29 August 2024

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy84gy4ympko

https://www.fastcompany.com/91243238/taylor-swift-eras-tour-total-gross-ticket-sales-effect-on-economy?

Kansas City saw nearly $50 million in local economic activity from a two-night performance. And kansas city is exactly as lange as the city described in the motion with 510.704 residents

Thanks to Taylor Swift, the city was suddenly world-famous. Hotels sold out, restaurants thrived, and the name “Swiftkirchen” made headlines across Europe.

But more than that: the image of the city changed.

It felt modern, exciting — a place people talked about with pride.

And when a city’s image improves, life gets better for everyone: more tourism, more jobs, more opportunities.

Why shouldn’t we give our own city that chance?

"It's not just hotels though, it's the whole package. In the UK, according to Barclays, Taylor Swift fans are likely to spend about £848 (€995.76) on items including tickets, accommodation, clothes and travel."-> Sreeni ( young people spend too much money for concert )

Introduction

◦ Hello Ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to this back to this debate from our side.

◦ I am the third speaker of team Opposition and will first do the final rebuttal and then the rebuilding of the case

◦ Then without further ado, let us dive in and see where Team Propositions arguments obviously fall and our arguments obviously stand.

Rebuttal

Rebuilding:

◦ After showing you why and where Team Propositions arguments shatter, let me again explain why and where our arguments are still standing.

◦ In her first Speech Julia explained how we as a mayor would weigh our decisions, marking financial stability, safety, the city’s reputation and the overall well-being of our citizens our top priority.

◦ This thinking would secure more votes for our personal gain as well in the long run, but more to that later.

◦ As she continued with her arguments she first delved into the problem of the cost and our financial responsibility E. It is common knowledge that Swift‘s concerts cost A LOT of money. 10 million to be precise. Just to be clear, that is 1/6 of what we are using to renovate our school, Gymnasium Plochingen, the second largest in Baden-Württemberg

◦ We must remember that we are paying the concert ourselves with the taxes our citizens gave us, trusting that we would put the money to good use.

◦ Now let me ask you: Would you as a parent appreciate if you had to send your child to a school that was falling apart and had technology from the 90s? Would you, a car owner, bike rider appreciate bumpy and ill-maintained roads? All because your mayor decided to pay your taxes to Taylor Swift?

◦ And Even if we can scratch together enough to pay the concert…

◦ WHAT IF IT FLOPS?

◦ In Julias second argument she very clearly showed how much we are gambling costs and votes here.

◦ Unlike with worthwhile things like schools, streets, public safety, etc. concerts don’t always pay out

◦ She also showed the security risks, with mass panics, and terrorism, that had almost happened at one of Swift‘s concerts btw, but was ever so narrowly prevented

◦ Any of these situations would lead to people dying, getting hurt, while our city and we, the mayor would lose our reputation, and voters, as people will look for somebody to blame and find us, the person who spent 10 million on a pop-concert, and accuse us.

◦ This brings us to second Speaker Sreeni.

◦ She then delved in on the possible scenario, that the concert wouldn’t end up as a flop. A great situation for everybody involved. Or no? Let‘s look at the facts:

◦ This supposed „economic boost, is not very much of a boost in it of itself.

◦ Quoting eligible economic professors to prove her point Sreeni showed that most of the money Swifty‘s spend will go into the concert tickets as well as the merchandise.

◦ These profits, however large they may be, will result in Taylor Swift‘s pocket.

◦ The Gastronomy of our town will most likely be the place for them to cut their costs, coming over on the day of the event, bringing their own lunch, and camping outside the stadium instead of looking at shops

◦ Even though there may be a boost, it would be shortlisted and soon forgotten by most citizens who would then be focusing on why our town hall isn’t renovated yet

◦ Sreeni then went on to remind us that we mustn’t turn a blind eye to the more than problematic aftermath

◦ Obviously after a lot of people have been some where on one spot, there will be a LOT of plastic cans, broken bottles and other garbage, and guess who has to pay for the cleanup? Oh, that’s right! We have to!

◦ This of course isn’t even counting any accidental property damage and potential vandalism to property of our potential voters

◦ And also, can we as a city stand for the amount of pollution Taylor Swift herself makes? We should be discouraging the 100s of tons of CO2 being pumped into the air by her planes and cars, not giving her more reason to do so.

