[Torture]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

I dont want my support for signing such a petition to come across as me thinking the city is sticking it to the flames for no reason.

The flames have put together a brutal presentation with awful PR throughout the process and simply put, a group of high school kids could have been more prepared with a "sexier" more logical presentation.

That said, your home is not the same as a new arena unless your home is bringing thousands of tourists to town each year and millions of dollars are being spent within it and your renovations or new home drives up the price of everything in the surrounding area. A new arena instantly becomes the focal point of our city. I don't think there is any other attraction that would drive in tourism, dollars or be used as much as a new arena. It is critical to do it right and IMO have the football stadium and arena together.

When bringing such a structure and opportunity to a city, it is of my opinion and just about everyone I talk to that the city should chip in. The debate comes in the form of how much should the city chip in. If the presentation blew everyones socks off and the flames were asking for 25% from the city, I believe we have a deal in place. Instead a proposal with countless unknowns and a couple of terrible artist renderings is released and it is no wonder it received the response it did.

The 25 or so major concerts to hit Edmonton's new arena are now coming to Calgary or at least a good portion of them. What does the average person spend when going to a concert? $175? Factor in transportation, meal, ticket, snacks, souvenirs and possible hotel accommodations.... when you run the numbers it adds up pretty fast and it is all taxable money. Again this is something the flames should have addressed in their presentation to get people on board. Instead, they hoped a picture would be enough to convince everyone.

Economists are pretty unanimous that arenas/stadiums don't spur economic growth. Just a quick google...
http://news.stanford.edu/2015/07/30/...s-noll-073015/
https://www.theatlantic.com/business...adiums/260900/
http://www.citylab.com/politics/2015...doggle/403666/
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/s...orth-the-cost/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffrey...axpayers-lose/
https://www.wsj.com/articles/use-of-...iny-1425856677
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcwJt4bcnXs