[News] Bettman urges new arena ASAP

[spuzzum]

Originally Posted by btimbit

Im totally on board for calgarynext EXCEPT for the location. I could swallow the public funds if it wasnt for the potential millions on top in creosote cleanup.

Light it all on fire hours before a scheduled chinook. Easy cleanup that way.

I like the point about spending during a down turn in the economy and it being cheaper given competition in the market and available workers. Give it to local Calgary businesses and create a spike in the local economy at a far cheaper price. Building it during a boom is just excess.

[TheAlpineOracle]

I was a pretty big Nenshi fan, but I'm really getting tired of his attitude. He behaves like a petulant child whenever people aren't kissing his ass or don't see things his way. A complete arrogant #######.

I'm not a fan of the CalgaryNext Project, but we need something to get done here and I just don't think it's going to happen with Nenshi having to puff his chest and demand to be the gate keeper all the time. It's getting to the point where I find our City Council to be quite embarassing.

[TurdFerguson]

Maybe Gary can meet with bunk. He had some pretty good arena ideas.

[btimbit]

I do like Nenshi overall, its just his attitude that gets me. I agree with his viewpoint on this one but dont get why he has to say it like a teenager back talking their parent.

[Dr. Doom]

If Bettman's goal was to swing into Calgary, stir the pot, and get everyone talking - it certainly worked.

[Dion]

Taking shots at the city for not writing blank cheques was in poor taste by Bettman. I'm quite sure his thinly veiled threats work in the States but i'm glad it's not working here. If these rich owners need a new arena they should use their own damn money and build it themselves.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Originally Posted by btimbit

I do like Nenshi overall, its just his attitude that gets me. I agree with his viewpoint on this one but dont get why he has to say it like a teenager back talking their parent.

Because that quote is going to get him in every leftist publication in the country and we all know he loves nothing more than the attention that comes with that. He's building up a base for a Federal run some day.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by btimbit

I do like Nenshi overall, its just his attitude that gets me. I agree with his viewpoint on this one but dont get why he has to say it like a teenager back talking their parent.

I might be in the minority but I like his off the cuff attitude. Say what you mean and don't sugar coat it. That way everyone knows exactly where you stand on any issue.

[Vinny01]

Glad there is some pressure being applied. I think they need t get going on this when the economy is weak. We are Calgary we will bounce back. A massive redevelopment project to help the City take the next step as a large centre is needed. Adding the jobs when the economy is weak makes sense as well.

The question is will either the Provincal or Federal government chip in? Both parties support infrastructure investments and the field house really is a multi purpose facility that goes beyond professional sport.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Originally Posted by Dion

I might be in the minority but I like his off the cuff attitude. Say what you mean and don't sugar coat it. That way everyone knows exactly where you stand on any issue.

There's saying what you want and not sugar coating it (which I would respect) and then there's be a condescending prick. Nenshi is being the later a lot of the time now. Just read his twitter responses to people question him on Uber last week. He's borderline offensive, and get worse when he sees that his opinion is not being lapped up.

[curves2000]

You got to love some of the media spin and corporate BS being involved with this project and or Bettman/Flames media tour.

Just now on the broadcast Roger Millions interviewed Bettman and he started with a phrase "I am not going to talk to you about money and dollars, I want to talk to you about community, vision etc" I am paraphrasing the previous comments.

So if the issue isn't money, then what's the #1 issue?? If the Flames were coming with a 100 % fully funded arena, stadium and land purchase deal, would there be the same level of negativity associated with this?? I don't think so.

Arenas like Vancouver, Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal etc were all funded by their respective owners.

Even massive projects like the proposed NFL stadiums being talked about for the relocation of teams like Oakland, San Diego and St. Louis don't have a super high level of negativity. Stadiums like the NY Giants, NY Jets combined stadium, The NE Patriots stadium were all privately funded.

If you look at scenarios like the Edmonton, Calgary and more recent Arizona Coyotes debacle the issue usually becomes taxpayers money going to private business.

At the end of the day I am not against this particular project but certain aspects need to be improved. With the way the 2 sides are sticking in their heels I have a feeling this is going to get ugly.

Also before anyone flags me for my comparison of NFL stadiums vs the Calgary Next project, I am aware of the different economics. What I am trying to nail down is that the #1 issues facing this project is money, cost, subsidies and taxpayer money.

If the Flames were paying for this 100% on their own dime then the conversation would generally be towards items such as infrastructure needs in the area, contamination and clean up etc which is understandable.

Anyhow, rant over. Just hate getting fed BS when it's apparent #1 issue is money. Everybody wants something new, better and shiner. Who doesn't???

[corporatejay]

Serious question:

If we need a new rink asap why doesn't Gary direct his comments to ownership. Why isn't he asking ownership to get us this rink since it such an embarrassment to the league. Why is it incumbent on the city, which doesn't own the team to make sure his franchises have a good building?

