Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
Someone posted the article about how NFL owners do this and thats what happens. I cannot remember the last stadium/arena that was built in North America without at least a 20% portion coming from taxpayers. Linking it to an Olympic bid is the best way to get public money because then they can claim the benefit of a new arena isn't just about the Flames, but the city of Calgary.
But make no mistake any new arena will have fewer seats (at the expense of more luxury boxes), and the seats will cost more (usually at least 10% more, often 20% or more). The Flames will be the largest beneficiaries of a new arena by far, which is why taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for a cent. Support infrastructure is fine, but do not help pay for the building.
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MetLife was 100% privately funded. The new Niners stadium is supposed to be 88% privately funded. Gillette was 83% privately funded. Ford Field at 75% and FedEx at 72% aren't far off the mark.
http://cbsminnesota.files.wordpress....ry-12-2-11.pdf
I'm sure the Flames owners would like to have access to public funds, but they aren't about to sit in an old building that doesn't allow them to maximize revenue streams for another 20 years simply because Calgary isn't hosting an Olympics. Thinking that will happen (not you, but Tinordi) is ridiculous.