Let's not pretend this process would move along without some degree of coercion. This is the standard playbook for all leagues in North America and it has worked in the majority of cases. Like it or not, there will be a significant amount of public funds going into any arena project. Unfortunately we don't have a wealthy owner willing to shower the city in money with no prospect of recouping the investment. I see both sides digging in for a protracted struggle over this arena project. I'm not a huge fan of the project in its current state, but nothing else has been presented to provide a compelling alternative.
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