A new documentary showcasing the unprecedented aerobatics of the U. S. Navy’s Blue AngelsThe U. S. election has led many to wonder: Are local leaders making plans to bring them back to Tuscaloosa anytime soon?
As longtime citizens know, Los Angeles has performed here at five other presentations at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow since Mayor Walt Maddox was first elected in 2009.
The mayor has joined Steve.
Due to high prices and the COVID pandemic, the answer will unfortunately come soon, Maddox said Thursday morning.
“The short answer is probably not for long,” Maddox said. “The city has hosted this occasion several times and they lost about $350,000 this time. It is difficult to find partners who need to participate and at least the break-even point is reached. “
With costs high on everything and a universally dubious scenario after the worst days of the COVID pandemic, Maddox said there is no will to bring back the air show without a way to mitigate monetary losses.
“Over the last few years, it’s been said, ‘Okay, we have to pass out and lose $350,000 on an occasion like that,'” Maddox said. “And the other component is that when we look at the number of hotel nights, it doesn’t generate a lot of economic development. People come in and then leave. “
“That’s not to say that we won’t possibly do that in the future, however, I think after the post-COVID crisis and dedicating our resources now to public safety, I think by now, it’s probably going to be a couple of years. “” Maddox said.
Knowing his morning audience, the mayor did let the interview end without humor.
“That didn’t stop the city of Northport from hosting it!Or the county, they can just arrange it,” Maddox laughed. Hey, we’re going to rent you the airport for free. And that?”
For more news from West Alabama, tune in to Tuscaloosa Thread.
Gallery Credit: (Stephen Dethrage | Tuscaloosa Thread)
A new documentary about the aerobatics of the U. S. Navy’s Blue Angels has others wondering when they will return to Tuscaloosa. Mayor Walt Maddox says it may take a long time. n
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A new documentary showcasing the unprecedented aerobatics of the U. S. Navy’s Blue AngelsThe U. S. election has led many to wonder: Are local leaders making plans to bring them back to Tuscaloosa anytime soon?
As longtime citizens know, Los Angeles has performed here at five other presentations at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow since Mayor Walt Maddox was first elected in 2009.
The mayor has joined Steve.
Due to high prices and the COVID pandemic, the answer will unfortunately come soon, Maddox said Thursday morning.
“The short answer is probably not for long,” Maddox said. “The city has hosted this occasion several times and they lost about $350,000 this time. It is difficult to find partners who need to participate and at least the break-even point is reached. “
With costs high on everything and a universally dubious scenario after the worst days of the COVID pandemic, Maddox said there is no will to bring back the air show without a way to mitigate monetary losses.
“Over the last few years, it’s been said, ‘Okay, we have to pass out and lose $350,000 on an occasion like that,'” Maddox said. “And the other component is that when we look at the number of hotel nights, it doesn’t generate a lot of economic development. People come in and then leave. “
“That’s not to say that we won’t possibly do that in the future, however, I think after the post-COVID crisis and dedicating our resources now to public safety, I think by now, it’s probably going to be a couple of years. “” Maddox said.
Knowing what he did on the morning show, the mayor did not let the interview end without humor.
“That didn’t stop the city of Northport from hosting it!Or the county, they can just arrange it,” Maddox laughed. Hey, we’re going to rent you the airport for free. And that?”
For more news from West Alabama, tune in to Tuscaloosa Thread.