Field of Schemes

Sonics co-owner: We wanted OKC all along - wait, are you writing this down?
August 14, 2007

"Throw another move threat on the fire: Yesterday, Seattle Sonics minority owner (and billionaire natural gas mogul) Aubrey McClendon told the Oklahoma City Journal Record that he was 'under a self-imposed gag order' regarding operations of the team - then yammered at length about it, including the statement: 'We didn't buy the team to keep it in Seattle; we hoped to come here. We know it's a little more difficult financially here in Oklahoma City, but we think it's great for the community and if we could break even we'd be thrilled.'" . . . | more

(from the March 29 Domestic Policy Subcommittee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing: "Build It and They Will Come: Do Taxpayer-Financed Sports Stadiums ... Deliver as Promised for America's Cities?")

Witness Testimony:

Mr. Neil deMause, author of Field of Schemes: How the Great Stadium Swindle Turns Public Money Into Private Profit

Mr. Frank Rashid, waged an unsuccessful 10-year campaign to save Tigers' Stadium in Detroit.

Media Advisory

"Build It and They Will Come: Do Taxpayer-Financed Sports Stadiums, Convention Centers and Hotels Deliver as Promised for America's Cities?"

Thursday, March 29, 2007, Room 2247 Rayburn, 10:30 a.m.

Domestic Policy Subcommittee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee

This hearing will examine the promises of economic prosperity that are made to cities which finance professional sports stadiums, convention centers and hotels.

League of Fans

Good Sports
- NBA and Player’s Association Reach Labor Agreement, Avoid Lockout

Bad Sports
- Robin Hood in Reverse: Supreme Court Decides Private Use is “Public Use” in Eminent Domain Case