Now the West Valley suburb's plan to pay off its sports debt threatens to unravel as groups that were supposed to help pay for three of the four sports ventures face their own financial troubles.

Glendale is stuck figuring out, in a shifting economic landscape, how to deal with roughly $500 million in borrowing for the sports district. By the time Glendale pays interest over three decades, the city will have spent close to $1 billion.

The money built a professional hockey arena, spring-training ballpark, conference center, parking garage and media center.

The city still owes most of the money: $3,230 for every Glendale resident.