Quote:
Originally Posted by Zarley
Toronto is the only successful example of a privately funded NHL arena in Canada. Given the size of the Toronto market and the greater frequency of events, it's obviously not that comparable to Calgary. Both Molson Centre and GM Place went into bankruptcy shortly after construction resulting in losses for initial investors. Here's a synopsis by Edmonton mayor Don Iveson.
The Flames are putting up essentially $450M, which should be enough to get an arena done on its own. In my opinion, the need for a new stadium in Calgary is far greater than that for an arena. The only way a new stadium will happen is with public money. Every major outdoor stadium built in Canada in recent has been publicly funded. Stade Saputo, BMO field, new Mosaic, IG Field, TD Place, Tim Hortons field, BC Place renovation, etc. When McMahon is eventually replaced, public dollars will be required. The concept the Flames are proposing provides a far greater public benefit than any of the listed facilities by including a fieldhouse and community rink.
We need to replace our stadium and arena in the near term. There are economies and synergies to be gained by co-locating the assets. Building both together will result in a lower cost to the taxpayer than the Flames building a privately financed arena, the City footing at least portion of the bill for a separate McMahon 2.0, and the entire cost of a new fieldhouse. The concept is sound. |
ICEdistrict cost 480 million as a separate building.
IG Field cost 200 million as a separate building.
Timmies field was less than 150 million.
Unless the Flames plan on putting in a whole bunch of bells and whistles, then the costs they have associated with project are horrible estimates.
Nobody here is asking for decadence. The Edmonton arena is filled with ridiculous stuff that is not needed. Build a rink, put a few layers of luxury boxes, wider concourse, more bathrooms.