I've read as much as I can take on this kind of stuff. I disagree with those who dismiss economic reports as inevitably flawed without reading them. They can be flawed for sure, and its not an exact science, but they are data.
On the other hand, there isn't a whole "host" of studies like someone said. I'd say there is a handful. And while they generally tilt towards "no net economic benefit", they don't all do so, and a lot that do are heavily qualified and careful to point out that the actual benefits are hard to predict and quantify.
Of course, my own view is that, economic benefits aside, I want a new arena and I'm not fussed if some money comes from government, even if it isn't quickly or obviously recouped. I recognize there are "no money for private business" arguments. I will never sway those opinions. I don't understand why those posters don't just say that and then stop. It's not much of a debate to say "I have a fundamental philosophical disagreement with this". It's a position and there's no arguing with it (kinda like abortion).
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