[News] Bettman urges new arena ASAP

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by flambers

Arena would be cheaper to build in the current economy...

if the arena project was to begin this would generate jobs..... (i.e. would be really good for the local economy).

IMO, City should request the Flames to award all contracts to local companies....

Bettman is basically stating the obvious...

As for the funds, that is a total separate debate.

PCL in Edmonton caught a bit of flack by bringing in stuff from out of province. Obviously not all of the economic benefit of the construction of a project like this would be local: http://albertaenterprisegroup.com/ca...dering-quebec/

[heep223]

Originally Posted by RM14

This actually has a good ring to it

If the team were to move, this would be an awesome destination.

[Aarongavey]

Gary needs to get that expansion done. Another 2 teams and the number of locales that could support an NHL team would dwindle down close to zero. That would make relocation more difficult.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

When you go to some of the newer arenas around the league and then go back to the Saddledome, it is like night and day. It's like stepping into a time machine.

I'm not a Calgary resident so I tread lightly when it comes to the issue of spending public money, but in general, I'm not adverse to the idea. Having said that, the Flames have a very wealthy ownership group.

Also, when the Pens had Bettman petitioning Pittsburgh for a new arena, the end results were positive. It doesn't hurt to have him on your side.

I think that this is where my opinion has changed, from a purely personal standpoint. I went to some newer arenas in the NHL and MLB and frankly they're amazing. Then you go to the Dome and think "what a dump".

What changed though is that I went to a couple stadiums in England that are far, far older than the 'dome and you know what...they're awesome! It has nothing to do with the concourse (which is pathetic for this day and age) and everything to do with the atmosphere and crowd. I know, its a different culture and all that, but what if the Flames actually tried promoting that kind of enjoyment and atmosphere at the game? There is no reason they couldn't and no reason they need a new stadium to do it. If these other professional sports teams can make a go of it in a 100 year old building (granted, some are being rebuilt), I'm sure that the Flames can make a few changes and make do with a building not even half as old.

[HotHotHeat]

How to build a NHL arena, according to Ken King and the NHL:

1. For ten years, drop hints that a new building is in the planning stages and it will be so amazing Jesus will appear at the home opener.

2. Release a plan asking for free land (only once the toxic chemicals are removed, cause they can't be bothered) as well as $440 million in public money.
NOTE:Ensure this is timed to coincide with the worst economic conditions in 30+ years.

3. Get a big boss guy to rally the (unemployed) troops at a chamber of commerce event, with vague references to relocation in the distant future if the building is not complete by a date TBD.

4. Smile and hold out your hand, waiting for a handshake.

What a weird way to show your commitment/gratitude to a city that's supported you for 35 years.

[shermanator]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

I'm not against spending public money. Our city council wizards would just spend it on bike lanes anyway.

Ugh, how long until this type of comment goes away forever?

[OldDutch]

I started out with open ears on this. I even wrote a small message to Druh Farrell the day before NEXT was announced asking her to cool her jets on social media and keep her ears open too.

Next day was a bit of a thud for me. It's continued to today, and after this pressure job just pushes me away from something I think needs to get done, just not in this fashion.

If this arena needs to happen right now:

1. Why did the owners pick a creosote soaked parcel of land that needs clean up?
2. Why did they lump in several separate venues upping cost, complexity, and scope?
3. Why did they show up after years of planning with little more than high level drawings and funding plans?

I'm no project manager, but come on. I just sat in a meeting at work this morning where the business asked for crisp detail on cost, scope and timeline. Like down to the exact features and dates to get sign off. I agreed with them 100%, after all how many times have we seen good rough ideas go way off track because no one put in the time to think it through? Best kicker was this was for 1/1000 of this cost!

Now the owners want how much? With a contingency of how much? Sorry but put our tax money aside. If I was ownership I would crucify anyone asking for hundreds of millions of my money, and have little to no actual planning detail. So maybe ownership does have that, just hasn't shared it with us.

To that I say fine, call me when you have the details down cold. If you can't or won't give me that information then that just shows me what your up to.

and to think these guys learned from that whole late 90's gun to the head of Calgary thing...

[Robo]

I think he is just trying to help the owners, were we not one of the highest earning teams last year?

[mikephoen]

I'm in favor of using some public money for the new arena. That said, the Flames have once again bungled this process up. Bringing in Bettman in the US might help things, but here in Canada it can only hurt. The casual fan associates Bettman with lockouts, stealing Canadian teams, and propping up sunbelt teams at the expense of Canadian teams. Heck, most hardcore fans feel the same. Very few actually acknowledge the good he has done for the game. Bringing him in just hurts the Flames position more. But that's par for the course with this process, unfortunately.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by renny

Bettman is so oblivious, people are losing their jobs in Alberta by the hundreds to thousands, and he wants the public to buy a hockey team an arena?

Glendale did it!

[DJones]

At the end of the day, either Calgary will have to pony up 300-400 million dollars or we will lose the Flames.

It's not fair but that is the reality of professional sporting leagues in today's world.

[RM14]

Originally Posted by DJones

At the end of the day, either Calgary will have to pony up 300-400 million dollars or we will lose the Flames.

It's not fair but that is the reality of professional sporting leagues in today's world.

Even if the flames move, the city would still see a new stadium built before 2030.

[Teh_Bandwagoner]

I don't quite understand the resistance to spending public dollars on an arena either. It's not like an arena is solely used for sporting events. So many concerts pass by the city due to our obsolete facilities, and who knows how many other events/conferences pass us by as well. It's not like the airport tunnel where it's isolated to one part of the city (and I was/am in favour of the tunnel). It's good for the whole city, not just for sports fans.

And yeah maybe in these economic times, culture and events aren't top of mind for most, but arena construction would create jobs (so long as we limit the outsourcing lol). Not a bad plan to get moving on it right now.

[nik-]

Yeah, some more concerts would be cool I guess. However, an Airport Tunnel doesn't have a $60 average ticket price and want more luxury boxes to increase revenue.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by flambers

Arena would be cheaper to build in the current economy...

Yep. Which is why the owners should get on it before the economy picks up again and it will become more expensive for them.

[Cappy]

Would I pay 450 million + for some more concerts?

[Tacoman]

I was at the Chamber luncheon today and it was extremely unimpressive even for a supporter of the new complex such as myself. Bettman came across as arrogant and tone deaf to the realities of our economy. It was a grade 6 schoolyard argument that if all the other kids are doing it, you should too and if you don't, you're a loser.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Doesn't the CalgaryNext plan cover the price of the arena, or very close to it? $200M from the CSEG, and $250M from the user fee. If this needs to be built immediately, lose the field-house/stadium and find a new location...shovels in the ground tomorrow.

[hockey.modern]

From Nenshi:

[IgiTang]

Anyone else watch the segment on Tim and Sid?

I'm actually left a bit upset over this whole thing and I for one sure hope this doesn't turn into a war between the City of Calgary and the NHL..

For all Doc and Harley did to get this team.. I'm disgusted for them.

There better not be any threats of relocation in the coming years. I don't know if I could handle that on top of all the recent lockouts..