Quote:
Originally Posted by zontar
Well, no offense to the Jets fans, but how is moving the 'yotes back to Winnipeg going to work long term... where is the fan base? And the dollar isn't going to stay around par with the American dollar, so wouldn't they end right back up where they were years ago when the moved the first time?
Wouldn't Quebec have a larger base from which to draw fans long term? Just saying...
|
Not really. Winnipeg is only a little bit smaller than Edmonton. The arena seats just over 15K, but as has been mentioned many times, the fact that TNSE owns the MTS Centre and takes in all revenue generated by the hockey team and other events such as concerts etc, it off-sets the lack of seating, and in fact results in every seat in the building being a far better value than say, the Staples Center, which has several thousand more seats which come with infinitely inferior sightlines.
Add to that TNSE also owns local rinks in the Winnipeg area that are forecasted to also offset some costs.
Oh, and the 17th richest man on earth might help to combat any fluctuations in the dollar. And frankly, the dollar argument can be made about any team in Canada; the Habs, Canucks, Flames, Oilers, and Sens have all faced financial issues in the last 15 years.
They won't end up back where they did 16 years ago because a) they have an acceptable building. It isn't the biggest, but it can work. b) they have unbelievable wealth behind them FROM Manitoba. c) the salary cap and revenue sharing ensure something resembling competitive balance, and while they may not be a cap team, I can definitely see the team not set up to receive max revenue sharing. d) There is the bonus that people in Winnipeg WANT a team.
So yeah. That's that.
On a side note, I'm going to buy a Jets jersey the second they go on sale; what's a better player to get, Yandle or Turris? I'm leaning towards Yandle ATM.