Let's imagine they persuade local authorities, education bodies, business to 'help fund' a big extension of the AOL.
Let's imagine thousands of foreign students use the facilities, take free tickets and wear the new badge that is then taken around the world.
When they tell their friends and family about the facilities their peers and siblings will see Sunderland as the place to go.
Local shops, rental agencies, pubs, etc all benefit and spend money in the town.
Smaller concerts are arranged at the AOL as well as sports meetings bringing in more money for the new hotel at the AOL and the other local hotels.
The hoteliers shame the council into using the new revenue, from taxes, to sort the city out.
Ad infinitum .....