[Lil Pedro]

Originally Posted by Daradon

Ugh...

So I was talking to an Edmonton/Oilers supporter the other day and he was commenting on how the new arena was looking and how that area would be really beautiful once the hotel was up and the area was finished and I agreed, it's looks like it's going to be a nice arena (jokes aside) and that it will really help revitalize the area and downtown.

In my opinion, it's about time they did something like that, having the arena where it is was bad for both the arena and downtown. Another reason why I don't want to see any new Calgary arena not DT or very very close. Id' really like the Stampede board and Flames to stop fighting, but that's another rant...

ANYWAY... despite my politeness and maturity in not jumping into a Cal v Edm debate he continues by saying that the Flames AND Calgary are really in trouble. Where's our new arena? I said simply it's coming, there's no reason why Edmotnon would get one and we don't. Responds by, 'You don't have a Katz to build one for you'. In my head I'm thinking, 'Yeah! Thank God!' but I simply reply that I'm pretty sure the ownership group we have has just as much, if not more money, and have always proven to be pro Flames and pro Calgary in the past. I try to get into 'most of that money comes from the province and city anyway, and since Edmonton got it...' but he just keeps going. He talks about how Bettman was in town cause we need his help to seal the deal, and how the ownership group will probably move the team if we don't get an arena (cause the NHL has so many other options, even if Calgary wasn't one of the profitable ones?) and how Edmonton's downtown core will be more vibrant than Calgary's in 5-10 years. At this point I can't even quote facts and figures anymore he's so far off the rails. IE, even if Calgary's growth drops off dramatically and Edmotnon's stays high, it would take them longer than 10 years to catch up.

Is this really what it's come to in Edmonton? It's not even the first overall draft picks anymore. It's crept into their thoughts of the business and city planning. The whole 'promise of tomorrow' is so engrained in these kool-aid drinkers that they don't even see logic, reason, or fact anymore.

This is an intelligent man in his 40's too. Not some young punk or barfly puffing out his chest. I woulda understood that. It really is a sickness up there. Or maybe the inferiority complex we were accused of in the 70's/80's is firmly in their court now?

Anyway, just sharing. Thought a few might get a kick out of the story. Think I'll post it in the E=NG thread too. They really are delusional up there.

Yeah, the only way that happens is if mullets and sweatpants are outlawed...ain't likely