◦ Sreeni then made us see, as I have told you before, how we would be disrupting the life of our citizens and voters. We‘re talking about getting obscenely late to work and school, because of way to many cars and people jammed into one place. Not to speak of the unbearable noise or any accidental property damage and potential vandalism to property of our potential voters

◦ In the long run we could see, that we are doing more harm than good to our city and our potential voters, who will turn into determined non-voters as soon as the excitement has passed and they see the wreckage.

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◦ Instead we should inform our Swifty-Citizens about a concert in Munic, so they can take the scenic ride over there while the majority of the citizens happily goes about their daily lives, daydreaming of filling out vote ballots in our favour.

◦ In conclusion, bringing Taylor Swift to our city might sound like a 'Love Story,' but it's time we face the reality— if we do that „We will never, ever, ever, get our votes together.“

~Rebuttal vorbereitung:~

**One: The cost of the Taylor Swift Console surpasses the economic gain.*

*

However, despite this bold statement, we’ve received only hypothetical figures—no sources, examples, or evidence. Just prejudice against an artist who has helped cities culturally and provided immense financial gains. Major events make money; they aren’t just trivial expenses. And thus, I also gain resources for my citizens. Kansas City, a city that perfectly corresponds to the defined size of my city, saw a $50 million increase, including expenses. Taylor Swift fans spend so much that the taxpayers’ cost versus their return is a galactic difference. Let's look at the facts and the facts show that my city will only benefit from this concert.

*If it's also about the lack of money because of the local fans , then:*

The idea that local fans don't boost the economy just because they live nearby might sound reasonable at first – but if we applied that logic to any major event, from concerts to football games, cities would never profit. And yet, LA made $320 million from one concert weekend, and even Gelsenkirchen earned tens of millions. So clearly, big events do drive local spending, no matter where the fans come from.

One cannot simply pass off hypothetical and untrue statements—lacking even a trace of credible evidence and contradicting real examples from reliable sources—as valid arguments

2) the concert fails

*A: concert cancellations that weren't caused by safety concerns.:*

Of course, such cancellations do happen – due to extreme weather conditions like tornadoes or logistical difficulties. But that's precisely why promoters plan with great care: They choose stable infrastructure, weather-protected locations, and take precautions. These types of cancellations are extremely rare and, in reality, almost never a problem.

A prominent example shows us this: Not a single Taylor Swift concert had to be canceled due to such factors. And if even one of the world's biggest tours manages this – with hundreds of shows worldwide – then it shows that with professional planning, this risk is manageable.

So I ask YOU, honorable judges:

Is it really justified to deprive our city of this cultural gain, this economic boom – just because of a risk that practically doesn't exist? I don't think so. It's your decision, dear jury. But I ask you to make it in the interest of our city's culture, and its opportunities.

*B Security Cancellations:*__

As mayor, I take security seriously — but let’s be realistic..Yes, terror attacks have happened and yes taylor swift concerts get canceled. – On school trips, at Christmas markets, even in churches.– There have been knife attacks, and yes, three taylor swift concerts were canceled im Vienna due to threats.

But did we cancel Christmas markets? No.Did we stop school trips? No.We increased security — we didn’t cancel life.In 2017, a bombing happened at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Tragic, yes.But did she stop performing? No.Did cities stop hosting concerts? No.We adapted, we got better — we didn’t give in to fear. According to multiple Wikipedia amd bbc articles taylor swift has give 858 concerts, at non of those people were slaughtered! Yes side opposition, it is true that 0,34 percent of these planned concerts were canceled. But that is no reason to cancel art, joy or culture.My city will not shut down culture and joy.We will respond with stronger safety measures — not silence.Because the goal of terrorism is fear. And I will not help them win.

