12/21/24
November 26, 2008
Change Citi Field to Citi/Taxpayer Field? : Two New York City Council members say that Citigroup should show its thanks for a federal bailout by sharing the naming rights to the new Mets ballpark in Queens.
As ridiculous as it sounds, it would serve as a good reminder of the essential private citizen contribution to a sports franchise. Plus, it has a nice blue collar ring to it. And it would be accurate.
Heck, the bailout package includes the dollar value of the naming rights.
They ought to get Citi gone from the name entirely and call it Uncle Sam Shea's.
When you get to Uncle Sam Shea's, the formal Western footwear is on Aisle 20, and the beef jerky is up by the front register.
posted by beaverboard at 11:08 AM on November 26, 2008
How about Sub Prime Park? Or Fiscal Irresponsibility Field?
posted by cjets at 11:42 AM on November 26, 2008
Beltran Backpay Ballpark
posted by bluesdog at 12:28 PM on November 26, 2008
I heard conversation about this yesterday on the radio. It also involved other banks that sponsor PGA events as well. It does make sense, If you don't have the money to sustain your institution, then how can you justify the spending of $400 million for naming rights or xxx amount of dollars for other sponsorships. That would be similar to the average Joe applying for food stamps because his money is going towards a Ferrari.
posted by BoKnows at 02:10 PM on November 26, 2008
In the end they'll stick with the "It's necessary for advertising and keeping the Citi name in people's minds. What they should really call the ballpark is "I'm Losing My Job 'Cuz Of This Shitty Economy So Who Cares What Goes On In This Overpriced" Stadium.
posted by dyams at 02:44 PM on November 26, 2008
What this article doesn't state is the amount of people that Citibank has already laid off (or is planning to). 'Ahh, we don't need those 500 employees, they'll just take up money we need for naming a stadium.'
I am just unable to figure out why the economy is where it is. I don't get it.
posted by BoKnows at 03:12 PM on November 26, 2008
I am just unable to figure out why the economy is where it is. I don't get it.
Be careful, Bo, with that attitude, you may soon find yourself in charge of the Treasury Department.
posted by Howard_T at 03:15 PM on November 27, 2008
Yo BoKnows, Citi laid off 50,000 employees just last week. Those naming rights are expensive.
posted by Hugh Janus at 11:52 PM on November 28, 2008
Treasury Department? Sounds good, I sure do like booty.
posted by BoKnows at 01:18 PM on November 30, 2008
Why don't they just call it Bailout Ballpark? Citi doesn't deserve to have it's name included any longer.