I've constantly been one of the fans throughout this thread and others that has been staunchly against public funding for an arena. And there's a lot of tough talk from fans over the last couple pages, BUT... one thing to keep in mind in my opinion here:
I find it absolutely revolting that the city would consider public funds (like, way, way, way more public funds) for the bloody Olympics and wouldn't move an inch on this Flames arena deal.
What would you rather have, 30 more years of NHL hockey, or the 2 week party that is the Olympics???
Like I'm sorry but if the City decides that it cannot support public funds to a new arena I'm 100% okay with that but I am 100% NOT okay with public funds then being redirected to the Olympics which, I find support of which anecdotally, tepid at best.
The city should conduct a plebiscite on this issue because I simply do not believe the polls and questionnaires conducted to date on the Olympics, which were a) not widely publicized IMO and b) had a very tight window to respond coupled with poorly worded questions driven at ensuring they could seem to manipulate support.
If the City has $500MM to spend on sport, I want it on the new arena. A terrible outcome is the City spends $1B+ and then the Flames leave. That is literally the worst outcome for me and I'd be pissed.
In sum, I like the tough negotiating stance with the Flames but I detest then turning around and entertaining this ridiculous Olympics bid which I highly doubt is even supported with accurate figures of what the true cost and tax increases will be to the average citizen. If you can't afford the arena, you can't afford the Olympics.
In fact the whole direction this has taken has already put a sour taste in my mouth.
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