Quote:
Originally Posted by iggy_oi
Money. That is the common interest.
Both sides realistically understand that they will both be paying to build the new arena. I think everyone can agree on that.
Right now the costs associated with construction and any land that may need to be purchased in order to build the arena are likely at the lowest they will ever be. The longer both sides wait, the wider the gap between the two parties becomes as construction costs go up. It doesn’t matter who’s current plan you look at, if construction costs increase by as little as 5% that’s a massive increase to the overall project, and everyone has to pay for it. The city and the team both know this too.
The flames went all in trying to get a sweetheart deal, and though I don’t agree with their approach, I understand why they did it and I don’t blame them for it. But now that they know their best case scenario is no longer a possibility, I’m sure they will get back to work trying to negotiate a fair deal, they don’t have many other options. The league wants expansion in the west to even out the conferences and teams like Carolina and Phoenix will be moved long before the flames, the owners aren’t going to wait 10-15 years to move when they can make more money here long term by investing a little more on their end for an arena.
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This is very true and accurate. Both sides want / need this project. The Flames need a new arena to run their business out of. While I'm not concerned that this will occur, eventually the Flames will find somewhere new to play, whether that be here or elsewhere.
The city would also spend money and build a new arena at some point, even if the Flames didn't exist. It's a facility they feel the want / need to have to continue to grow this city's economy and maintain quality of life for Calgarians. If the Flames left, the city would eventually build a new rink to attract events and would be working on a permanent tenant (likely NHL) ala Quebec City.
So what does this mean? Means we do have common ground and a common interest and need. Both sides want this. Right now both sides are trying to make the other side pay for as much of it as possible. They seem to have reached an impasse.
I don't know what the right split is or deal, and I'm not optimistic that these particular two sides can actual find the right spot, but I firmly believe one does exist.