Sport and the Façade of Redevelopment in the Postindustrial City

Abstract

The challenges and pressures associated with the unfolding postindustrial moment have resulted in the spatial reorganization of contemporary cities. New urban environments have emerged, dominated by spectacular spaces of consumption designed to attract tourists’ and suburbanites’ discretionary incomes. Although presenting a seemingly vibrant and flourishing image of the city as a whole, these spaces are disconnected from the realities of those living in impoverished neighborhoods. Focusing on the Oriole Park at Camden Yards complex in Baltimore, this discussion highlights the link between sport spaces and consumer capital within the postindustrial city. The aim is, first, to illustrate the manner in which cities have used sport amenities as important components of broader urban redevelopment initiatives and, second, to explicate the potential consequences of such policy decisions for city inhabitants.