Citizens should have input on taxpayer subsidies for Private Baseball Stadium in the Old City
(January 9, 2021) – The Knoxville City Council and County Commission has voted to create a Sports Authority, which is the first step to building a publicly-funded Smokies baseball stadium in downtown Knoxville.
With the horse before the cart, information on the membership or purpose of this board has not been publicly shared. For example:
- Will the community have input on the membership of the Sports Authority board? or will it be made-up of appointed pro-stadium supporters.
- Will the Sports Authority board usurp authority from city and county authorities that are already in place?
The next call meeting seeks the participation of supportive organizations and community group leaders. To participate in the next call meeting, interested groups can enroll here no later than 10 pm on Tuesday, January 12th. By doing so, you will be sent the needed information to participate in the meeting.
The first meeting presented these questions:
- Where do you, or your organization stand on using public funds to finance a private stadium?
- What community benefits should be guaranteed?
- What is the outcome in Tennessee cities that made this move?
- How to structure an effective coalition?
It’s important to act now to get answers to these questions and to give as many community groups, as possible a voice and a seat at the table. Please fill out this Doodle poll to find a date and time for the next community call on the stadium plan. Please share with anyone who should be a part of this discussion.
Take a moment to read this article about the potential stadium plan. It raises insights and questions for consideration.
For information, contact Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), or email adam@socm.org.
ABOUT: SOCM is a not-for-profit, member-run organization that encourages civic involvement and collective action to give the people of Tennessee a greater voice in determining their future. Learn more at socm.org, or on Facebook.
