Date: Sun, 27 Oct 1996 13:00:45 -0800 (PST) From: Craig Holmes To: Economic Geography Subject: week/3 writing I have finally made a firm commitment to my research topics for Geography 450!! RED LIST: The location of professional sports stadiums with a focus on the location for the new Mariner's stadium. BLUE LIST: The positive and negative externalities of the new stadium on neighboring locations. The unpredictability or uncertainty of outcome(s) that the location of the new stadium presents. (Suggestions for any other related blue list topics???) I made the final decision to research the location for the Mariner's new stadium due to my increasing interest in the subject, but also for the possible collaboration opportunity with Michael Mitton, who expressed interest in the decision of a professional soccer team to locate in Seattle instead of Chicago. I understand that Michael was still unsure as of Friday 0ctober 18 as to whether he was going to choose to research the location decisions between Seattle and Chicago. Even if he picks another research topic, he might be able to provide some interesting insight into the decision process that goes into picking between two locations that are hundreds of miles apart. My research will deal with a decision between two locations that are only blocks apart. I would be interested in possibly comparing and contrasting these two location decisions. Studying the location of sports stadiums and their impact on the surrounding economy is fairly new, but is increasingly expanding due the number of cities which have just built or planning to build new stadiums. Out of the 109 major league franchises (Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, etc.), 39 are considering a move unless they get a new arena. (Crothers 80) Regardless of whether this sudden urge to move is a result of greedy owners, there are new stadiums being built that have a significant impact on their surroundings. I have chosen to look at the impact, with regard to economic development, the new Mariner stadium will have when located in the lot two blocks south of the Kingdome (Ackerley site). Since I have just began my research, I have decided to provide a rough outline of where my research is going. This outline addresses broad topics regarding the Mariner's new stadium. I will go into more detail and explanation in my future weekly writings. I hope to use this outline as some sort of organizational staring point. This is open to criticism, suggestions, additional information, etc. that anybody is willing to provide. I. Brief Historical overview of what led to the Mariners move to a new stadium. A. -The only thing the Kingdome has in its favor is its location.(The USA Today Complete Four Sport Stadium Guide) The Kingdome has great views of Elliot Bay, is within walking distance of bars, hotels, restaurants, etc.., and is very accessible to suburbs via I-5 and 405. B. -The Kingdome is a horrible place to watch baseball. - The Kingdome was made in an era when stadiums were being "modernized" meaning that the future of sports stadiums included domed stadiums and artificial turf. - The wave of new stadiums is going back to the originality and charm of older stadiums of the 50's and 60's in order to draw people to watch the game, but also appreciate the stadiums' aesthetically pleasing environment. C. - The Mariners cannot financially survive in a place like the Kingdome. D. - There are questions about Kingdome safety. (ceiling tiles etc..) II. What went into the decision process for locating the new stadium? -Location Theory (have an idea of what you want to do-> find an appropriate piece of land) -transportation -parking -economic impacts -constraints= information, time table, avalible space, society interest, land costs -push and pull factors III. The reasons and drawbacks of picking the south lot (Ackerley site) versus the north lot. A. -The south lot was finally picked for the new site. - This site will mean the relocation of as many as 20 businesses, including the 95 year old Filson Co., an outdoor-clothing business with a factory and showroom south of Pioneer Square. - Where will these businesses relocate? - This part of Seattle is an industrial area that, with the new stadium, will have to change to restaurants and bars. - The area around the south lot will become a hot commodity. - The cost of relocating will be very expensive for the reported 20 businesses that will be forced to move. B - The north lot is said to be a more beautiful location but just too small to build a stadium. - Businesses near the disapproved north lot are obviously disappointed due to their increased distance from the ball park. - These are businesses that have been main stays for Mariner fans ,like F.X. Mcroy's, they are within walking distance from the Kingdome, but will be 25 minutes away from the new stadium. IV. Will the economic surge resulting from the new stadium last? A. Economic Impact? - We can begin to look at a Place like Camden Yards in Baltimore as example of the positive economic and social results of a new stadium. - There is little doubt that the first few years after the new Mariner stadium is built, the area around the stadium will experience a renewal. -The notion that big league sports means a big league city that will attract outside investors to invest in Seattle. B. The anti-stadium view that feels the money should be spent on more important matters, like improving schools, community services, etc. The new stadium is also raising concerns about lost jobs, companies being displaced, people being displaced, etc. V. Can we speculate on the long run effects of the new stadium on the economy? References (more to come) Adams, C.D. 1994 Urban Planning and Development Process (UCl Press, London. Crothers, Tim. "The Shakedown." Sports IIustrated June 19, 1995. P. 78. Kokmen, Leyla. "Stadium Site A Mixed Blessing for Businesses, Some Set To Thrive; Others Face A Move." Seattle Times. May 9 1996 D1. Schaffer, David. "Ackerley Site Gets Nod For M's Stadium." Seattle Times. May 7, 1996. A1. Schaffer, David. "Firm says it won't move for stadium." Seattle Times. Sept. 10, 1996. B2. Craig Holmes