TOPLINE
Local government and developers of the new 70,000-seat SoFi stadium in Los Angeles – home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers football teams – were accused of gentrification by social media users on Thursday after a video was released on ultramodern installations. surrounding the $ 5 billion project in the town of Inglewood.
Aerial view of the SoFi stadium, still under construction, the future residence of the Rams and Chargers in … [+]
AFP via Getty Images
HIGHLIGHTS
The SoFi Stadium is nearing completion after nearly four years of construction, while its opening has been delayed until September due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The stadium, which can accommodate 70,000 people and an additional 30,000 people, previously housed the Hollywood Park Racecourse in the city of Inglewood, 10 miles southwest of Los Angeles.
After the release of a video showing a new man-made lake under construction as part of the multibillion-dollar project, social media users and local residents criticized the developers for asking for tax breaks, while slamming the government local for leaving roads and education without the necessary funding, they said. .
“So they can build this for rams but can’t fix potholes, sweep sidewalks or fund public education in Inglewood … I hate this government,” one user tweeted.
In 2015, the Associated Press reported that the stadium’s developers would seek to recoup $ 100 million in tax refunds during the first five years of operation.
The stadium is being developed by Hollywood Park Land Co, a joint venture between Stockbridge Capital Group and The Kroenke Group, owned by billionaire Stanley Kroenke, who also owns the Rams.
additional information
Inglewood has a median household income of just over $ 46,000, according to Data USA, compared to a county-wide median household income of $ 68,000. Across California, the median household income was $ 71,000 in 2019, according to census figures.
Inglewood, also known as the “City of Champions,” has long been at the center of gentrification concerns, with residents increasingly excluded from the predominantly black and Hispanic region.
Key context
The SoFi Stadium is said to be the most expensive sports venue in the United States, and was initially scheduled to open last year, before heavy rains interrupted construction. After construction began in November 2016, the stadium is at least 97 percent complete, the developers said earlier this month. The development will house not only the stadium, but shops, homes, restaurants, an auditorium and offices on a 298-acre development.
To monitor
The stadium was scheduled to open last weekend with a Taylor Swift concert. But the coronavirus has pushed back the site’s opening date, which means the first NFL game will be on September 13, between the Rams and the Dallas Cowboys.
Tangent
At least 55 project workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, with the construction site considered an “active epidemic,” according to the LA County Department of Public Health. Temperature control masks are mandatory. A construction worker tragically fell 110 feet to his death on June 5 while working on the roof, while another worker died on July 8 after showing signs of a “health problem.” LA Times reported.
Further reading
SoFi stadium pays the price to lift its curtain during pandemic (Forbes)
Taylor Swift cancels all concerts for 2020 due to coronavirus, including opening events at SoFi Stadium (LA Times)
Six more SoFi stadium workers test positive for coronavirus (LA Times)
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