New Edmonton Arena Construction will begin in March 2014

[transplant99]

Katz Group confirms in a statement that they have "been listening to proposals from a number of potential NHL markets for some time"...

https://twitter.com/dantencer/status/250387199844040704

[-TC-]

It's a smart play. Edmonton City Council drag their feet on every decision and often make bad expensive ones.

If I was Katz, with all the bull#### he's had to soak up I'd seriously be considering a move too.

They've already announced the are done with Northlands and the current building. If ECC can't make a decision, they should move.

As an Edmontonian, that makes me sad, as a businessman, I completely support it.

Btw, I stand to suffer personally from a move, they are my client

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by -TC-

It's a smart play. Edmonton City Council drag their feet on every decision and often make bad expensive ones.

If I was Katz, with all the bull#### he's had to soak up I'd seriously be considering a move too.

They've already announced the are done with Northlands and the current building. If ECC can't make a decision, they should move.

As an Edmontonian, that makes me sad, as a businessman, I completely support it.

Btw, I stand to suffer personally from a move, they are my client

How are they dragging their feet? I thought they already said no, and that is the issue?

I thought the issue here is how can Katz pit the public against the government to get them to give him money for this arena?

[nik-]

I wonder how this affects the Flames play at this point. Do they note the public backlash Katz is getting or do they pull this same crap?

[vanisleflamesfan]

Is it safe to call what Katz is doing "the oldest trick in the book"?

[Lil Pedro]

While I understand the logic behind it, this isn't a good way to get public support behind you Darryl Katz. Im sure people in Edmonton are overjoyed that he is touring another city with the potential to move them there when their new arena gets built.

[nik-]

No, the curly haired goof has definitely overplayed his hand from a public relations standpoint.

[Resolute 14]

Relocation threats work a hell of a lot better when your team is losing gobs of money. Not so much when it is generally profitable. It's a pointless PR stunt because the NHL will never let a money-making team take a potential market away from a money-losing one. Stupid move by Katz.

[Northendzone]

also give that gary has not let someone buy and move the yotes, it seems unlikely he will let a team with a long rich history like the oilers move anytime within the next 7 years.

what a bush move but a guy from edmonton.......

[Resolute 14]

He did fake Hamilton as a relocation market two years ago. What's he going to do in two years, head to Phoenix and talk about how that market would jump at a second chance?

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Relocation threats work a hell of a lot better when your team is losing gobs of money. Not so much when it is generally profitable. It's a pointless PR stunt because the NHL will never let a money-making team take a potential market away from a money-losing one. Stupid move by Katz.

I wouldn't be sure. Seattle is one of the largest untapped markets left for the NHL and it's Katz team so I'm not really sure if the NHL could block him. This isn't Jim Ballsille trying to buy a team and move it. Katz owns the team already.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by nik-

I wonder how this affects the Flames play at this point. Do they note the public backlash Katz is getting or do they pull this same crap?

Hey, if they move to Seattle, more taxpayer money from Albertans to fund our new arena

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by nik-

I wonder how this affects the Flames play at this point. Do they note the public backlash Katz is getting or do they pull this same crap?

Nobody really knows a they have played things very close to the vest but I'm sure they have a vested interest. No idea if they would want or need the money Katz is asking for but it's a good bet they may look for some sort of handout if Katz gets one.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I wouldn't be sure. Seattle is one of the largest untapped markets left for the NHL and it's Katz team so I'm not really sure if the NHL could block him.

Relocation requires support from the board of governors.

And yes, the market is untapped. If a potential (legitimate) owner shows up, you can bet the league is far more interested in a nine digit expansion fee than it is Katz' petty politics. The league will likely take part in his dog and pony show, since they like new rinks, but the only thing less likely than the NHL allowing such a move is Katz seriously contemplating relocation.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Relocation requires support from the board of governors.

And yes, the market is untapped. If a potential (legitimate) owner shows up, you can bet the league is far more interested in a nine digit expansion fee than it is Katz' petty politics. The league will likely take part in his dog and pony show, since they like new rinks, but the only thing less likely than the NHL allowing such a move is Katz seriously contemplating relocation.

Considering it wouldn't require any divisional realignments it would make for a seamless move.

I think he's bluffing as well but if the government sticks their heels in I don't expect Katz to step down. Something will have to give eventually.

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by nik-

I wonder how this affects the Flames play at this point. Do they note the public backlash Katz is getting or do they pull this same crap?

After that whole "buy our season tickets or we'll move" debacle, I doubt the owners would ever pull that stunt again. I think a lot of fans let bygones be bygones because the team was hurting so bad, and much of it was the dollars fault.

I say they are munching popcorn right now, in full Oilers gear, with Katz #1 on the back. Let the goof ball get the Tar and Feather, and when civic officials give in, and they will (what else goes on in Etown on a -30 Jan night?), the Flames will announce their fully complete plan for a new arena.

In the event he loses, Flames shrug and cough up the bill. They have enough dough if they must part with it.

[Stranger]

He'll get every dollar he's asking for. The city will give in soon.

[Mr.Coffee]

if he leaves another owner will move to Edmonton and build the rink. Too much money to say no. We're talking about an Alberta city of close to a million with a rich history and passionate fans, passionate wealthy(ish) fans.

If Katz wants to leave, don't let your ass hit the door on the way out, but the hole will be filled.

[Calamity]

Katz entertaining the thought of potentially moving to Seattle for a new arena? I hope this is an overblown joke.

So Katz will take a team that makes great revenue and bring it to an uncertain market? I guess Edmonton will have to wait, hmm 1 year or so to get Nashville, Pheonix, Dallas, Columbus to move up there and take the Oilers spot in ol' Rexall.

Last year Atlanta moved from a beautiful building to Winnipeg for the REVENUE and fan base not necessarily for the arena. MTS is nice but I doubt it even generates the revenue that Rexall does currently.

As for Katz, if he threatens to leave without more public money for a new arena - let him leave, there will be NHL hockey in Edmonton with either him or someone else owning the team. If the Flames owners threaten the same for public funds, I'd hope they leave too.

I love the Flames but it is ridiculous how owners want public money for buildings that NEVER give back enough to the city monetary wise in the long run (studied Sports Econ, I know it's a fact). - And if they work out a deal where the city will get their investment back through parking, concession etc., the team will do everything they can to break the lease when opportunity is given (Glendale).

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I wouldn't be sure. Seattle is one of the largest untapped markets left for the NHL and it's Katz team so I'm not really sure if the NHL could block him. This isn't Jim Ballsille trying to buy a team and move it. Katz owns the team already.

I agree but there's zero chance it'll come to that, Edmonton's council will crumble like little mini cream-puffs before they'll let the oilers move over a lousy 100m...in the end he'll probably get his arena for half price.