Sports Arenas Are Not Economic Engines

"Relying on sport as an economic development tool doesn't work," said Rob Baade, an economics professor at Lake Forest College, Illinois who specializes in the business of professional sports. "New stadiums and arenas are for the benefit of owners and players, and the fans who want to keep the team in the city." U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, R-PA, has touted the arena project as a means of enlivening two neighborhoods that need a boost. "...we really have an opportunity to do some good urban planning here..." Santorum said.