We Ain't Funding This: Virginia Sports Arena Deal Is DEAD In EPIC Collapse | Roland Martin

[@devans1817]

pay for your own dam stadium!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@devans1817]

@@clairegazzillo6775 because roland isn't asking for a billion $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@rexx_da_weiler7513]

​@@clairegazzillo6775 I need you to look up the definition of "donating support" and "paying out of you taxes for something you don't want"

[@sabrinadickerson1007]

Worst part is after we pay to build these stadiums, only the rich & famous can attend. Average citizen cant afford the prices they charge for entrance & concessions.

[@GP-wt8eo]

And parking.

[@Imaginativeone_DF]

Who on Earth can spend between $200 to $2500 per ticket?? For my family of 4, I wouldn’t prioritize a game over a month of groceries. For 4 games in the GOOD SEATS - I could buy a brand new Tesla 3 instead.

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Exactly

[@darryllmcgee]

Average citizens go to pro sporting events.

[@bugeye177]

Rebecca is on point about McDonald's. That's how Ray Crock owned McDonald's. Real Estate

[@Leslie-t3e]

Billionaires BEGGING FOR MONEY. BUILD YOUR OWN

[@adubbization]

This is going on in Kansas city right now. Both the royals and chiefs. Are asking for tax payers to pay for a new stadium and renovations. This the worst time to do this. And we get nothing out of it.

[@finisher3x]

This is actually the best time for them to do this, because the Chiefs are a winning team. If the Chiefs offer St Louis a chance to build a stadium to get them to go there, what will Kansas City do? And that's Roland's point. Cities will bend over for these owners, because they don't want to be the ones to lose the team. Just look at what has happened to Oakland. The fans will be OK, because they have the 49ers and Warriors right down the street. But if the Raiders and Warriros were the only teams in the Bay Area, Oakland would'vd sold the entire city off, to keep them there.

[@dennisduncan7561]

It's not about the teams finish. That money should be going towards things like civic improvements, education and infrastructure.

[@jeffdejaynes7231]

It got torpedoed in KC too!

[@marquezsmith8889]

Traffic on 95 is already terrible, so putting a sports complex anywhere in fairfax county would be horrendous... i agree, pay for your own stadium

[@margueritebridges9029]

Yes. Use your own money! Not other peoples money! The politicians benefit! Money under the table.

[@lawannahtrailor9640]

Then VOTE fir rhose BETTER politicians who don't.

[@JR-jq4dp]

The US gives money to all these countries which you get nothing out of it. At least this was something you can see for the people there. And would have brought jobs and so much more. Short sighted move.

[@nelliej4558]

"Build your own damn stadium"

[@russ5896]

There’s nothing wrong with the Verizon Center in DC

[@gregpaspatis9425]

"There's nothing wrong with the Verizon (name that hasn't been used for more than seven years) Center in DC" The place now called the Capital One Arena was opened only eleven weeks after the first game at the new NFL stadium out in Prince Georges County was played in 1997, what's the condition now of THAT place and how can the arena in Gallery Place-Chinatown be in any better condition now???

[@Suaveeightfive]

Chinatown has improved a lot

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

The Wizards & The Capitals should stay in Washington DC, Along with the jobs that accompany these events.

[@brendan7363]

The wizards are trash and have been for years. They can leave the city I won’t spend a dollar to go see them play. I don’t care about hockey or the WNBA team

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

@@brendan7363 So What, your opinion of the Wizards is irrelevant when jobs are at stake ‼️

[@davidnewton1198]

The people that living in the city some of them don't have the money to go to the dam games in the first place

[@fsu4031]

Notice how the brother who helped bring the wizards to downtown dc was defending owners gauging the taxpayers to keep or bring a professional franchise to that city.

[@KlaraCharm-cf1ex]

VA is not just for❤ lovers, we've got smart citizens who are now voting in smart dem politicians. We ❤ Rep Louise Lucas and Dem VA House

[@gregpaspatis9425]

"We (heart) Rep Louise Lucas and Dem VA House" Would have made no difference at all if it had been the owner of the team(s) and Terry McAuliffe partnering together with a arena deal, has nothing at all to do with any "Dem" in the state legislature, it's the twisted mentality objecting to any major league franchises in Virginia that's the most populated state without any major league franchises at all.

