Alberta's New Premier and the Arena Debate

[sawchuk103]

I am not too familiar with Canadian politics, but I have heard the Province of Alberta has a new PM.

What does this mean for the Flames when they are looking for public money to subsidize a new arena?

Will the PM will sign off on it or reject it?

[mykalberta]

IMO

The Oilers and Flames need to work with what they have or find a private partner for their stadiums.

The Alberta goverment has subsidized both teams more than enough, they have the highly desired cap and they should be able to make enough to get by with their current stadiums.

The only thing I would support is a long term loan with good terms - say prime+0, thats it - no cash handouts at all.

MYK

[sawchuk103]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

IMO

The Oilers and Flames need to work with what they have or find a private partner for their stadiums.

The Alberta goverment has subsidized both teams more than enough, they have the highly desired cap and they should be able to make enough to get by with their current stadiums.

The only thing I would support is a long term loan with good terms - say prime+0, thats it - no cash handouts at all.

MYK

so you are believe both teams should relocate to US city (kansas city) if government won't build them a new arena?

[habernac]

yes. I'm not working to fund millionaire hockey players and owners.

[Table 5]

Personally, I think the way the Flames and Oilers can bring this city and province together is worth throwing monetary support behind. The NHL is a cultural marker for this country, so i think it's a special case. Obviously there is a limit, but if it came down to this team leaving and me spending some of my tax dollars on ensuring they stay, I know which way I'd choose.

[Barnes]

Neither the Flames or Oilers are in desperate need to get new buildings. Why would you assume that they wil be moved if they don't get one?

They aren't looking for handouts. Should they approach the government for help, it wouldn't be "give us money for a new building."

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Barnes

Neither the Flames or Oilers are in desperate need to get new buildings. Why would you assume that they wil be moved if they don't get one?

They aren't looking for handouts. Should they approach the government for help, it wouldn't be "give us money for a new building."

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/...8/1764292.html

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by sawchuk103

so you are believe both teams should relocate to US city (kansas city) if government won't build them a new arena?

I think the odds of that are pretty slim.

[RougeUnderoos]

I think the old threat of moving south is pretty empty now. New stadium or not, you'd have to be ######ed to take an NHL team out of Alberta and put it in Kansas City. Imagine the 7 Year Stretch taking place in a city where the team isn't the only game in town? They'd be begging for us to take them back.

If the Flames need a new building they can build it themselves. I like hockey more than the next guy, but they are paying one guy 85 grand a night. They should be able to build their own rink if they can afford that.

[Azure]

The only thing I can see the Alberta government doing...is helping the Flames/Oilers with a lease program.

No need for a cash handout though...both teams have billionare owners.

[Barnes]

I am aware that the Flames are looking into options for the future. As is every other company in this city. The Saddledome is important to the redevelopment of the area in and around Vic park/Stampede.

[Table 5]

Man, I just hope if they do decide to develop in the Stampede Park area (which I think is a wise thing to do), they don't do the same ****ty faux-historical architecture (or Stampitecture, as coined by skyscraperpage.com) that is curretly seen in that area. I can't stand fake historicist crap that tries to create some sort of plastic history. If there is a new stadium, I hope they go for cutting edge like the Staples Center.

[Barnes]

They ARE developing the area. The plans look really great too. I am excited by the amphitheater and the destruction of the big four building. The inclusion of a modern Saddledome in the area is important for me as well. The dome is unique on the outside but very unoriginal on the inside. Renovate the crap out of it is what I say or at least make the beer pour properly. I can't speak for Rexall though. Never been there. All I know about it is that it is small.

[CrusaderPi]

Rexall is to small to be the money making newer buildings are. It can handle small concerts and less than full capacity events like lacrosse and the WHL (will) do fine in there. But for big events like NHL hockey and major concerts in can't compare in terms of services and ability to make money.


Edmonton and Calgary both need new arenas to stay competitive.

[Salisbury]

This ignites the old argument about local and/or provincial govt funding for these sporting facilities. I think that it is a more complex issue then the simplistic notion of taxpayers funding "bllionaire owners" and "millionaire professional sportsmen".
Yes, the Flames will of course eventually need something new, and I am of the opinion that the the local and provincial govt should help out somehow. It is an assest for any community, that generates taxes, jobs, growth, and and other businesses etc in many many ways, that does not simply pour money into the owners pockets. Remember too, that there are many inventive and clever ways in which the govt and local and provincial can offer support, for such a facility, which will improve the community's access to entertainment. I heard this argument again and again with the debate about building/funding a new arena for the Winnipeg Jets.

[SpitFire40]

As much as NHL teams being business's they are also a HUGE part of local identity and pride.

I can't imagine Edmonton without the Oilers, or Calgary without The Flames.