Will Immigration Law Cost Arizona All-Star Game?

[npk]

Source: ABC news

Arizona's passage of a controversial anti-immigration law could cost the state Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, potentially depriving an already battered economy of millions of dollars.

A New York congressman who called for the league to move the 2011 game from Phoenix is the latest person to push for an economic boycott against the state in protest of the new law. Companies have been pulling conferences out of Arizona resorts while others have suggested consumers shun companies, such as US Airways, that are based in the state and have yet to condemn the the law.

"I think that when people, states, localities make decisions this monumental, they should know the full consequence of that decision," Rep. José E. Serrano, D-N.Y., said. "I think Major League Baseball, with 40 percent Latino ballplayers at all levels, should make a statement that it will not hold its All-Star Game in a state that discriminates against 40 percent of their people."

The 40 percent figure could not be independently confirmed and a spokesman for Major League Baseball said the league had no comment at this time.

The 2009 game generated an estimated $60 million for St. Louis, according to the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association. New York's economy generated an estimated $150 million the year before, according to New York City's Economic Development Corp.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/immigration-law-cost-arizona-star-game-push-boycott/story?id=10511724

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I would support the decision to relocate the game to another state.

[provis99]

1. we could move it to Georgia. Oh, wait:

Texas then? Ah, no. Well, how about Colorado? Nope.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-now/2010/04/arizona_bill_inspires_copycats.html

[IndianaJoe]

2. I think a lot of Latino players would stay home if AZ is the venue

Wouldn't blame them.

[Scairp]

5. I think all of them would

I truly believe that the ballplayer's union would formally refuse to participate if it is held there. So, no All-Star game in Phoenix either way, if they change the location to another state or if the players just won't go.

[harkadog]

10. And turn down those paychecks? What a dream world.

[Grassy Knoll]

3. Bring it to Michigan , they really need the money,

[alcibiades_mystery]

4. All Star Game in Detroit

I concur.

[jemsan]

6. Me too..

[IndianaGreen]

7. Great idea!

It will be good for Detroit!

[RufusTFirefly]

8. I too support an All-Star Game in the Motor City

And, make no mistake, I am not a Tigers fan. And I am definitely not a Red Wings fan.

[harry_pothead]

14. +1 for the Sharks.

[jillan]

9. Now this boycott may actually get the attention of the pols in this state...

Boycotting Arizona Iced Tea that's not even made in Arizona won't.

[feslen]

11. if Bud Selig were a real man with a real heart...he would

definitely move the All-Star game to Detroit or anywhere else except Arizona. Come on Bud, do the RIGHT THING.

[SpartanDem]

12. This wouldn't be first time that they lost something like this

remember the NFL pulled a Pro Bowl because in the 1990's because they didn't celebrate MLK Day.

[Bleacher Creature]

16. I thought it was the 1993 Super Bowl.

I remember it pretty clearly because it was one of the four my team lost...

That said, pulling the All-Star game would be a really big deal.

[meow2u3]

13. Bring the All-Star game to Citi Field

The All-Star game deserves to be at a stadium where immigrants are welcomed--not harrassed under the guise of law!

[harry_pothead]

15. All-Star Game in AT&T Park!