[Scary Eloranta]

I don't hate it as much as when I saw the that first rendering. I obviously like the west side the best with the retail, etc. The rest is pretty boring and not sure why they even included a rendering of the stupid parking garage. That couldn't have been hidden somewhere else? It doesn't look very big so guessing it might be for players/staff but who knows.

And now that I've taken a step back and thought about it, is there an arena in the NHL with a real wow factor in terms of exterior design? Or are Vegas, Staples Center, Seattle, Detroit, etc THAT awe inspiring? I'll be happy if they can make that street/area a cool place where people will wanna hang out all year round - even when the Flames aren't playing.

Would love to get some opinions from fans in other cities or people on here who have been to other NHL arenas the past few years. How do they think their arena is better or worse that what we're getting?

I expected 600 mil would blow me away but maybe I'm just jaded now. I remember going to the Saddledome open house in '83 with friends and and we really couldn't believe it. The size of it compared to the Corral, the cool roof, etc. Even the "modern" scoreboard with the clapping Mickey Mouse hands was cutting edge,lol.

Anyway, it sounds like what's done is done and we can't do a thing about it now except for pay for half of it. Hopefully the inside has big concourses (which it looks like it does) and maybe even a hint of the inverted bowl. Although I'm not sure how that could be done.

And who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and see a Stanley Cup parade down that street before I die.