While we may attend games at stadiums, the way in which these cavernous facilities are erected, located, financed and owned is serious business.  They represent the epicenter of many cities and have over the years reflected the cultural changes going on in our society.  They have also hosted a range of activities beyond the sporting and entertainment events generally considered their sole domain.  Home to political rallies, protests, awakenings, as well as charlatans and hucksters, they reflect the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the pendulum of democracy.  The 21st century stadiums and arenas are being erected at a record pace and like the second Gilded Age which we are experiencing, they are gaudy, high tech and domains that cater to the wealthy strata of our society with sky boxes and private corporate suites.  You will never think about these facilities in the same way once you read Frank Andre Guridy’s much acclaimed book “The Stadium: An American History of Politics, Protest and Play.”  He is our guest on today’s podcast.