Quote:
Originally Posted by btimbit
Flames are in an interesting spot for sure. This team has to be good by the time the new arena opens, they can't justify jacking up the price during a rebuild.
That alone makes me think they won't commit to one any time soon
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I see it both ways. Sure, if they rebuild - and are still rebuilding and not looking very good any time soon - then that's going to be terrible for the arena opening.
However, if they don't rebuild and this team is still a fairly mediocre playoff bubble team at best, will that justify the increased pricing?
IMO, a sports team needs to be doing either one of two things:
1) Winning
2) Providing legitimate hope to winning 'soon'.
Waiting until the arena is almost finished before being forced into a rebuild at that time due to, well, 2010-13 all over again would be the single worst situation.
Being a rebuild like Edmonton (without the generational player) would be the 2nd worst. I will even give you 'tied for worst'.
Having a promising young team like they were in 2015 would sell tickets.
Being a consistent playoff team/contender/even just make it past the first round once - that will sell tickets too.
Really depends on how you look at it. There is time still to enter into a rebuild and have enough 'excitement' to justify a rebuild. I don't think you can do it in 2 years, so the Flames better make sure they handle this retool well.