Public cost for private gain? Recent and proposed ‘national’ stadium developments in the UK, and commonalities with North America

A number of recent and proposed stadium developments in the UK have filled a perceived ‘national’ need. Subsidies for such developments have been obtained from public sources, although in most cases the facilities are privately owned. This paper examines the debate over stadium subsidy extant in North America, and considers whether the American experience can illuminate the issue of subsidy and public good in the UK.