Use luxury boxes to raise school revenue, councilman suggests

The city's luxury boxes at Philadelphia sports stadiums should be leased to raise money for a newly-created fund for school supplies, City Councilman James Kenney suggested in a letter to Mayor Nutter on Tuesday.

The city has the boxes, known as the "mayor's box," at Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center.

"We can lease these boxes for up to $30,000 for an Eagles game, and $3,000 for Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers games," Kenney said in a letter to Nutter. "Large concerts, like this past summer's Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake concert could generate additional revenue. While it is not a solution for our overall school funding crisis, based on conservative estimates, we could generate more than $1 million a year for this school supply fund."

He suggested the boxes be leased per game or event so that smaller businesses could afford them as well as larger ones.

"I understand that since 2008, 54 percent of all tickets have been distributed to schools, nonprofits, recreation centers and other groups," Kenney said. "I appreciate your work in this effort, but I believe that the needs of our students in the classroom must take precedence."

Nutter last week announced the creation of the Philadelphia Education Supplies Fund and asked businesses, non profits and the public at large to donate and help fund school supplies, such as pens, workbooks and paper, at district schools, as well as at charter and Catholic schools.

I'm seeking comment from the mayor's office on this suggestion.