How should sports impact a city? Since Sacramento is the capital of the state, should sports play a more central role in its economy, community and priorities? 

The California International Marathon is approaching in December, this year's race will end at the Capitol. In 2006, Sacramento saw 6,000 delegates and $1,893,312 in economic impact as a result of the California International Marathon. Next year, the AMGEN tour will draw thousands to see the largest bicycling tour race through the streets of midtown. Parking and traffic will be affected with street closures and limited parking in a huge chunk of downtown Sacramento. However, one positive aspect of the AMGEN tour was that it brought 5,000 delegates and $1,052,454 in economic impact last year. 

The Capitol hosts the start and end of many important runs and walks. Just this month, two major fitness events will grace the steps of the Capitol. On October 11, hundreds of people will participate in the Step out Walk to Fight Diabetes, and just over a week later (October 19) walkers and runners will join the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Sacramento race.

Sacramento does not have a Major League baseball team, nor does it have a National Football League team. Plans to build a new arena for the Kings where the Union Pacific railyard is were derailed in the past.

 Is it fair to say that midtown and downtown Sacramento favor more community involved sports - where anyone can participate and enter, rather than sports that only a select few, many from all over the country can participate? How much money do Sacramentans spend to travel out of city or out of state to see their favorite sports teams play at other venues? How much of a crowd do we draw from other states to see our events or our teams play? Should Sacramento spend more on the development of sports teams and venues? How much of a presence should sports have on a city?