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Originally Posted by Joborule
Off the top of my head is the reasons why Flames owners want a new arena...
Those are just off the top of my head. The owners may have more reasons of why they want a new arena. But either way, a lot has changed in 30 years, and the new arenas show just how outdated, and limited the Saddledome is for the owners, and fans.
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Even if you're a Flames fan who never goes to see the team play live, the crappy old arena will make it harder for the team to compete. Payrolls may keep rising, and with limited revenue (relative to new arenas) the Flames could find themselves unable to play with the big boys. Then there's the matter of player facilities. Having the worst dressing room, fitness, etc. facilities in the league will eventually impact our ability to attract free agents (if it isn't already).
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Originally Posted by BurningSteel
I dont understand why they cany build their own building on their own dime? At the end of the day it is their building afterall
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I agree. Personally, I have a real problem with the way the titans of business manage to socialize risk and privatize profits. And while these arenas used to be public facilities used by most citizens, these days the offerings on-hand, whether it's the Flames or a Lady Gaga show at $200 ticket, are out of reach for most citizens. It's hard to make a case why a retired couple living on a fixed income in Ramsay should have to pay property taxes to subsidize an entertainment complex used by the most affluent Calgarians.
But at the end of the day, these facilities usually don't get built unless there's some sort of public funding. I'd be onboard with the city footing the bill for the infrastructure needs (road upgrades, interchanges, etc.). But the building itself should be paid for by the billionaires who own the team and will pocket all the profits from the facility. If that's not a viable plan financially, then you have to wonder how the billionaires who own NHL franchises manage the rest of their businesses. Or maybe they're accustomed to public subsidies in their day jobs as well.