Not much equitable in stadium proposal
The question raised in the Chattanooga Times Jan. 15 editorial, “Is equitable development a priority with new Lookouts stadium?” has not been answered, in my view. David Floyd’s Feb. 10, 2023, “Not Enough Space” report added further food for thought. Open sources show MLB’s total revenue in 2023 was $11 billion, and the collective worth of the 30 franchises is $70 billion. All of the owners are billionaires. Yet MLB has the gall to set standards for minor league stadiums and expects cities to help foot the bill to upgrade or build them?
Lookouts President Rich Mozingo says, “Major League Baseball doesn’t send players from the Cincinnati Reds to Chattanooga to entertain us. They send them down here so they can prepare them to be Cincinnati Reds so they can be prepared to play for the major leagues.” A $129 million — and growing — new stadium isn’t going to produce better players any quicker than AT&T Field. So, who benefits?
There is a critical shortage of affordable housing in the county. The Reds’ 2023 payroll was about $82 million, fifth lowest in the league. How much does a cheap billionaire pay his players and staff? Where will they and the backbone of our community — our teachers, firemen, policemen and hourly employees — find affordable housing in the next five to 10 years? It doesn’t appear they will live anywhere near the proposed new stadium.
Jack Zollinger