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Old 03-21-2014, 04:27 PM   #114
Calgary4LIfe
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Personally the only thing I dislike about the Heat in Abbotsford is their horrendous travel schedule. That is a huge disadvantage for them, and it probably does negatively impact how often they can practice.

The proximity to Calgary is great, however. That contract is sweet - both in the losses being covered and the relative term in stability for the organization.

In the world of hypotheticals - one has to wonder how Airdrie would fare if they had an arena. Population of Airdrie is roughly just under 50,000. Abbotsford has 123,000. I wonder how many fans would go within Airdrie itself. They would draw some fans from Calgary for sure I would think, as well as the surrounding small communities. I would bet that the attendance would surpass that of Abbotsford quite easily.

However, I am not sure they could turn a profit. It may end up bleeding money and forcing another move in time anyways. Of course they would need an arena to start with, but how big of an arena do you think Airdrie would fill if the Heat played out of it? I personally have no clue. I do have my doubts that Airdrie could be sustainable.

I would bet that the Heat's days are numbered in Abbotsford - doubtful they could get that sweetheart deal again from the City of Abbotsford when the current contract runs out - and the Heat may indeed move before that. Only makes sense to place the team out East somewhere where the travel schedule isn't so crazy.

How many years are left on that contract with Abby?
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