[greyshep]

I am late posting this to this thread but I figured this is relevant as it relates to building a new arena. I am sure others have provided their own reviews of the new building in edm, here is a brief one from my experience...(note I posted most of this in the new AZ arena thread too)

I was in Edm during the preseason and a friend had an extra ticket to a game there. I figured it was a good opportunity to check out the new rink. Yes it was nice and shiny, but I was quite surprised that the bathroom lineups were just as bad as they are at the dome. Concourse crowding was still an issue to a degree as well. One big main cattle call entrance/exit too which I found a bit strange. I found the overall experience really no different than attending a game at the dome. I didnt find that the arena created any extra excitement or atmosphere at all. And this was a Saturday night game vs. Vancouver so you would expect it to have some oomph.

I am not sure if others have noted this, but I did laugh at the ivory tower fishbowl that the GM and other hangers on (McTavish) sits/stands in up above though. (press level)

For all the bluster I dont see a new arena adding anything meaningful to attending a Flames game other than depleting my wallet of more funds. This combined with the terrible location they are pushing for really has put me firmly against the proposal.