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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman minced no words in his pitch for a new hockey arena in Calgary last week, deriding the Scotiabank Saddledome as an "old, antiquated, inefficient building." Detroit's Joe Louis Arena will host its last game in April, making the Saddledome the second-oldest arena in the league (Madison Square Garden is older but underwent extensive renovations recently that included a new arena bowl). Adding salt to the wound, Bettman praised Rogers Place during his first official visit to the completed Edmonton venue, postulating that the city will soon host the NHL draft and all-star game.
Despite Bettman's pleas, Mayor Nenshi has been resolute in his stance against using public funds for any such arena project, echoing sentiments made by residents. The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, owners of the Flames, Hitmen, Roughnecks, and Stampeders, is currying favour for a new complex at the west end of downtown. Dubbed CalgaryNEXT, the development would replace the Saddledome and McMahon Stadium with a new events centre and fieldhouse.
But a competing proposal for Victoria Park, possibly steps away from the Saddledome, also establishes plans for an events centre. Flames President Ken King recently revealed that the team has been meeting with the City almost weekly to move forward on a potential location somewhere in the area. It's familiar territory for Flames fans, who already make the trek to the neighbourhood for hockey games. Staying put in an area where the team has had footing for over 30 years may prove to be particularly enticing to management.
Bettman warns that costs will continue to escalate if the City doesn't make a decision soon, explaining his willingness to act as a facilitator between the City and the Flames to ensure the two are on the same page. With Edmonton's new complex serving as the gold standard for NHL facilities, and Calgary's now at the other end of the spectrum, the pressure on the City to settle on a location is heating up.
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