Doubleheader · Bottom of the Ninth
Stadium Before Sewers
Conrad v. City of Pittsburgh (1966)
Charge: Taxpayer challenge to public financing of a riverfront stadium (challenge to the city's plan)Court: Supreme Court of PennsylvaniaDocket: Bottom of the Ninth
Was the city's public financing of a sports stadium constitutional without a vote of the taxpayers?
The facts
A city planned to finance a new riverfront stadium for its baseball and football teams through public borrowing, with roughly $28 million in financing. A citizens' group sued, arguing the scheme unconstitutionally put taxpayers in debt without a public vote, and that public money should go first to basics like police, fire, schools and sewers rather than a sports venue. The case reached the state's highest court.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Conrad v. City of Pittsburgh, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1966 (reporter citation not verified)
Read more at sabr.org. The source reveals the outcome.