Too Many Arenas and Stadiums?

Too many arenas for the current economic realities?  As this NYT article - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/nyregion/29arenas.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all does a good job of showing, there are too many arenas with too few sports teams and entertainment providers to fill them.  Couple this with a contraction in consumer spending and a reduction in corporate spending especially on luxury suites, it is hard to imagine all of the venues surviving.  Like competition in any industry, the best will succeed and the least productive and profitable will not.  The question which follows is what will happen to these arenas?  Will they become blights on the areas they promised to improve?  Will cash strapped states and municipalities continue to foot the bill for ongoing loses?

The times have changed and the days of new arenas and stadiums seem long past even as New York enjoys two incredible new stadiums (Mets and Yankees).  It is hard to imagine tax payers voting for funds to be used for new venues.  The question remains how to survive the increasing competition and decreased demand for events.  The key will be the value the teams and arenas can bring to the consumer - fans and corporate partners.  Existing venues like MSG will survive due to their history, great brand, central location, and existing teams and concert relationships.  Newcomers will struggle to gain a foothold and seem to be fighting an uphill battle.

Corporate Events Groups partners with companies to plan, track, and report on the usage and return on their ticket holdings and suites.  Learn more here - Spotlight TMS.

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