Yup, the Flames want a new rink, first and foremost. The field house is an add-in and sweetner to the deal, no matter what the Flames say.
The purchase of the Stamps turned the arena project which started in 2006 into an opportunity to build a second structure, one that can be used for football and public use sure, but its just as important, the purpose of it is to garner public goodwill to help in getting the rink built.
The field house is without a doubt the weak link, certainly for CFL football. Looks to have all the atmosphere of a warehouse with temp seats.
But again, a necessary evil because of the public field house use, which the Flames hope will woo the government and tax payers into support for the entire project.
Who knows, more I think about it, maybe sooner than later, the field house as a concept stays as is, but drops the CFL/MLS hosting abilities, making the structure smaller and cheaper, and maybe allows room for a second building for something else can be built?
Of course, leaves McMahon as the football venue. Not ideal, but for 10-11 CFL games, perfectly adequate.
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