We reserve the same antipathy for local politicians and media types who conspire to grab our tax money for their pet projects. Stadiums are great engines of economic growth. Actually, independent studies tend to show the opposite, that stadiums have a limited effect on local economies and one which is limited to the immediate area of the facility. Pro sports unite the core cities with their more affluent suburbs. The new stadiums unite people from all classes.
Economic classes tend to be rigidly segregated in seating and services.
We don't all sit together out in the open the way we used to. The new stadiums attract jobs. Stadiums and skyboxes are a big factor in where corporate leaders locate their businesses. Actually, corporate leaders are too busy considering real factors like tax rates, labor conditions, local talent and proximity to transport, communications and financial services. The industrial revolution in Silicon Valley is a good example of how little corporate giants care about pro sports glamour.