I’m a Flames fan. As I was born and raised in southern Alberta, I’ve always been a Flames fan. Watching a game or two at the Saddledome each season is something I look forward to and have always enjoyed.
The arena negotiations playing out in the news between the Calgary Flames owners and the City of Calgary has caught my attention. If you’re a sports fan I’m sure that it has caught your attention too.
At this point, Calgary Flames president and CEO Ken King has stated that negotiations with the City of Calgary have been “spectacularly unproductive”. He has also stated that the Calgary Flames are no longer pursuing a new arena in Calgary. At face value, not a good sign for the future of the Flames.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi has stated that the City of Calgary is still at the negotiating table and that he is confident cooler heads will prevail. The conflict is about money with a sprinkle of strong personalities to keep things interesting. The City of Calgary says that the Flames offer is asking for too many public tax dollars. The Flames believe that the City of Calgary isn’t willing to pay their fair share.
I’ve heard comments from Calgary taxpayers that the Flames should pay for the new arena on their own, which is a valid statement considering the additional revenue that could be realized by the Flames with the new building. On the other hand, if other cities in North America are willing to pay heavily into a new arena, wouldn’t it make sense for the owners to move the team there?
I really hope that a fair deal can be reached because I can’t see myself cheering for the Seattle Flames.
