Polar Park Project - The Real Cost

The original price tag on the Polar Park project was $80-90 million, but the actual cost wound up being $160 million, and rather than bringing in new money to the city, it appears it will create a deficit of $40-60 million, according to economists' estimates.A MassLive article explains that the study, conducted by the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester and Kennesaw State University of Georgia, finds that sports stadiums in general do not generate substantial economic benefits to their host communities, and Polar Park is no different. The study also looked at Truist Park in Georgia, and came to similar conclusions.Proponents of sports stadiums say they will make the city more desirable and thus raise the city's revenues through increased property taxes.Another idea proponents float is that the parks will draw game attenders to restaurants, but in fact, most ticket holders eat and drink inside the stadium.Lastly, the study takes aim at promised new development around the stadiums. Worcester has seen big numbers of new and redeveloped residential units around Polar Park, but the authors say it's less than promised. How COVID fits into that is unclear.Worcester officials dispute the study and say the stadium has attracted visitors, residents and developers. Read the full article on MassLive here.