Description

In an eye-opening lesson in high stakes politics, big business and civic responsibility, Horrow discusses the deals that create new stadiums and bring sports franchises to cities. In tracking his rise from first-year lawyer to multimillion-dollar deal broker, Horrow's narrative becomes at once a memoir, how-to business manual and self-help guide. Through a series of trial-and-error attempts to lure pro sports to his home city of Miami, Horrow takes readers through the crucial steps that helped him create his trademark public-private partnerships, which have satisfied billionaire investors, local politicians, league officials, inquisitive lawyers and skeptical taxpayers in cities like Boston, Cleveland and Oklahoma City. Horrow, though a cagey bargainer when it comes to his deal brokering, is refreshingly honest when portraying sports big shots like golfer Jack Nicklaus, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and franchise owner Art Modell. Always the dreamer with an eye on the prize, Horrow (with help from journalist Bloom) makes a strong case for tying arts projects and infrastructure financing to team and stadium investment to create civic pride and rejuvenation. His infectious energy and positive spirit make this a must read for anyone interested in the sport of business and the business of sports.