Do you think the viability of the Calgary Flames is tied to a new arena?

2 Comments

  • Ian - 8 years ago

    I root for the Flames and voted Yes to this poll question because the Saddledome will soon be the oldest and most out of date arena among NHL teams. If these tough economic times last into the 2020s the team will probably fold or move. There's little political will with the current mayor Nenshi, city council nor the provincial government to proceed with CalgaryNEXT. The debate over building the Saddledome was during similar economic conditions in 1980-81 when Alberta was suffering through a global oil glut and the Liberal National Energy Program but Calgary's mayor Ralph Klein lead the way, pushing hard to get the Saddledome constructed and advance the city's successful Winter Olympics 1988 bid.

  • Hugh - 8 years ago

    Finances are all smoke and mirrors. In addition to the quoted city contribution of $200 million, the City will also be liable to fund the $250 million community revitalization levy (that can't tax the major facility in the area I.e this project), the $240 million ticket tax, and the site remediation with its unknown cost but easily over $100 million. Who covers cost overruns? What happens if and when the flames move to another city or fold?

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