September 06, 2009
Calgary arena push is on; funding, site unclear
The Calgary Flames arena push heated up this week, with team president Ken King saying the team wants to begin construction "as soon as we can."
That could be a while yet, though. The team still hasn't picked a site, or figured out financing for a new arena. City and provincial elected officials have all promised that no public money will go into arena construction, but notably didn't promise that no taxpayers funds would go for any part of an arena project: Alberta premier Ed Stelmach said he'd consider funding improvements to a light-rail line serving the arena site, while Calgary mayor Dave Bronconnier said the city could provide the land.
As for King, he was mum about any funding talk, saying only, "We will make a presentation when and if we seek public funding. In what quantum and if that's going to take place has not been determined." I don't speak fluent Canadian, but that sure sounds to me like: "We're still trying to figure out what we can get away with."
April 13, 2009
Calgary, Edmonton arenas declared "dated"
If you're wondering how old you have to be to be considered "antiquated," the Canwest News Service has an answer for you:
It has born three different names in its 26-year history and has even been compared by U.S. media to a potato chip, but Calgary's iconic Saddledome is earning yet another tag: old.
The home of the Calgary Flames is "nearing the end of its life cycle," according to the Canwest report, and the Edmonton Oilers' Rexall Place, born the same year as Alanis Morissette, is "even more dated." While neither team is currently in serious talks for new arenas, the rest of the article is dedicated to investigating who will pay for what's deemed the inevitable, with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on hand to declare, "For their future well-being and for the comfort of their fans, both teams need new arenas." Actual fans seem less certain.