The issue that keeps getting muddied by the Flames is the "Paid for/by" vs. "Paid back".
The paid for/by is:
1/3 Flames
1/3 City
1/3 whomever fronts the money for the ticket tax, which I believe is up for negotiation
The paid back is:
1/3 City - via property taxes (if Flames own the arena) or via rent (if City owns it). Limited upside/downside, but a steady payment back.
1/3 Flames - they keep their revenue less expenses for all events, concessions, advertising, etc including rent or property taxes. That's how their businesses work - the owners are well aware of this. They take on the risk, but also take on any reward (like if we suddenly get all the concerts that would usually bypass us for Edmonton).
1/3 ticket tax - this just gets added onto each ticket and paid to whomever fronted the loan, paid back over time.
I really fail to see how this is unfair.
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