News-Record.com

"Second, similar to parks, museums, hiking trails and recreation centers, the coliseum plays a dynamic role in the quality of life in Greensboro. However, unlike the aforementioned amenities, the Greensboro Coliseum is the only one that serves as a major economic generator for this region"

What proof do you have that that parks, museums, hiking trails and rec centers aren't major economic generators.

Second, the difference I see between parks, hiking trails, and rec centers is that they are often free and don't charge $10 for parking when they have decent events.

As far as they dynamic role in the quality of life in Greensboro, I disagree. I haven't been to the coliseum in 5 years and haven't missed it a bit. The only thing there that you can't find elsewhere in driving distance is the ACC tournament.

"This type of exposure simply cannot be measured in dollars and cents."

Unfortunately for you, the bonds that are proposed can be. And while they might make dollars, they sure as hell don't make sense.

Nit,

Do you really think people come from all over NC and other states to visit Glenwood Rec Center or Country Park? Use your own common sense there. Also, just because you havent been to the CVM doesnt mean it's been sitting empty. There are other people in this berg you know. I for one would prefer to not have to drive to other cities and venues for some of my entertainment and activities. That is why I live here and not there. Pretty simple really. Many types of facilities, if they are to exist at all, must be municipal facilities in order to operate. If they were viable, stand alone businesses then private facilities would indeed exist. Unfortunate, but true.

I implore all to make an informed choice on 11/07. Vote Yes!

Check out gsobonds.com for info, opinions and comments on all bond issues.

Mick,

Perhaps if there were more folks like you and less like me, then the coliseum would not run a deficit year after year. Then again, if the coliseum would do a better job in bringing attractions to it, then folks like me would attend more events.

You make some good points but I still have to question whether the slew of past bonds aimed at improving the coliseum have really done much to increase the number and variety of events that are held there. (with the notable exception of basketball)

Personally, I can accept a small deficit for the good of the community. Other years hurt a little more. I agree that a few more "notable exceptions" wouldnt hurt. However, simply put ... doll shows, flea markets, UNCG v A&T, etc must be looked at as some kind of "service" or "quality of life" thingy otherwise it will never make sense.

I would like to know the estimated tax revenue (if any) the CVM generates for the city. Not dollars to the community in general but dollars to the city coffers. Seems good info to know.

I wonder????????

Mick,

Not too long ago I found a study published online by a professor (at UNCG, I think)who anaylyzed the economic impact of the coliseum on our area. It included all the auxiliary benefits of the coliseum and concluded that, for the average taxpayer, there was a negative economic impact. (Meaning that it costs more than the economic benefits provided).

This isn't to argue that the coliseum is not worthwhile, though. It really just looked at the economics, not the intangibles that you mentioned above. There's no way to put a dollar amount on the convenience of going to a circus or fair or concert nearby.

I agree with you that Greensboro should have a coliseum and there are many benefits to having one. My only complaint is that I think that it could be managed and used more effectively. (I say that based on some of the more successful coliseums, arenas, and convention centers I've witnessed).

Kevin, if deficits are ok, how about getting rid of the ridiculous parking fees and concession prices?

I know y'all justify it by moral relativism with other venues, but for the sake of being unique and truly being a part of the community how about making some changes? I'd be more inclined to vist often instead of the couple of times a year I do. And families with young kids would appreciate it greatly.

Yet another letter supporting tax increases because it will help hotels and restaurants. Damn I wish I owned a hotel or restaurant in Greensboro.

Hugh,

I know what you mean about those parking prices. We took our young children to the Dixie Classic fair in Winston and parking was $7. Admission for my wife and I was also $7 a piece. In two hours, we'd spent $50 AFTER we entered the gates.

Don't get me wrong. We had a lot of fun. And the Dixie Classic is SO much better than the Greensboro Fair. But, we probably will not go back next year given the expense. It's one thing to spend $50 at the fair. It's another to spend $21 before you even go inside to spend money.

Let me add this:

I was excited to see Guns and Roses coming to the Greensboro coliseum. Until I saw they were charging $75 for general admission seats. Add to that the price of parking, concessions, etc.

"It's another to spend $21 before you even go inside to spend money."

Sums up why I avoid the colisuem as much as I do. I've got a couple of indie bands I follow and derive more enjoyment from paying $5-10 to watch them play than anything I have attended at the Colliseum, except for an ACC tournament final (Wake-Carolina,1995?). That was my first and will be my last exposure to the obnoxiousness of Carolina fans.(still a fun time)

Damn, Hugh! You rock!
Loved your comment about those tarheel fans. I was at that game and it was the best basketball game I have EVER seen, and that goes all the way back to when South Carolina was in the ACC! A man with those kinds of intuitive faculties cannot possibly support Vernon Robinson!

Go, and sin no more!