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Old 09-15-2017, 07:45 PM   #1120
etdpratt
Crash and Bang Winger
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Exp:
Flames Just listened to entire thing

As someone who hasn't historically had a strong opinion on Ken King, I have to say he comes across as extremely arrogant and that obnoxious smile he gives after some of his statements are doing a disservice to what I believe is a position with some reason.

From the perspective of the Flames, they are currently operating at the saddle dome without the additional levy of property taxes. As dumb as Ken King sounds explaining it, I do see a scenario where the city's proposal doesn't make financial sense for the flames where they can breakeven on this investment in a reasonable amount of time. From a strictly business perspective, this stadium should be beneficial to both parties and I just don't see a scenario where the city's offer is better than how the flames currently operate at the dome.

Today the flames can charge market rate for their tickets and sell out all their games. With ticket tax, if the flames are unable to capitalize in this current economic environment of an additional ticket tax, they will be taking a decent hit on their operating profits compared to how the currently operate at the dome. The risk is all on the flames here.

Without going into more details on additional tangible and intangible value being brought to the city by the flames (i.e. employment, charity, major city status, etc...) I can understand why as a business owner I would be upset that this seems to go somewhat unnoticed by the city. Or the fact that a city like Calgary will need to make investments down the road to upgrade it's entertainment infrastructure that promotes continuous growth and outside investment. The saddle dome I believe most people on here would agree is outdated.

The last thing I wanted to do was come off as a flames spokesperson, but after reading all of the comments going the other way, I don't think it's fair to say the city should breakeven or significantly gain on the investment as is outlined in their proposal, all while ignoring the additional value that the flames bring to the city and aren't accounted for that in their (the city's) version of ROI.

This all being said, KK needs to be replaced.
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