[Mattman]

Ok, I won't harp on Bettman for comming in and trying to do his job. His job is to make money as a sports league. Fair enough.

And Gary, I honest to God tried to watch you press conference, but really, Mike Giordano? MIKE Giordano?

*siggggh* Gary, you come in here trying to push the people into Calgary into more money by:
1. Mentioning Calgary's hottest player Johnny Hockey
2. Bringing up the Battle of Alberta, saying how the Oilers will be better than the Flames

But you said Mike Giordano, so I closed the tab and now I'm here.

I'd love to see the Flames in a new area too Mr.Can-run-a-league-but-can't-shave, in fact I can bet you I can pronounce all the Flames players names too! You blew all that Wikipedia fact checking when you mispronounced the captains name, who you guys snubbed for a even a nomination for Norris last year.

I mean maybe he's going for the "I can't afford a razor, what would make you think I could lend a couple million" but Gary you gotta lead by example and the people will follow. Until then I'm perfectly fine with having the Saddledome for the next 10 years.

[pylon]

Meh, by the time they move the team in 2026 or whatever, the NHL will be playing under non-contact women's Olympic rules, using a Nerf puck, and will be handing out participation ribbons to all the players, and I wouldn't want to watch anyway.

It's kinda the golden age of the game if you can call virtually non-contact/non-fighting hockey anyway, and the league is going to get litigated into soccer on ice anyway. So enjoy it while you can. "OMG! Ferland is a beast, he threw 5, count em 5! hits in one game!" That used to be a the first half of the 1st period for the old bruisers.

Plus minor hockey is going so cream-puff now, there won't be any players that know how to throw or take hit anyway.

[HotHotHeat]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Ah, the trials and tribulations of being Calgary's mayor. Say nothing and people think you're weak or bought and paid for. Say something most calgarians are thinking and you're a petulant, arrogant child who shouldn't represent us. Oh wait, that's just Nenshi.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't!

I think it's incredibly telling that even on a very pro Flames/NHL board, there is very little support for the CalgsryNEXT project. The members here calling out his 'arrogance' are an extreme minority, and would hardly have a voice in a city wide poll.

Frankly, supporters of this project are coming off as blind to the criticisms.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

I think it's incredibly telling that even on a very pro Flames/NHL board, there is very little support for the CalgsryNEXT project. The members here calling out his 'arrogance' are an extreme minority, and would hardly have a voice in a city wide poll.

It's possible to be against CalgaryNEXT and still think Nenshi is a preening narcissist.

[Stay Golden]

Basically Bettman is saying to Flames ownership and the Mayor. Enough delaying get together and get to action.
They say action speaks louder than words. The Flames and Nenshi are not even talking it is ridiculous.

[Erick Estrada]

Got to give it to Nenshi. Bettman comes to town in an obvious play to try and put a little pressure on the city to speed up the process and it becomes all about Nenshi. Average mayor at best but one of the best self promoters this city has seen.

[Kjesse]

Bettman should know better than to come into Calgary during these economic times and tell Calgarians what they "need" to do, especially when the suggestion is a large public subsidy for the most elite of the elite in society--- billionaire owners and millionaire players and NHL staff. Especially when most of the contributions come from the overwhelming majority of Calgarians who can not afford to go to games.

Still, I'd be prepared to support some public subsidy element, but certainly not as proposed. And there should be strings attached. The ownership has not been vocal enough about who would get the concert revenues etc. for this huge public subsidy. Would their tune change if all of the proceeds beyond a reasonable promoter fee for concerts goes to the taxpayer who funded this?

And again, Nenshi, whom I agree with more than I disagree on this issue, embarrasses himself again with over the top rhetoric. And he does that "googly" eye thing he does when he gets mad, more subtle here than other times. He opens his eyes up wide and rolls them around, then sometimes squints and looks at someone he is angry with. Pretty odd, I figure public office is getting the better of him.

[monkeyman]

Random rant.
Isn't Calgary in the top half in revenue in both leagues(NHL/CFL)? Even above a bunch of those teams with "newer areas"? So other than being old, why do they need two new buildings to be competitive?
I really resented Bettman insinuating the reason Calgary hasn't and won't ever get any league events is because our building is so old. Lets be honest, the reason we don't get those things is because the league sees limited value in holding them in Calgary. Even when pressed, all he'd commit with is "we'll see" when questioned about another Heritage classic game in Calgary and that was in a context of being after a new stadium is built.
I doubt Bettman has ever watched a cfl game. Now he's suddenly an authority on how we need a new cfl stadium.
You'd think Bettman would have provided some hard numbers regarding the economic benefits of an arena and district especially when you're speaking in front of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.