Minor League Baseball: Risks and Potential Benefits for Communities Large and Small

Abstract

Communities of all sizes are investing in minor league stadiums to attract or retain a minor league baseball team. The promise of economic development benefits is often put forward to justify these multimillion dollar investments. Local officials should be aware of the risks that accompany hosting professional sports teams and understand that minor league teams will not be economic growth engines. The decision to invest in a minor league stadium is a public policy decision and can be "worth it" if accompanied by a development logic. This article identifies three approaches that have been successful in making stadiums a community asset. Copyright 1998 by The Policy Studies Organization.

Left on Base: Minor League Baseball Stadiums and Gentrification

“…In his book Major League Winners, Mark Rosentraub (2009) recommends that for cities to maximize their return on redevelopment investments no matter the sport, facilities should be surrounded by a concentration of other amenities, fit into the architecture of the neighborhoods where they are placed, and that public dollars should have a signed commitment for private investments as well. Arthur T. Johnson (1998), in studying minor league baseball, argued stadiums should not be expected to create broad economic growth, but if built specifically for redevelopment that they have the potential to promote economic objectives, enhance a community's image, and contribute to the recreational choices available.…”

The Economic Impact of Stadiums and Teams

“…If the positive effect is not due to high venue utilization, then it may be related to urban redevelopment. Johnson (1998) points out that the location of a stadium can assist in development by opening up industrial corridors, acting as the centerpiece of larger entertainment projects, opening up land for new development, or driving infrastructure for future growth. Urban economists all recognize that stadiums themselves will not cause significant development, rather, in communities with specific development logics and successful action plans a stadium can serve as the driver for other development.…”

The UK Netball Superleague: a case study of franchising in elite women's sport organisations

“…For Johnson (1996Johnson ( , 1998, the acquisition of sport franchises at major and minor levels has become the ubiquitous endeavour of politicians and sports entrepreneurs in the USA and Europe. The highest level and biggest sports operating within a franchise framework are teams privately owned by wealthy individuals or partnerships but can also be part of very large corporations.…”