Report Says 49ers Stadium Would Boost Santa Clara Economy

A report released by Santa Clara officials supported the 49ers' claims that a new stadium would “generate hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity,” marking a “major boost” in the club’s quest for a new facility, according to Patel & Swift of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. However, the analysis was “far from a rubber stamp, still leaving questions about whether those impacts will be enough to offset the costs to the community.” Santa Clara City Council member Dominic Caserta said, “We still need to look at whether it’s going to work for the public. What we know is that it’s at least not going to be as catastrophic as some have suggested.” Patel & Swift reported the study, which was conducted by S.F.-based Keyser Marston Associates, shows that many of the economic boosts “can be attributed to the 49ers’ existing training facility and headquarters.” It “concurs with the team’s prediction that the 49ers would generate $85[M] annually in economic activity,” around half from the stadium and the rest from the training facility and HQs (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 6/2). In S.F., Patrick Hoge noted the study showed a 15-acre office complex would produce $3.3M in annual revenue for the city, compared to the $650,000 a stadium would produce. Also, because the land the team wants is in an entertainment district, the report said the city council “may wish to seek an entertainment/tourist use, which could be more compatible with the nearby Convention Center and Great America Theme Park” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/2).

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