Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
I doubt that we'll see any meaningful negotiations for the next 3 or 4 years. The Flames backed themselves into a bit of a corner by making the strong statement that they won't pursue a new arena, and my feeling is that they won't. They're going to let this stew for a few years, and then start with the courting of other cities, and the Bettman will release statements saying that the NHL would be ok with pursuing a new venue that's not Calgary.
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The longer this drags out, the more benefit to taxpayers - at least in the short term.
When I go to the Saddledome, (it has been about 4 years), I do not see a decrepit building desperate for replacement. It seems like a very nice building. I am not convinced that it needs replacing. McMahon, on the other hand, is showing its age much more so, but that's another point altogether.
The Saddledome was built in 1983, but it has seen massive reno dollars to improve the facility over the years. I don't see why the rink needs replacing, and the longer it stands, the better.
One day a new arena will need to be built, and hopefully it will last more than 35 years. I'd think a minimum of 50 years should be the expectation of the huge amount of infrastructure dollars that it takes to build.