Description
Book SynopsisA play-by-play account of how the drive for sports stadiums and arenas drains $2 billion a year from public treasuries for the sake of private profit. While the millionaires who own sports franchises have seen the value of their assets soar under this scheme, taxpayers, urban residents, and sports fans have all come out losers.
Trade Review“A thoughtful and comprehensive examination of the curious issue of love and money in sport.”—Frank Deford, Senior Contributing Writer at
Sports Illustrated and author of
The Entitled“A well-written and poignant analysis of America's stadium mess.”—Andrew Zimbalist, Robert A. Woods Professor of Economics, Smith College, and author of
In the Best Interests of Baseball? The Revolutionary Reign of Bud Selig“
Field of Schemes is a superb work of investigative reporting and righteous indignation. The fan pays twice: once for the stadium and again for the ticket to get into the stadium. If enough fans read it, we could break this cycle.”—Allen Barra, sports columnist for the
Wall Street Journal and author of
The Last Coach: A Life of Paul “Bear” Bryant“This is as crystal clear as it gets.
Field of Schemes shows exactly how your tax dollars end up in the pockets of sports team owners and players in our fake democracy.”—Jim Bouton, author of
Ball Four and
Foul Ball“If this book had been around for the Greeks to read, they would have learned that they should’ve billed Troy for the horse.”—Molly Ivins, newspaper columnist, political commentator, and best-selling author
"In exposing the template used by greedy owners and corrupt politicians, the authors have provided a great service for concerned public officials and fans who no longer have to sit in silence."—Christopher Keshock,
NINETable of ContentsPreface to the New Edition by Neil deMause
Introduction: The View from the Cheap Seats
1. A Tale of Two Inner Cities
2. Stealing Home
3. Ball Barons
4. The Art of the Steal
5. Deus Ex Pizza
6. Home Field Advantage
7. Local Heroes
8. Bad Neighbors
9. Repeat Offenders
10. The Bucks Stop Here
11. Winning Isn't Everything
12. Extra Innings
13. The Art of the Steal Revisited
14. Youppi! Come Home
15. The Perfect Storm
16. Saving Fenway
Acknowledgments
Notes
Index