3) Pollution

Let’s not pretend that Taylor Swift’s concert is the first or only event that causes waste. Every major event – football games, street festivals, even city marathons – leaves behind trash. Are we going to cancel all of those too? The truth is: blaming this one concert for pollution is hypocritical. If we really cared about waste, we’d be talking about year-round solutions – not using one artist as a scapegoat. The real issue isn't the concert — it’s poor planning. With proper infrastructure, cleanup teams, and eco-friendly strategies, waste is entirely manageable. And unlike most events, this one brings millions in revenue, boosts tourism, supports local jobs, and puts our city in the global spotlight. Canceling it over some plastic cups? That’s not environmentalism – that’s just short-sighted

4) Disrubtion of daily life

Let me be clear — I, as the mayor, know what it means to run a city. And yes, large events cause temporary disruptions. But to say that our residents’ lives will be disrubted/destroyed etc? That’s not just exaggerated — it’s fearmongering. We host football games, street festivals, political rallies — and we manage. We reroute traffic, we increase public transportation, we coordinate with emergency services. That’s called good governance.

And let’s not forget: many of those fans are residents. Why shouldn’t they have the chance to experience something unforgettable in their own city? Local businesses will thrive. The economy will grow.

A city is not a quiet suburb frozen in time — it’s alive, vibrant, sometimes loud, and full of opportunity. If leadership means rejecting culture and joy just because of a few traffic jams, then I ask: am I really serving the residents — or just protecting my comfort zone? Any good mayor refuses to say no to something great because we’re scared of managing a little extra traffic.

5) Logistic Problems

As the mayor of this city, I absolutely recognize the logistical challenges — but I also see opportunity. No, we are not a big metropolis — but does that mean we should act like we don’t matter? That we don’t deserve world-class culture, attention, or growth? I refuse to accept that.

The fact that we’re a smaller city doesn’t make us weaker — it means we must be smarter. With proper planning, partnerships, and coordination, we can host an event like this. Other cities our size have done it successfully — because they had vision.

We can scale up public transport temporarily. We can work with regional authorities to ensure medical and emergency access. We can invite surrounding communities to support accommodation and logistics. We can lead — not shrink away.

Hosting this concert would put our city on the map, bring in significant revenue, and show that we’re ready to take bold steps forward. Playing it safe has its place — but leadership means knowing when to say yes to progress. And I, as the mayor, am ready to say yes — not just for the music, but for our future.

~Rebuilding~

A Economic Boost of Our City

Our economic argument stands firm because it is based on proven, real-world examples where Taylor Swift concerts consistently generate substantial financial benefits for cities. The numbers from Gelsenkirchen and Glendale show clear, measurable returns far exceeding the costs involved. This isn’t speculation—it’s a tested model of economic growth through tourism and local spending. By hosting the concert, we are investing smartly in our city’s future prosperity, supporting local businesses, and increasing tax revenues without raising taxes. This kind of opportunity is rare and too valuable to pass up.

B Re-election Chances

*

This concert is more than entertainment—it’s a symbol of bold, forward-thinking leadership. Cities that have hosted such events have seen mayors gain significant political goodwill and media attention, which translates into stronger public support. It shows voters that the city is thriving culturally and economically under the mayors guidance. This boosts his credibility and builds lasting trust, making it easier to secure re-election and continue positive change.

C Improved Image of the City

Hosting a major global event transforms public perception of the city both internally and externally. As shown in Gelsenkirchen, embracing such an event turned a “small, overlooked city” into a modern, attractive destination recognized nationally and beyond. This enhanced image draws more visitors, new businesses, and investment opportunities, creating a positive cycle of growth. Improving the city’s reputation isn’t just about pride—it has tangible, long-term benefits for economic and social development.

D Improved Community

A stronger economy and better city image naturally lead to a more vibrant, engaged community. Increased revenues allow for more funding in schools, public services, and local events, improving quality of life for residents. This social uplift, combined with economic

-TH, AS THE MAYOR, WOULD ACCEPT THE OFFER.-

1st Speaker Opposition

Dear ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this debate from this side of the house.

-Teamline-

I am Julia, the 1st speaker, I’ll do my rebuttal, I’ll talk briefly how we actually make these decisions, then I’ll go on with my arguments where I’ll tell you why hosting this concert is nearly impossible where I’ll talk about the costs and the possibility that the concert could fail.

Sreeni, our 2nd speaker will do her rebuttal and talk about if we still paid all the costs, ignoring what I told you, why there are also only disadvantages and no benefits. She’ll talk about the economic boost and why it is more perception than reality, pollution and that the resident’s daily lives get destroyed.

