The Sprint Center was expected to be a savior of downtown Kansas City, pulling in area residents who would shop, dine and drink downtown and helping to pull in out of area visitors who would spend tourism dollars. But, while there have been a few high profile successes, the Sprint Center has generally fallen below expectations.
We have documented here before the lack of an anchor tenant and the unlikelihood of one coming anytime soon. Officials in the city and at the Sprint Center have insisted that the arena could survive with other events, but we doubt that is true. We have asked for a public accounting.
Let’s look forward, for example. On the July calendar there are five nights for Cirque de Soleil, and only one concert. In August there are only four dates booked (and we are told that Bruce Springsteen isn’t sold out!). In September, only six dates, including five appearances by the circus, which would have been at Kemper regardless. October through December only has nine dates on the calendar.
That is a grand total of twenty-five dates in six months, just over four dates a month. Does anyone think the Sprint Center can pull a profit with those numbers? Sure they may add an event or two later in that period, but they would have to triple the number of dates to make it as impressive as what they sold voters when they asked for public support.
The fact of the matter is, outside a nice opening salvo with Garth Brooks and an obvious winner in the Big 12 tournament, the Sprint Center is failing. And ultimately it will be Kansas City taxpayers that take the hit if it continues to under perform.
Once again we call on the Sprint Center to tell Kansas City voters how they are doing with the investment we gave them.
Wasn't this paid for by taxes on rental cars and hotel rooms in the Kansas City city limits? Paid for by those that are visiting KC?
Also, please post the attendance to the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Posted by: PeachPit | July 14, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Who are you kidding Peachpit? I rent cars here in town and even stay in hotels here for special events. We all pay and we pay extra to make up shortfalls. What about when rental car companies drive you over to out of KC locations to do the paperwork and avoid the extra fees? You may have thought you were smart during the campaign but they are smarter.
Posted by: appletree | July 14, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I rent in Gladstone. Marketplace economics 101.
Posted by: northernthunder | July 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM
The tax was put on rental cars and hotel rooms but that doesn't mean they will cover if there is a loss. The Star noted that tourism is down, so those taxes are not even assured of paying the basic costs. If they do not, taxpayers will ultimately eat the loss on the bonds.
Posted by: Truth | July 14, 2008 at 12:28 PM
You still rent cars in the Kansas City zips? You are smart! Could of saved some of that money...
Who has suite seats in the Sprint Center?
Posted by: PeachPit | July 14, 2008 at 01:25 PM
The number one payer of these fees are business travelers. With the cost of oil continuing to go up becuase of the Democratically controlled Congres to entertain the chance of increasing supply and competition and the airplane surcharges, businesses are going to weaken and travel is going to cease. Do I fly to KC from Montreal to talk about a manufacturing plant or teleconfence? Hm, even PP would realize that $500 airfare is more than a $10 call.
Posted by: hoosier | July 14, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Yeah, it is this congress's fault that gas is expensive. It has nothing to do with the last 40 years of our gov't not anticipating one energy crisis or situation like this. We just couldn't see it coming could we?
I hope gas goes to $5.00 this summer. We've had it too easy if you ask me. Everyone wants their SUV's and Trucks, well now we get to pay for that. We want to live 30 miles outside of where we work. That is smart. If you want those freedoms, you have to pay.
Posted by: PeachPit | July 15, 2008 at 08:47 AM
sounds like marketplace economics 101, again....
Posted by: northernthunder | July 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Yes, Marketplace econ...I like that. I like that more than having two banks fail at their business and then we bail them out. Less gov't right?
Posted by: PeachPit | July 15, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Only in the world of the Pit would you have to pay for freedoms.
Posted by: Hoosier | July 15, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Hoosier how do the Democrats control the price of gas? What did the Republicans do during the six years they held both chambers of congress and the oval office to keep gas prices low? Has the President Bush ever vetoed a bill passed by congress? Who holds more control over gas prices the President, Congress, or the oil executives who happen to be buddies of the President?
Posted by: Militray Member | July 16, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Maybe you should do more reasurch before you talk crap. There are MANY events scheduled for this fall including Kansas basketball games.. Just because they arent YET on the sprintcenter.com websight doesnt mean they are not scheduld....
Posted by: Dalene | August 05, 2008 at 01:19 PM