Pro sports facilities can potentially transform the communities in which they’re built. Beyond providing a home base for athletes to compete, these facilities can create a ripple effect that stimulates economic growth, enhances community pride, and revitalizes urban areas. The benefits aren’t just limited to sports fans; the presence of a pro sports facility can attract tourism, increase spending in local businesses, and create job opportunities. In many cases, these facilities serve as a hub for community events and as a gathering place for neighbors to connect. Overall, pro sports facilities are more than just a game day venue; they can be a powerful force for positive change in the surrounding community.

One of the most notable ways pro sports facilities can help change communities is by revitalizing urban areas. Take the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, for example. Before the arena was built, the surrounding neighborhood was primarily abandoned and run-down. However, the arena’s construction helped spark additional investment in the area, leading to new restaurants, shops, and residential buildings. Today, the area around the Barclays Center is a thriving part of Brooklyn, and the arena itself is a major attraction that draws visitors from around the world.

In addition to revitalizing urban areas, pro sports facilities can provide jobs and generate economic benefits for their communities. For example, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was built to maximize economic benefits for the surrounding community. The facility has created thousands of jobs, directly (e.g., stadium employees) and indirectly (e.g., restaurants and hotels near the stadium). Additionally, the stadium has acted as a catalyst for additional investment in the surrounding neighborhood, helping boost the local economy and providing various resident benefits.

Pro sports teams and their facilities can significantly impact communities by fostering a sense of community identity. This is especially true in smaller cities and towns, where these teams may be among the few major attractions or events. The Packers’ Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is an excellent example of this phenomenon. Beyond being just a football stadium, Lambeau Field is a source of pride for the entire community. With a rich history in the town, fans from all over the area come together to support the team and celebrate their shared identity. Whether you’re a diehard fan, it’s hard not to appreciate how pro sports teams and their facilities can unite a community.

While constructing pro sports facilities undoubtedly brings many benefits to a community, it also brings potential downsides that must be considered. One of the primary concerns centers around using public funds to finance these projects. Some argue that public money would be better spent on other priorities, such as education or infrastructure. Another issue to consider is the displacement of residents in areas where the facility might lead to rising property values and rents.

And while these concerns are valid, it is important to weigh them against the potential benefits of having a pro sports facility in the community. These facilities can provide a sense of pride and identity for a city, improve the local economy and create jobs, and provide an entertainment option for residents and visitors alike. After considering the potential costs and benefits, the decision to invest in a pro sports facility should be made.

The role of pro sports facilities in local communities cannot be overstated. By investing in these facilities, cities can transform underutilized or run-down areas into vibrant and exciting spaces that attract visitors and residents alike. Beyond the aesthetic value, however, these facilities can also stimulate growth in the local economy by providing jobs and generating revenue. More importantly, pro sports facilities can act as a source of pride and identity for communities that might otherwise struggle to find cohesion. While it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks when assessing the impact of these facilities, it’s difficult to ignore the overwhelmingly positive effects they can have on the surrounding area.

Ready to join the top minds and industry experts at the 2023 Pro Sports & Entertainment Facilities Summit? Mark your calendar for June 4-6, 2023, at the Live! Hotel Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA. Attend thought-provoking sessions and engage in invaluable discussions on the future of sports facilities. Register now, and take the first step towards shaping successful, community-focused sports and entertainment venues.