Our 3rd speaker Joy will rebuild our arguments and do the final rebuttal.

In the end I’ll do the reply speech.

But let’s start with my rebuttal.

HOW DO WE MAKE THESE DECISIONS?

Before I start with my arguments, I’ll talk briefly about how we actually make these decisions, in this case whether we should accept the offer.

For me, as the mayor, the well-being of my city is my first priority. So, only if there are clear benefits, if the risks that come with hosting a concert are worth it to risk them, if actually relevant projects with a higher priority don’t have to wait and still enough money is left for them, the reputation of the city and me, the mayor, isn’t in danger and I also have benefits or at least no disadvantages, I’d accept the offer.

If those things are not the case, I won’t accept it.

Now, let me show you why accepting the offer would not these criteria.

COSTS

The first thing I have to consider are, of course, the costs. I would, as we cover all the costs, have to cover a LOT if I hosted such a concert. I had to rent a big enough stadium, organize the staff, the security and many other factors which play a role and all in all that costs over ten million dollars. Ten million dollars, that is a lot of money. To be clear, our school is getting renovated and that is 1/6 of the costs of the renovation.

And with looking at the costs we also have to take a look at the purpose of spending it so there comes the question: Why should I spend such a high sum of money? What is it worth that I spend tens of millions of dollars for that? And – shouldn’t we focus on projects that really matter, that really make a difference? This concert is just entertainment for Taylor Swift and her fans, the ones who are able to afford it. But what is with the others? What is with our citizens? Instead of spending millions for one night of entertainment I should spend this money more responsible, I should improve our city in like renovation of schools, preventing the climate change or help the poor for example. With this money I could actually make a long-term change in our city. And at the end of the day, it’s that what the citizens will remember about me as the mayor, if I improved the city, like the parents if I renovated the school of their children. I don’t want Taylor Swift to remember me or her fans, I want my citizens to remember me. Otherwise, if I hosted the concert, Taylor Swift would come and perform here, having a great time with her fans. And at the top she gets all the revenue of the tickets and the merchandise. But who pays that concert? Not Taylor Swift, not her fans. No, ladies and gentlemen, it’s me, it’s our city, our taxpayers. Taylor Swift? She doesn’t need help with her concerts, she’s a billionaire. But our city isn’t as rich as she is, our city needs to get improved. I am the mayor and I have to make a responsible decision – for our city and not for Taylor Swift’s amusement.

WHAT IF IT FAILS?

And, besides the costs of money, we also have to take a look at the other costs, costs in form of human lives and reputation. When we host a concert there will always be a risk of a flop, for example due to missing security. Yes, Taylor Swift spends much money for security, but even at a Taylor-Swift-concert in Vienna, there was almost a terrorist attack. Thanks to the CIA it failed but what if our city also gets attacked and what if this time there won’t be a CIA? Let’s look at all the different scenarios that would negatively affect me as the mayor and my city.

If there was for example a terrorist attack, or a mass panic, many people would die and our city would have a bad reputation. There won’t be any trust in our city anymore and other artists wouldn’t come and perform here too, other events would be canceled like football games etc. Just have a look at the fyre festival or the altamont free festival, they failed extremely and after that they had a very bad reputation.

 And there won’t be any trust in me, I’d also have a bad reputation, there won’t be a re-election of me for sure. And no matter for what reason the concert fails, the city would still have a bad reputation, not as bad as if people die but still worse. And it’s not only reputation: Because Taylor Swift gets all the revenue of tickets and merchandise we are dependent on the revenue of hotels and restaurants but if the concert fails all the visitors would depart and the hotels and restaurants won’t earn so much money. And also in the future almost nobody will come. This would be a huge loss of money and we couldn’t support any relevant projects anymore, we couldn’t improve the city. And as I already told you, it’s that what the city will remember about me. These were just a few possibilities, the concert could fail for so many reasons, there could be mass panic, the weather could be extreme, there could be overcrowding and crowd surges etc. etc. However, if it fails, they would only remember that I accepted a bad offer of hosting a concert which failed instead of investing the money in my city. I don’t want that, I want making an actual change and that would only work if I don’t accept the offer.

Thank you for your attention.