[Tinordi]

This discussion reminds me of Daniel Kahneman's book Thinking Fast and Slow. In that book Kahneman says that we perceive the world based on a simple fact that what you see is all there is. Going to Ciampa's point that San Diego saw building revitalization around their stadium this effect is in full force. Sure we see those buildings and teh revitalization and then think that that was good because there was a stadium there. What we don't do is ask what would have happened had we not built the stadium and used the tax money say for tax credits for land development in other areas of the city, or for transit improvements along a corridor etc. where we likely have seen the same revitalizing effect only adding to the public good not to private owners of sports franchises.

edit: I highly highly recommend this book