Looking at the Details of the Flames New Arena Agreement

[@Ducks314]

As a Calgary resident i've got a few thoughts: 1) Where the Saddledome is currently situated is an urbanist nightmare - the arena sits on a plot of open land with only 1 street going in and out, leading to incredible congestion on game days. Better public transport, street access, walkable spaces, and fitting the new arena to the urban grid is very much needed. 2) A new entertainment centre will lure performers to perform part of their tours in Calgary and imo, Calgary is a big enough Canadian to accommodate them, not just Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver. 3) The timing of the deal relative to upcoming election isn't fooling anyone - while the new entertainment centre is necessary, the way in which is panned out was disappointing. Alberta didn't put a penny into the new arena in Edmonton, and rightfully so. Certainly hasn't swayed who I will be voting for.

[@KlueLuke]

3:12 I know Bear probably jumped up onto another cat tree, but the angle looks like she just jumps into a void of nothing

[@davidovics92]

lol

[@kevinbudzinski9576]

😹

[@silentrift63]

I find it absurd that these billionaires, who are given special commission to collude and keep wages capped and non-competitive between clubs also then turn around hat in hand asking for hundreds of millions more from cities, provinces and states in handouts for stadiums that don't return a fraction of their investment value. It's bold faced socialism for the upper class, capitalism for the rest of us.

[@johnburns9634]

You’re unaware what politicians are willing to do during an election?

[@jasonmclean7544]

I will say that the Provincial Money is mostly going to transit and roads around the area which is normal for the government to pay for. also the stampede ground is being totally remolded in this as well. the BMO center I think had a 1 billion dollar renovation.

[@harlemsfinest]

Always has been, we need new money that cannot be printed 🟠

[@johnburns9634]

@@jasonmclean7544 Not yet!

[@SmallTalkWNickyD]

Does it not help out businesses in the city? Or you don't care about those people. Also you're talking about a project worth over half the owners TOTAL wealth. You think his worth of 2.2 billion is all money? No it's probably 80 percent assets. So that's not how it works. Should he fork out more? Sure the province itself shouldn't have to pay for anything just like in Edmonton. Use ticket prices to cover costs etc.

[@retflo2583]

You know how a guy is worth $2.6 Billion? They don't pay for arenas ....

[@That90sShow]

Just like Daryl Katz... The legal drug dealer

[@mahockey3]

​@@That90sShow love how you brought up the Oilers in a video that has nothing to do with them lol. Rent free.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

But didn't he have other business ventures before he bought the team?

[@EvanMacLeanHockey]

As someone how lives in Calgary I do agree we really need a new event center in general not just for the Flames. If you live in Calgary you know you often need to travel to Edmonton or Vancouver for many consorts. On top of that the saddle dome is iconic for the city but as Shannon said its on the way out as it is. As for if it changes how I'm voting for I would say it defiantly wouldn't be a none factor but I don't think this alone would sway my vote.

[@itsGameT1me]

Calgary is known for their terrible consorts :p

[@maccarr9923]

McMahon needs a rebuild haaard

[@romanlima9931]

@@maccarr9923not really tbh

[@maccarr9923]

@@romanlima9931 Maybe upgrade is a better word than rebuild but it's pretty basic compared to all the other stadiums in the West at this point, BC obviously has its issues too though

[@dpause10]

As an Architect, the Saddledome seems like such a cool building, unique, iconic and with a lot of history. In my opinion, it would be an absolute loss, just like the igloo in Pittsburgh. I definitely plan to see it before it gets torn down. If it really can't be refurbished to fit the needs of a 21st century franchise, I hope they will find another use for it and preserve it. Btw, I'd be curious to hear why the Saddledome doesn't work for Calgary and the Flames? I feel like those kind of statements are often made without much thought given to the question of whether such a building could actually be upgraded/updated to fit contemporary needs. In New York, we have the 60 year old Madison Square Garden, which frankly is the coolest place ever. Sure. It's concourses aren't as wide as some of the modern arenas and from the outside it looks a bit dated not too say kind a ugly. But they have done a pretty good job in my opinion upgrading it several times to make the visitor experience pretty sweet. For example, you have sky bridges which I think are unique to MSG. The ribbed ceiling is a cool architectural feature that really drives home the history of the place. And just the whole oval aesthetic of the bowl is so much more interesting than the standard arenas that were built over the last 25 years. Having said that, I get that not all old arenas are worth saving. I recall the old McNicholls Arena in Denver or even the Meadowlands Arena in Jersey...yikes! But the Saddledome just seems different!

[@fantasticvoyage262]

I heard that sound is dispersed poorly there. So concerts are going to Edmonton. And not Calgary. So the Saddledome isn't making the same revenue that better contructed arenas are. And it's not possible to build a new roof.

