Holy Cross Professor and Alumnus Weigh in on the Economic Value of Sports Stadiums

Victor Matheson, professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, was recently featured on HBO’s weekly talk show “Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons.” In this episode, Simmons ’92 discusses the economic value of sports stadiums using the recent attempts at relocating the San Diego Charger’s stadium as an example.

During the show, Matheson mentions that there are few things all economists agree on but, one of these rarities is that “stadiums are not major drivers of economic activity.” Matheson explains that, “the total number of full-time year-round jobs generated by an NFL team is roughly the same number of full-time year-round jobs generated by a typical Walmart store.” Walmart, however, inevitably has more visitors than a typical sports stadium—the Chargers stadium saw only ten NFL games and four concerts last year added Simmons.

Matheson’s research and insights on the economics of investing in sports stadiums have been featured in other publications, including USA Today and the San Diego Reader.

Watch the full interview on " target="_blank">Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons.

This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Kelsey Littlefield ’17

Select Coverage:

Aug. 10, San Diego Reader: New Chargers stadium guarantees higher prices Aug. 23, USA Today: Travelers beware: The NFL and other leagues are taxing you