One need only look at big-time (NCAA Div IA) college and university campuses where the building and expansion of football stadiums, basketball arenas, and other athletic facilities reflects the extant values and priorities at these institutions of higher education. This building frenzy is not only symptomatic of the American public’s sports culture, but also of the strong influence of wealthy and/or politically connected boosters, many of whom sit on big-time school governing boards. Stadium expansions across the U.S. – aided and abetted by state and federal policies – are contributing to the ongoing deterioration of America’s education infrastructure while the college sports entertainment business grows unabated.