[@757CitiesReppa]

@@gregpaspatis9425 you sound crazy. McAuliffe would’ve came correct and made sure Hampton Roads would’ve atleast got toll relief and Cannibus laws advanced plus he usually brings jobs to our area anyway. Youngkin bitxx axx is from this way but is a clueless goody two shoes tinker bell. Plus we don’t want to pay for these leagues that constantly passed on Virginia and particularly Hampton Roads…that is the real reason for any sports authority funding…just so they can spend our money on a place branding DC. People have caught up to the hustle of these leagues owners.

[@breezecreationsllc9381]

I like you Scott, but Roland is right, I go to the DMV all the time. The Wizards are not doing anything for the people there that's suffering.

[@breezecreationsllc9381]

@@clairegazzillo6775 Yes.

[@redpillsuccess5975]

Yes they do. Brings jobs and opportunity for people that want to work

[@breezecreationsllc9381]

@@redpillsuccess5975 Prove it.

[@marcusburnett2412]

They also do a lot in the community speaking from someone who actually lives here not just visit DC frequently as the OP said

[@breezecreationsllc9381]

@@marcusburnett2412 Okay what did they do?

[@modgodel]

Thank you Sen. Lucas

[@adriennekennedy5887]

Same thing in Fayetteville,NC and the building is sitting there Amazon ain't said a damn thang bout opening up.

[@757CitiesReppa]

????

[@StopStrugglingNow]

About dam time citizens stop paying for billionaires stadiums, ballparks, amusement parks, hotels, HQ headquarters and anything a billionaire wants others to pay.

[@tribalbassist5227]

They didn’t even ask her if we wanted that mess in our community.

[@adriennekennedy5887]

You gotta tell them Roland " we can sing together but we can't talk together !"

[@ClaudeaBrown-n8v]

While homeless people live on the streets!

[@atlexpress5236]

And let's not forget they give everything to the immigrants that are coming here

[@leejones1016]

Let professionals with the millions fund it!!! WTH!!!

[@carolynfrink5569]

Thanks!

[@GM-um8rh]

It's definitely going down in Jacksonville, Florida. So much can be done with that amount of money... bless people lives, help our homeless, our neighbors! This country and people aboard has enough money that every house should be living comfortably.

[@charlessampson2157]

If your team is worth 2 billion dollars, why can't they afford to build a stadium. It's like going to a bar, telling everyone how much money you have, then expecting to be comped by the bartender.

[@Tmack034]

I live in the DMV. Nobody in Alexandria or anyone in DC, VA or MD wants a stadium there. Where Capital One Arena is, the subway station for all the train lines are within 2 or 3 blocks of the arena. There one (I can't remember which lines they are) is right outside the arena. Getting to the new arena would be a nightmare and you'd probably have to drive there, which would increase the cost of going to events bc you know they would price gouge for parking

[@-As4me]

The only thing city should do with these sports teams is give them a loan. They can give them a tax break but they are paying for the land and the stadium. We will provide the upfront money but it is a loan that must be paid back with interest.

[@orlandogastonchandleraziz9855]

I live a block away from the capital one arena in DC. The District of Columbia has a robust social safety net. We have free college university tuition, subsidized metro fare, and tons of other services for moderate/low income residents of the District of Columbia.

[@AZtea4UnME]

Scott, Scott, Scott mucho luv & respect to you & the panel butttt gotta agree w/Roland. Loyalties & emotions are exploited when what was needed was a MINIMUM of a 5 yr economic analysis/projection, public transparency before the ink dries & greasy palms shanking hands

[@Wyz1981]

As a member, can you please get this Trumper off your network. All the talking points. Glad you put him in his place.

[@CH-tl1ey]

I wish they thought about this with the Nissan stadium in Nashville

[@treeeva]

THIS IS HOW GROWNUPS ARE SUPPOSED TO DISCUSS IMPORTANT ISSUES. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS!!! Maybe I enjoyed this so much because Roland is respected and in complete control... and It could also be because I have heard each of them discuss many things before.. Thank you.

[@eliahh1150]

You are a great moderator ... Your show is very much in tuned with the Black mindset.

[@Rocneymar]

Roland is Right.. The majority of people who go to games are from the area. I'm in Hampton Roads...I will drive 4 hours to a game and Drive back that same night!

