Quote:
Originally Posted by Manhattanboy
So I spoke with a few of my contacts at the Stampede this morning and their take is that this has many layers, all to do with uncertainty and the viability of the business model going forward. The new restrictions imposed, 50% capacity, no food/beverage revenues, etc. are a very big deal. The team is not discounting the possibility that restrictions could be in place for a long time. And that season ticket holders may not renew post-pandemic.
The Stampede folks are quite shaken and when I flippantly said well the Flames would never leave the City, their reaction was don't be so sure.
Sad times.
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There has to be a market for them to move to. Seattle is out, and what would be an easier move/sell Arizona or Calgary to Houston? Even Bettman's defence of CSEC doesn't make market sense. Calgary has a stronger ticket base than pretty much any other destination and the concept of moving the Flames with a strong gate revenue presence over the Coyotes is laughable. It's a paper tiger threat because it just doesn't make sense. All you'd have to do is find another Fenway Sports Group type of buyer and the market analysis would probably keep the team in place.