Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post

curves2000 · 01-11-2016, 08:17 PM

Posted this message in the other thread regarding the project so might as well post it here too since it's a Calgary Next thread.

You got to love some of the media spin and corporate BS being involved with this project and or Bettman/Flames media tour.

Just now on the broadcast Roger Millions interviewed Bettman and he started with a phrase "I am not going to talk to you about money and dollars, I want to talk to you about community, vision etc" I am paraphrasing the previous comments.

So if the issue isn't money, then what's the #1 issue?? If the Flames were coming with a 100 % fully funded arena, stadium and land purchase deal, would there be the same level of negativity associated with this?? I don't think so.

Arenas like Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal etc were all funded by their respective owners.

Even massive projects like the proposed NFL stadiums being talked about for the relocation of teams like Oakland, San Diego and St. Louis don't have a super high level of negativity. Stadiums like the NY Giants, NY Jets combined stadium, The NE Patriots stadium were all privately funded.

If you look at scenarios like the Edmonton, Calgary and more recent Arizona Coyotes debacle the issue usually becomes taxpayers money going to private business.

At the end of the day I am not against this particular project but certain aspects need to be improved. With the way the 2 sides are sticking in their heels I have a feeling this is going to get ugly.

Also before anyone flags me for my comparison of NFL stadiums vs the Calgary Next project, I am aware of the different economics. What I am trying to nail down is that the #1 issues facing this project is money, cost, subsidies and taxpayer money.

If the Flames were paying for this 100% on their own dime then the conversation would generally be towards items such as infrastructure needs in the area, contamination and clean up etc which is understandable.

Anyhow, rant over. Just hate getting fed BS when it's apparent #1 issue is money. Everybody wants something new, better and shiner. Who doesn't???

01-11-2016, 08:17 PM	#213
curves2000 First Line Centre Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Calgary, Canada Exp:	Posted this message in the other thread regarding the project so might as well post it here too since it's a Calgary Next thread. You got to love some of the media spin and corporate BS being involved with this project and or Bettman/Flames media tour. Just now on the broadcast Roger Millions interviewed Bettman and he started with a phrase "I am not going to talk to you about money and dollars, I want to talk to you about community, vision etc" I am paraphrasing the previous comments. So if the issue isn't money, then what's the #1 issue?? If the Flames were coming with a 100 % fully funded arena, stadium and land purchase deal, would there be the same level of negativity associated with this?? I don't think so. Arenas like Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal etc were all funded by their respective owners. Even massive projects like the proposed NFL stadiums being talked about for the relocation of teams like Oakland, San Diego and St. Louis don't have a super high level of negativity. Stadiums like the NY Giants, NY Jets combined stadium, The NE Patriots stadium were all privately funded. If you look at scenarios like the Edmonton, Calgary and more recent Arizona Coyotes debacle the issue usually becomes taxpayers money going to private business. At the end of the day I am not against this particular project but certain aspects need to be improved. With the way the 2 sides are sticking in their heels I have a feeling this is going to get ugly. Also before anyone flags me for my comparison of NFL stadiums vs the Calgary Next project, I am aware of the different economics. What I am trying to nail down is that the #1 issues facing this project is money, cost, subsidies and taxpayer money. If the Flames were paying for this 100% on their own dime then the conversation would generally be towards items such as infrastructure needs in the area, contamination and clean up etc which is understandable. Anyhow, rant over. Just hate getting fed BS when it's apparent #1 issue is money. Everybody wants something new, better and shiner. Who doesn't???