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Getting more from a stadium

Chester can learn from Phila.'s funding plan.

R. Andrew Swinney

is president of the

Philadelphia Foundation

Amid all the justifiable enthusiasm of this region's getting another major-league sports franchise, an important issue seems to have been lost. Part of the reason for spending Delaware River Port Authority and state dollars to attract the new soccer team and build a stadium has been the potential economic development for the waterfront in Chester, one of the nation's most impoverished cities.

However, some residents and soccer fans fear that Chester will mirror the experience of Camden (one fan called Chester "like Camden but without the glitter").

Major-league soccer, with its national TV audience, bigger payrolls and marquee players, is not comparable to Camden's minor-league baseball.

Decent crowds

Still, although the new stadium for the Camden Riversharks attracts decent crowds, attendance has not translated into significant economic benefits for the economically depressed city. Despite an even more developed waterfront, fans are apparently fearful to linger before or after Riversharks games.

The government and private forces behind the major-league soccer team may do better to learn from the experience of Philadelphia. In 2001, as part of the lease agreements for the Phillies' and Eagles' new stadiums, the city required each team to commit to contribute $1 million per year for 30 years to a charitable fund supporting the needs of Philadelphia youth. The funding structure assured that this $60 million would be available in perpetuity and continue to grow while meeting the needs of Philadelphia's children.

As it turned out, the Philadelphia Foundation, the nonprofit public charity that has been administering an endowment comprising hundreds of charitable funds since 1918, was selected to manage this endeavor. The Fund For Children has already awarded 135 grants totaling more than $2.9 million in support of 90 community organizations serving Philadelphia's youth.

These grants are supporting critical neighborhood organizations and engaging and empowering teens to prepare for the business world. One component, YOUTHadelphia, is teaching young people the art and science of philanthropy, empowering them to perform due diligence on nonprofits and award grants themselves.

Opportunity to give back

The city of Chester is a target-rich environment with many opportunities for giving something back to the community. The forces behind the new soccer team and its stadium would do well to consider the Philadelphia example and seize this unique opportunity. Long after the construction jobs and real estate transactions have come and gone, Chester will still be in desperate need of philanthropic infusions to improve its residents' quality of life. This is a public-private partnership that could result in cheers long after the team scores a goal.

Such support will resonate among the fans, and may help overcome the known challenges of locating the stadium in a city with a poor reputation.

The team owners, stadium developers and government leaders' concept of a return on investment should include a secured commitment to investing in the future of the community. The public demands more of its investment than just short-term construction jobs and occasional tourist dollars. Public will, coupled with a bit of imagination and responsive public servants, can guarantee a perpetual investment in the Chester community. Innovative thinking and socially responsible behavior on the part of all participants can help trigger a long-awaited renaissance in Chester.