[@denisehodges6257]

This is good news for all of us who travel that route 1 corridor

[@sol9211]

RM... Same Experience... I live in NoVA... I've been to 2 Wizards Games last year (2023). Attended those Games, Players club level, ordered and ate food at the Arena, left and went home to NoVA. Didn't patronize any surrounding restaurants or shops. Just parked at the arena. ate at the arena and then left. Who benefited? Venue(Owner) and Parking company. Food was provided as a part of the Club level benefit.

[@Wonkaforever]

Sick and tired of multi millionaires and billonaires getting money breaks on the 90% of people’s backs. Period. End of story. Build your own damn stadiums unless you’re going to give back to the people in monetary shares!

[@Tannyolande]

I don't want to go down to DC because of traffic and traffic cameras. You can't get anywhere in DC without having an extra 1 hour to spend in traffic because you can't drive over 25 MPH. Then they have traffic cameras and those tickets are expensive. 35 MPH on a 4 lane road with a medium is not unreasonable, which will cost you 100.00 in DC. 45 MPH on 395 really?

[@Suaveeightfive]

Take Metro

[@breezecreationsllc9381]

They did that with the Browns stadium. cut some city school programs to pay for it.

[@AZtea4UnME]

Yup ditto in AZ😑😬

[@ctbt1832]

There would be more money in DC but the mayor allowed agency to leave DC own buildings where they paid money to and allow them to go to private building owners. Now, all of that money is not circulating back to DC government. Karl Racin did the same thing.

[@One-Of-One_01]

I agree, I don't spend as much time in Baltimore (at sports events or concerts) because I don't want to be car jacked or robbed, same is true for DC .. too much crime.

[@sandragibbs3934]

If it's such a good deal you'd think they'd have no problem putting up their own money!

[@adriennekennedy5887]

Roland. You got a point.

[@sol9211]

This was Leonsis' plan all along... Get DC to Pay for upgrading the Arena...

[@nowwhat5888]

That Part. Billionaire. Point blank period....

[@barrywhite6060]

The only city that can truthfully say paying for the stadium will bring in revenue is Las Vegas. The city made back more then what they paid to build the football stadium just by hosting the Super Bowl.

[@stacythomas5072]

I love this conversation. I live in Oakland and the billionaire owner , a Fisher of the Gap stores, of the Oakland As tried to strong arm Oakland into spending $800 million for a new stadium and real estate development on Oakland Port property. It finally fell apart because he wasn't able to get that financial commitment. If Oakland actually had that money sitting around, there is a LOT we could do aside from building a stadium. It's unfortunate the As then left Oakland because Billionaire Fisher didn't get his welfare.

[@jennifercutler7022]

Our govenor Glen Yongkin thought he could get away with this and we not respond. I have always said Youngkin was getting paid and probably had stock in the project. Route 95 would be more conjested than it already is. The only way would be allowed in the statium is as a worker or grounds keeper.

[@RepublicanJesusthe2nd]

America doesn't need more entertainment!!!

[@gigib4412]

I just love the visual I get of Glen Youngkin with egg on his face. He was so arrogant for deciding there was no need to involve the stakeholders. Well, he's looking like a fool and I hope this failure comes back to bite him in his run for re-election.

[@757CitiesReppa]

There is no re-election in VA …he is done.

[@tyronnemoss]

14:40 I’m cracking up at the heated discussion.😂

[@mikeflynn248]

Billionaires are billionaires because they never spend their own money. They payoff politicians to spend your money. Simple.

[@dreamcage1801]

Cheapskates like Mr. Krabs

[@vickiewilkins1579]

I am so proud of Virginia for not taking the bait.

[@nutt1621]

I understand that having a stadium adds some revenue to the city over all but i never understood why multi-billionairs needed tax payer dollars to built when they have more than enough money and will profit almost immediately once the stadium is complete. Like the Ilitchs in Detroit. The building of the LCA still haven't kept golden promises made last I checked. Another example of tax payers getting duped and that's the problem with conservatives like Bolden that continue to ignore actual facts and believe in the false promises that these deals bring.

[@sol9211]

Amen RM!!! Amen!

[@madboyreadynow28]

This is exactly why the Dallas Cowboys aren't downtown Dallas which is where they should have been. Now in Arlington. We had a white female mayor who refused to have tax payers to help pay fornthe new stadium. Tax payers would have happily paid for the new stadium down town Dallas. She was thrown out of officer for allowing Arlington to make the deal to buil it in Arlington. On her way out she threw all the local black politicians under tue federal bus and many of them went to prison.

