LISTEN: Advocates Upset Over City's Cost Overruns for New Crew Stadium

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Outrage is growing over reports that the investment for the city of Columbus in the new Columbus Crew Stadium is nearly double what officials initially said, just days before the groundbreaking takes place for that project.

A report in the Dispatch says Columbus City Council initially provided $50-million for infrastructure improvements for the stadium site, situated near the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers, in the Arena District. That report says the city's commitment will be closer to $100-million, since the city also is investing in buying the property.

Attorney Brett Adams says City Council bypassed the public in the deal, based on previous voter rejections of public funding for sports stadiums and arenas.

Adams spoke to 610-WTVN's Daveman on Monday.

Adams wants the team's new Owner, Jimmy Haslam, to foot the bill for the project instead of the city. Adams says Haslam, who also owns the Cleveland Browns, is worth an estimated $5-billion.

Adams adds that the cost for the new stadium doesn't even include the city and Franklin County's commitment to the re-purposing of Mapfre Stadium, once the team moves downtown. The city and county are in for about $100-million to transform Mapfre Stadium into a multi-purpose sports park.

Groundbreaking for the new stadium is set for This Thursday. The new stadium is scheduled to open in mid-2021.


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