Saying No In St Loiuis

The St Louis Rams will be playing on a year to year basis in their present locale after 2015. They have been trying to convince the St Louis Convention and Visitors Bureau to renovate the Edward Jones Dome. Naturally, the two sides are far apart in their plans.

The team wants a $750 million renovation while the Convention Bureau has countered with a  $124 million plan. Like most teams, the Rams are threatening to move unless they get taxpayer funded renovations.

I don't believe in using taxpayer money for sports facilities. It should be privately funded. I have no issue with paying for infrastructure improvements. The Pats are the perfect model. They built their stadium with their own money. Taxpayer money was used for infrastructure improvement, but there was a direct economic benefit.

Teams should not be allowed to hold their communities hostage. Nobody wants to lose their team. That's why the politicians always cave in and give the house away.