American taxpayers have spent $33 billion on sports stadiums. They got fewer seats—and higher prices
Taxpayers in the US and Canada have funded $33 billion for major sports venues since 1970, with public contributions often covering over 70% of construction costs. New stadiums are increasingly designed with fewer general seats and more luxury boxes, leading to higher ticket prices and a focus on wealthy patrons. This trend is evident across the NFL, NBA, and MLB, where teams prioritize premium experiences over maximizing overall attendance. AI
