Cannot capitalize on anything

 

I went to an Iron Pigs game the other day.  I have to say, that place is the best thing within the city limits.   

For starters the parking lots were clean.  No litter.  Everywhere was well lite up and I felt safe despite not seeing even one police officer. Its even cheaper to park at the game then on Hamilton St. 

I didnt hear loud music blasting,  loud obnoxious mufflers nor did I see any stupid scooters or dirt bikes.  

The game appeared to be sold out, as many are.  But does the city actually benefit from this cash cow? 

I believe the players stay in a hotel in Bethlehem after games.  I am sure the visiting teams stay outside of the city as well. That is embarrassing.  They cant even get the players to stay after the game. I mean I am sure the Super 8 on Airport Rd would offer a great deal. 

So, how does the city have one of the top attendance minor league clubs in the United States, yet doesn't benefit?  That is insane.  No one eats dinner in the city before the game, and once the game is over look out route 22.  No one stays and spends money.

Remember when the Sands casino (now the Wind Creek) was deciding which city to build its casino? Allentown or Bethlehem. Could you imagine a casino right near the stadium?  That would have made for a fun night. Baseball, beer, and gambling. But we all know how that story ended.  The Sands wasnt dumb and went to Bethlehem.  Yet, despite their move, they still pay  the city like 3 or 4 million each year.

The city just cannot capitalize on anything. The NIZ zone does not count either. The fact Allentown is the 3rd biggest city in Pa, with a river running through it is amazing.  Yet the river does not draw anyone there except out-of-staters looking to party and litter the waters.  I cannot think of another major city that has a major body of water in it that isnt utilized to draw people and make money. 

Until our leaders learn how to start generating money for the city vs spending it, the city will never get better and taxes will continue to go up. I have a very nice post on the uncoming budget.  Lets just say, you won't be happy reading it if you live within the city. 

Lastly, after the game there were fireworks. I gotta say, they were awesome.  They werent real long, but I enjoyed them way more than the city's 4th of July fireworks.