Critics Pounce on $190 Million Proposed for Seattle Mariners Stadium Support

A city grappling with a homeless crisis might rethink its spending habits.

1 minute read

June 10, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock

"King County Executive Dow Constantine has asked the County Council for $190 million in public funds for the next two decades to help the owners pay for maintenance and capital projects to spiff up the Mariners’ stadium so that it remains a first class facility," according to an article by Nick Lacata.

Lacata is obviously critical of the county's inclination to support its Major league Baseball franchise when there are so many other critical needs. He compares the Mariners to pigs at a trough.

In another column, Danny Westneat is also critical of the proposal.

For news reporting on the story, see an article by Geoff Baker. In that article, Baker explains the sources Constantine intends to tap to support the Mariners. Funding "would come from a 'hotel-motel' lodging tax that previously helped pay for construction of the Kingdome. It currently is paying off debt for the construction of CenturyLink Field, where the Seahawks and Sounders play their games. The CenturyLink Field debt is scheduled to be paid off by 2020."

The council will vote on the proposal this coming fall.

FULL STORY: King County's $190 Million Proposal to Safeco Field: Déjà Vu All Over Again

Friday, June 8, 2018 in The Stranger

Community / Economic Development Urban Development Washington Seattle Safeco Field Seattle Mariners Public Subsidy Major League Baseball. Baseball Stadiums Debt Financing Lodging Tax View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.