Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacks
I'm not crazy about spending tax dollars on arenas but to me there are a few basic facts.
1) The Flames are never going to self fund an arena. Besides the fact that it makes no financial sense as an investment, owning the building would tie the team down for 30+ years and leave them with no negotiating power against present or future governments. It's not going to happen, ever.
2) Calgary will eventually have to replace the Saddledome. It's nearing the end of it's days. Might be 5 years, might be 15 years but it has to be replaced eventually.
3) If the Flames stick around until they can't make money in the Dome anymore then leave then the city/province will be on the hook for 100% of the costs. Anyone who says they will never leave or can't leave is fooling themselves. They aren't going to stay in Calgary and lose money when they can go to a nice new, shiny, rent/cost free arena in a different city.
If you can accept the above as true then it is obvious that a deal needs to be made with the Flames or it will cost us more in the long run. I have no problem with the Flames claim that the ticket tax is part of their contribution, you can only charge so much for a ticket. I think the Flames have to put in a bit more but I think their proposal is closer than the city on what will be required to get the deal done.
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This train of thought is predicated on the Flames leaving not being an option. It very much is. It's pretty clear that even on the Flames forum, there are a significant number that have no qualms about them leaving.