[@757CitiesReppa]

The Cowboys as franchise is a lot different economic situation than the funky wizards and nhl. I mean let’s be serious….they all suck, but the cowboys will always be ain’t a different bracket

[@ProsperitymissionOrg]

Egotripping

[@jereljoseph9019]

Bro said “so what they cut a deal and left that’s just business.” Lmfaoo but what about the gaping hole it leaves in the community 🤣🤣.

[@tyronnemoss]

I HATE when people use “pragmatic” when criticizing progressive policies. 😡 Scott. Legacy media used it to beat down Bernie Sanders during his two presidential campaigns, so condescending.

[@MichaelGilmoreTV]

I see both sides 👀📚💰. Atlanta and most majority Black cities are actual case studies re: stadiums/arenas and the economic impact in those communities.

[@gregpaspatis9425]

"I see both sides...Atlanta and most majority black cities are actual case studies......." Have you even seen everything the state of Georgia has done since 1990 when they were the winners to host the 1996 Atlanta Olympics(lol)? Namely, the Georgia Dome, then the Mercedes Benz Dome, the Olympic Stadium that was then converted into the then-new Turner Field, now the home for the Georgia State football team, the late 1990s arena that was originally named Phillips Arena and then Truist Park out in the northern 'burbs of Atlanta. Right there, that's five different major league sports facilities in only three decades. In Virginia there hasn't been anything close to what's a major league facility built in more than fifty years when they opened the mid-sized Scope arena in Norfolk and the Hampton Coliseum and Richmond Coliseum back in 1971. Nothing of a major league sized sports facility has ever been built in Virginia, the most populated state without any major sports franchises.

[@MichaelGilmoreTV]

@@gregpaspatis9425 I lived in Atlanta from 89-92; 93-2003; 2016-2021; nearly 20 years. That’s why I said Atlanta is a Case Study 👀📚.

[@757CitiesReppa]

@@gregpaspatis9425 what is your point? You must really LIVE through these sports teams.

[@EyeOfTheWatcher]

Roland that is not the peace sign that is the UK version of the middle finger.

[@nickatnite16]

Billionaire owners needs to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and pay for their own stadiums, no handouts

[@ottomans2876]

Scott, Scott. 😁 Robert had me when h said you may as well drop it out of a plane. He's always so dry.

[@michaelgover9206]

My man Roland. Great Job 😅

[@dhowto3005]

Informative discussion.

[@LMorton-qc8gn]

As someone who can halfway afford to live in DC, I will stay in No VA because the schools in DC suck, I don't want my child to catch a stray while playing outside, and I like to know my car will be on the street in the am. An updated Chinatown will not make me move to DC. If 5 billion was spent on the people of DC or improving the social services in DC, I would consider it.

[@craftingretired]

Where they wanted it is Potomac Yard know how congested that area is terrible ideal

[@breezecreationsllc9381]

Colleges and universities make most of their money off of real estate.

[@averyarroyo7958]

maybe if those billionaires stopped getting Starbucks everyday, they could afford a stadium

[@GM-um8rh]

😂😂😂😂❤😂😂😂😂

[@LadyJ1020]

Rebecca is not wrong in her perspective. I live in central VA and when I’m interested in going to concerts and events, it’s an automatic “No” if the closest concert/event is only DC. Frankly I make the farther drive/journey to Charlotte or Raleigh and I stay, eat, and shop there in peace and safely. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@THERSC216]

Just like in Cleveland with the Browns. America loves pro sports but SHOULD NOT pay for their venues.

[@theresaharrell9043]

Same with Florida,

[@teresacurry3569]

Thank you, Rebecca, because she is the one who pushed our young children out to the streets by taking away boys and girls clubs and other activities that kept them focused and active in positive ways.

[@charlybrowne5032]

Not a benefit to the residents who live in, have a horrible commute and cant park in their own neighborhood.

[@KNByam]

And when they build their own stadium, don't ask for free tickets or donations to a cause.

[@DonBrownII]

I appreciate Robert and the young lady speaking candidly about the disastrous results of giving billionaires billions of dollars to build stadiums for them.

