The St. Louis Rams are headed back to Los Angeles, but not without an ugly parting gift for their former home. In departing the Midwest, the team will leave the city with a whopping $144 million in debt and maintenance costs, according to Reuters.
According to Lewis Reed, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen President, fans and other local taxpayers will get stuck paying the massive bill.
“The fans are being left holding the bag,” Reed said. “I think they should factor that into the total cost of the move.”
Reed also said that the city has asked the NFL to help pay off the debt and costs associated with Edward Jones Dome and a few surrounding areas, but the league has not responded. If the NFL does not help pay the $144 million, the city will be forced to rely on events at the stadium, including concerts and sporting events.
“We’re going to have to tighten the belt in a few places,” added Reed.
[Reuters]
Photo: Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports
