Springdale plays ball
Unsurprisingly, the Springdale City Council did what was necessary to bribe a baseball team owner to move from Wichita to occupy the new taxpayer-financed stadium. But, with all respect, the following is a load of hooey. A ball team does not a city make (else they wouldn't leap from city to city so often and many cities, such as Wichita, don't seem motivated to dole out m welfare to millionaire owners to keep them).
"I don't know of many other decisions in the history of Springdale which will be as important as this one," said Jerre Van Hoose. "This will set a new course for our city."
Comments
It seems sad to me that the city council feels that brining a baseball team to a city is one of the most important decisions they've ever made. If that is the most important decision does Springdale even need a city council?
Posted by: Brett![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 6, 2006 08:30 AM
Who knows (certainly not the naysayers!) - - just maybe the grand ole game of baseball will bring these NWA communities together. It is not a matter of build it and they will come - - they are already there!
Posted by: AFCLL![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 6, 2006 08:35 AM
I think it depends on the community. We've seen places lose a ballclub and do anything to get another and develop some sort of civic identity around their team.
In other places its a big yawn. A nice amneity to have in the community but not one highly valued.
Springdale may get a nice bump from this just because it is viewed as the blue collar industrial town. Hopefully it gives them what they want.
Posted by: Well![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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September 6, 2006 10:36 AM