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Why Arena Projects Succeed... or Fail

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

As debate over financing for a new Bucks arena continues, the so-called jock tax option is still in play. 

It's a debate that interests Roger Noll. He's is a Professor Emeritus of Economics at Stanford University, and one of the country's leading experts on public financing for sports stadiums and arenas.

Noll joined Lake Effect's Mitch Teich to add some perspective to the discussion.

When it comes to building a new area, Noll explains that there must be some sort of financial gain when all is said and done. "If it's not part of a better plan, that has a little bit broader and longer term horizon, then there is no economic benefit for having a sports facility or local team," he says.

Noll is not the first nor the last person to have a perspective on this debate. Milwaukee is gaining attention from major sporting leagues, and other cities that are wrestling with the same issue.