Quote:
Originally Posted by GullFoss
The flames could move to a bigger market and build a new arena on private economics. Or just move to a market where such an arena already exists.
I don't believe public money was required in Vegas or in Seattle. Because they're big markets and the business case justifies itself. The business case does not justify itself in Calgary.
Realistically, if you're a small market and you want a team, you pay for it via higher ticket prices and arena subsidies. Like Winnipeg, like Nashville, like Edmonton.
And if youre a small market and don't want a team, you don't need to have one. There are 32 teams and I'm willing to bet Calgary isn't in the 32 top metro areas of Canada/US. The NHL doesn't need to have a franchise here. An owner doesn't need to operate here either.
The fact that Murray Edwards operates the team at breakeven here rather than sell it for $500m to someone who can profitably run it in Houston, is charity and community service in and of itself.
He doesn't owe you or the city anything at all. The fact that you expect him to spend more money out of his own pocket for your happiness is insane.
Reading some of these posts is like reading the fable about the golden goose.
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How many of those are or would be rabid hockey markets? Since 2012-13, Calgary has been:
7th
7th
6th
7th
10th
8th
10th
6th
-
25th
in overall NHL attendance. Unless you assume last year is the norm you'd be hard pressed to find a more reliable fan base, despite middling teams.