There is blame to go around on both sides.
King gettingnpissy about the city sitting on this for 2 years is certainly throwing stones while living in a glass house. I was st STH meetings in 2012 and 2013 where King made it seem like we were far down the road on a new building. It was clear in 2015 when the presentation was made that they were quite far behind.
Then when we look at Nenshi and he has plenty of blame in this. 2 years ago he claimed there is no reason to replace the Dome. He was frosty in his meeting with Bettman whoc is classic Nenshi style similar to the Uber issue last year.
Listening to King at the STH event he stressed if an arena deal was not in place prior to the election that things would be delayed 2 years at least. It seems like Nenshi is making the building part of his campaign plan which proves nothing will be done before the election (not surprising as we are in September with an October election)
The Flames making this statement has made the arena one of the biggest campaign issues facing candidates. An arena deal will get done it is just unfortunate it has gone this way.
It really feels like a typical NHL CBA negotiation which isn't surprising with Bettman being involved. At the beginning you think all parties will be reasonable and get a deal done. Then deadlines approach and we quickly see that this won't be resolved until things get really ugly.
The end result is the Flames will get what they want, the City will cave, and the fans/citizens will be left twisting in the wind with a roller coaster ride of hopes and fears.
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