Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
Here's what I'd like to know. Forgetting the debate over whether this is being handled well by the Flames or not, for arguments sake, lets just assume that everything the people so upset in here are saying is true. Flames have made no progress, announced it years ago, going to be a long grind, etc.......
Even if all of that were true, what is it about that fact that has got those in here who as so offended and upset by this in their current state of mind? What is driving that passion about the break ground and ribbon cutting on a new rink, and what has got them so assured that because of the above timelines that KK is doing a terrible job?
Isn't it actually true, that the Flames have as long as they believe they have to make this happen? Aren't the only ones who actually have an urgency at this point to get this done is the Flames, and if they feel like they have 2 years, 5 years, 10 years to complete this thing, then they do? It's not like the building is hurting them on ticket sales yet. So only they know just how much money they are losing out on increased box revenues, increased concessions and increased concerts are costing them. And if they are comfortable with that knowledge, what is it that has some fans so riled up that this must happen now, and we are so behind etc...?
To me, it must be one of the following:
- People litterally just can't contain themselves and once something is put on their radar, then need instant gratification and know all the details.
- They are sad that Edmonton is getting a new rink, and somehow see this as Edmonton one upping us and for some reason that personally offends them.
- Do you currently hate your experience at the Dome that much that you are thinking of not coming to games anymore?
- Your favourite band keeps missing tour dates in Calgary?
- Are you actually worried we might never get an arena and the Flames will play in the Dome forever
- Are you actually worried we might never get an arena and the Flames will leave town.
To me, the Flames have as much time as they think they have from a financial perspective, and if they aren't in a rush, why would we be? There has been no "we need a new rink or we are moving talk". So why get so fired up? Don't get me wrong, I'll be excited to go to a new rink and see the games when that time comes, but right now, I'm also still excited to head to the Dome and watch the Flames, so I just don't get the urgency some have on here.
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None of the above bullets upset me. I think the dome is a great venue for Hockey. I love the location, are we missing a few modern amenities? Sure. Does it really affect my experiance? No. Over the years we've relocated to the most ideal spot for our needs and the price point is great. I'm really in no rush to see my annual cost go up significantly. I actually prefer my experience at the dome compared to newer venues I've been to. Home sweet home? Maybe.
My issue is the proposed idea is absolutely horrible when you look at logistics and cost. Owners get a free football stadium paid for by us. There's reletively no parking in and around the site and the cost of infrastructure upgrades to facilitate such large crowds is astronomical. The flames have buttered up the proposal and left out huge aspects of the cost to come up with a completely unrealistic cost estimate. In the end we'll be looking at 1 billion in public dollars easily. Owners want public land and public $, who cares if they don't like working with the stampede board, figure it out. Relieve KK and find someone who can make it work on the stampede grounds where all these extra cost and issues don't exist. Big 4 is an old run down building that serves little purpose. Owners kick in 200mill, ticket tax of 200mill and we're not looking at a huge public cost to get a new arena. The owners want the west village cause they get their hands on a huge sum of public money and they'll probably make a ton of cash on the development side of the west village. Seems like a really bad deal for Calgary. Unnecessary and wasteful use of public funds in my opinion. Owners just don't have the appetite to pony up cash for the new arena and then again for a new stadium with the university. Fire King and find someone that can show us a plan that doesn't require the city to fork out a billion dollars. After all this time I think it was a stupid ask by KK and I'm glad no one at the City is taking it seriously. I stopped taking his noise seriously years ago.
At the end of the day I'm happy with the dome and if we're here for another 15 years cool beans. If they want to stand firm on the proposal we've seen I sure hope we don't break ground on it for at least 10-12 years. Tie in with a bid for the 2030 winter olympics so we get some federal $$.