Does Context Matter? An Analysis of MLB Stadium Subsidies in the Post-Camden Yards Era

Abstract

Vast amounts of public money have been used since the beginning of the 20th century to fund sports stadiums. These subsidies have historically been unsuccessful for cities, as they have not led to positive outcomes economically, socially, or developmentally. A growing amount of literature, however, suggests that the new generation of stadium subsides can be successful given the stadiums are integrated into a city’s downtown. This paper sought to explore that suggestion by analyzing four recent publicly funded Major League Baseball stadiums. This paper found that stadium subsidies can be successful as policy tools provided they focus on stadium-led neighborhood development, although this development does not necessarily have to occur in a metropolitan downtown.