Local Government, Minor League Baseball, and Economic Development Strategies

Abstract

Policy debates over the investment of public funds in sports stadiums are dominated by a concern for the economic impact of local sports teams. Local officials in communities with minor league teams have little research on which to base their policy decisions and often assume that economic benefits similar to those received by cities with major league teams will accrue to them if a minor league stadium is built. The article finds that a minor league team's economic impact is insignificant relative to a community's total economy. However, if a development logic is used in planning a stadium project the facility can help achieve such outcome goals as downtown revitalization, new development, enhancement of community image, and recreational infrastructure improvement. Examples of the successful use of minor league stadiums to achieve these goals are presented. Outcome goals such as these, rather than debate over a team's economic impact should shape policy decisions.