[@johnthomas1521]

Mr. Roland Martin I fully agree with your talking points let them build their own damn stadium 🏟. There aren't many cities in the United States that can have continual revenue from these arenas good example NYC has a population and neighboring population aka the Tri-state area that can hold multiple events that will attract a vast number of people of diverse backgrounds. Tropicana Field does not fill their stadium even during baseball season and only gets filled if the team goes into the playoffs. Bottom line most stadiums and arenas are seasonal income revenues which last from any where from 5 to 8 months depending on the sport which leaves the city holding the bag to come up with creative ideas as best they can to generate some limited forms of revenue to cover the cost they sold the taxpayers a bill of phoney goods 😢.

[@GM-um8rh]

Amen!

[@andrestocker3204]

I agree with both sides on this argument owners should pay for their own stadium, but just giving poor people money also solves nothing they’ll just waste it.

[@rtwo4570]

Scott’s the only one who knows what he’s talking about. Scott is specifically talking about DC’s arena situation and Roland is using outdated info from years ago.

[@matthewchrome5144]

Thanks to Governor Youngkin’s role, Amazon built massive warehouses in Chesapeake which created thousands of jobs, & millions of dollars in investment property. Yet, Lucas & her supporters will not admit they were 100% wrong.

[@AviatorStone]

Scott is absolutely wrong!! How dare he denigrate the work and expertise of economists? I wish Spriggs was still here to set him straight.

[@lagunn327]

How dare They try to STEAL away DC’s teams!🤬😡But,I agree that they should build their own Arena!!!!

[@michaellyles1605]

Agree with Roland pay for your own stadium, like the people pay for their own investment social security.

[@JohnBosco.1308]

This is what happened to the Deadskins, now Commandos without a sword or bite.

[@lawannahtrailor9640]

SIMILAR to what Chicago is proposing for BEARS TEAM @ Soldier Field & SOX team @ SOX PARK. To purchase new Stadiums on new spots STAY where you ARE. With threats to move to Arlington Illinois

[@msraye100]

Build affordable housing for the homeless, and build Grocery stores in our inner cities.

[@a.e.3367]

Kanas City residents just delivered the same message for the Chiefs and Royals stadium renovation shenanigans. Tell them billionaires to "PAY for it yo damn self."

[@WilliamMann-s3t]

The real backdrop of Virginia's Governor reeks of his mentor

[@39tulane]

This is a tough situation. Also believe the ownership wanted to get away from the crime nature of DC. Second, the indirect and cumulative benefits of keeping the teams in the District unfortunately will not help the culture mindset challenge where government is in this ugly dance of keeping business and income in DC specifically and support improving the quality of life for those in need within the District on the east side.

[@arnoldkingiii6954]

What no one knows is the fact that Momentual signed a contract to keep the Wizards

[@arnoldkingiii6954]

And Capitals there until 2047

[@user-mu3xk7ie2t]

Check out Forsyth Co. GA proposes building NHL stadium complex🤔

[@Ave8or]

Who is going to pay for the $515 million dollars, the DC tax payers?

[@sol9211]

Is it just me... or does Ted Leonsis look similar to... Ted Cruz?

[@amillionsosamann2526]

People need jobs. Build the Arena and hire responsible employees. People of Amazon ESPECIALLY NEEDS a Job. 🎉

[@leejohnson6328]

I wouldn't build them rich cats nothing unless their direct line from cash register to teachers, the poor and foster children. If you aint got that forget it.

[@JasperOFlanigan-fb5lv]

There needs to be a Federal Law. Billionaires shouldn’t get free new toys paid for my working people so they can make more money. But that will keep happening because if one place won’t pay the Billionaire just shops in a different state. A Federal Law needs to be made that any stadium built has to be revenue neutral.

[@kennethferland5579]

We seriously need to end this practice of cities paying for stadiums. I say if the citiy spends anything on facilities for a team then the City becomes PART OWNER, of the team just likely anyone else who invests money in a buisness. Frankly I think we should pass a Federal law to stop this whole practice, no public money without public ownership! Hell this principle should apply to any kind of buisness, a ton of basic buisnesses like factories are being snipped from cities based on this type of behavior as now every industry is trying to get into the game of having cities out bid each other in subsidizing them.

[@adriennekennedy5887]

😂😂😂 the brother got a strong fact Pattern !

[@KlaraCharm-cf1ex]

Scott, what about raising the billionaire owners' taxes

[@dreamcage1801]

Damn straight! Let these billionaires build their own damn stadiums from now on.

[@saj8]

Told folks that the Caps and the Wizards weren't leaving DC.

[@brendan7363]

7 and 8 yr olds aren’t stealing cars!