The High Cost of High School Stadiums: A Community Debate

Today's podcast looks at the economics behind a new $62 million high school football stadium that has sparked a national debate. Buford High School's new football stadium looks like it could be on a college campus. But beneath the amenities, the stadium's construction is a story of taxes, politics and a shift in the future of high school sports. I explain why these expensive high school football stadiums are being built and, more importantly, how these stadiums are being approved. How are schools financing these projects? Why are taxpayers OK with their hard-earned money going toward athletic teams that their children might not even play for? Who actually owns the stadium? And who stands to benefit from ticket sales and potential naming rights deals? We’ll use Buford High School as an example, but everyone should care about this because it might soon happen in your town too. Enjoy!