple might be attractive to the fans of accumulation of public slush funds.
In any circumstance, we have complete confidence that, ultimately, our leaders will take every necessary step to make certain that residents of Upper Tasmania, and Lower Slobovia, recognize our World Class status.
Broad Ripple?? What would they do, tear out the public park? That has to be one of the most crowded areas in town, complete with poor parking and narrow streets, not that parking downtown is a picnic.
If they're going to ramrod this through, as they always do, maybe it *would* be nice for some place besides downtown to get a few jobs out of it; I just don't know where they'd put it, on or off of Broad Ripple Avenue.
Posted by: Leslie Baker | January 20, 2013 at 06:33 PM
Ahh lets see we have the Hype in the Newspapers and although I have not seen it on TV we will see it there too.
Now we need a "Study" by a Think Tank" or some pay to say author. The Study Report will conclude a $20M or you pick a number will be added to the economy. This number will be a "fact" like gravity or an Einstein Formula. It will not be challenged by the pressitutes of our local media.
Press Release Journalism will guarantee that the $20M number is endlessly repeated. Both Political Parties will engage in the usual "Love Fest" to approve another Crony-Capitalism Scheme. How could we pass up such an opportunity to be World Class like Paris or Berlin, they will ask??
Did I miss anything.
Posted by: Louis | January 21, 2013 at 11:11 AM
Louis you did miss something, the thousands of new jobs that will be created because of this new venture. I believe the current number of fictitious jobs is now 70,000.
World Class city is this town really means bend over.
Posted by: Vox Populi | January 21, 2013 at 04:19 PM
Would those be "shovel-ready" jobs? If so, we know who will be shoveling what...again.
Posted by: Leslie Baker | January 25, 2013 at 12:12 PM