[@ethan0080]

Calgarian here. I am looking forward to the new arena. There's people in Calgary bashing the current government about the new arena deal. But that not going to make me change who i going to vote for.

[@vinceniederman]

From a Flyers Fan U Guys Deserve a New Arena!

[@scoutspringgate]

Thank you for your in-depth analysis on this!

[@MrZics]

The approximate cost of the new arena as part of this deal is $873.6 Million which is paid for by the city and CSEC. The rest of the money in the deal is paid off by the province and is for associated costs like transportation, land costs, utilities, etc

[@stephenmoncrieff2056]

So what most people don't remember is that this is way more than an arena . There is a lot of components to this that are not related to pro hockey . This is an investment by the governments . This will create jobs , from construction to facility staff to vendors . And let's not forget there will be more than just the Flames playing out of there . There will be 3 hockey teams and a lacrosse team , so the building will get a lot of use as is , then add in other events such as concerts . This will bring in a lot of money in taxes and revenue for the city .

[@midimusicforever]

The city should go "ok we build it, but then the Flames are our team now"!

[@garetsakata392]

Well the city already owned the Saddledome.

[@midimusicforever]

@@oscargoldman4867 that's not close

[@garetsakata392]

@@midimusicforever What's not close? The city will own the building and the team will lease for 35 years or longer. The team gets revenue from events and the city gets rental income from the team. My company leases our building the owners of our building don't get our revenue.

[@midimusicforever]

@@garetsakata392 Owning the building is not close to owning the team

[@cyan5161]

We've been in this situation before, I'm not gonna be happy till it actually opens.

[@TheBoyer19]

Hopefully this new area can bring some concerts to Calgary, the saddledome never gets any big ticket acts

[@debuthunter5389]

Alberta resident here. That area absolutely could do with full redevelopment. The new stadium is overdue, and I am looking forward to it being built. I like someone leading that gets the big things done, rather than faffing about. Great stuff.

[@AMC439]

For some point of reference about revenue generation of the ASG, the Stadium Series game in Raleigh generated something like $22 mil if I remember correctly

[@BankaiPwn]

As someone from calgary, absolute hate the bribery that's coming along with this. "Vote for us or this giant arena might not happen"! Incredibly gross.

[@BankaiPwn]

@@jimweir6500 oh i understand most government is littered with it. I just think it's absolutely gross that the flames owner is worth 2.6bn, and is only paying 350m, and the city isn't getting a massive equity for hockey games that will be in this arena. Are the fans, who are paying most of this cost, going to get cheaper ticket prices (lol)? Also, 550m when the UCP already wants to privatize health care in AB is just a lot of dumb bullshit.

[@bradleyminoski2020]

@Jim Weir Guy ain’t wrong though

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

With the draft, you have all of those prospects and their families in town for the whole weekend, it definitely generates local revenue for at least hotels and restaurants, plus the entertainment districts

[@shawnthibodeau189]

As an Alberta tax payer, as I will be partially paying for the demolition of the saddle dome, I believe I should be able to steal things from there for the next few years

[@taylorbost7683]

It’s not stealing if you paid for it

[@dmgreenberg]

[insert Eddie Murphy meme]

[@chrismdb5686]

Make sure you record it on social media like all the trendy influencers do nowadays, gotta get that "clout"

[@That90sShow]

Your $18k salary isnt paying for squat bud

[@ryanmc2504]

​@@dmgreenberg That's not Eddie Murphy in that meme.

[@GosT_]

As someone in the US and far removed from this besides the fact I love hockey I find it stupid the team is paying the least for their rink. I still think Province and City should pay as the rink is a revenue generator for more then just the team, it will hopefully increase sales throughout the city which benefit the city and province. However, the team is the main money maker when it comes to a new finished building and they should be paying at least 60% for a ballpark number.

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

3:18 - Bear the cat didn't like the deal so she flew offscreen.

[@VonHavok]

I live in Calgary and i completely understand the necessity of a new arena but man i dont want to have to deal with all the construction

[@liamwoods3631]

it’s in a very specific part of the city only really an issue if you drive down Macloed trail everyday

[@VonHavok]

@Liam Woods which I do unfortunately I'll just have to deal with it

[@zop1111]

@@liamwoods3631 its really only an issue if you drive down a heavily trafficked area lol

[@just_another_guy_with_opinions]

loves the cat be-bopping around the office....

[@trevorcummins6657]

Calgarian here. I'm more than willing to play chicken with Flames ownership. The threat to move the team is such nonsense. Play chicken until they pay. As for the political side of things, I think someone willing to say "The billionaire can buy his own building" will score some major political points. Calgary's a great market. Don't let ownership pretend they're doing *us* a favour by staying here.

[@mryellow864]

@@ronh2660 As stupid as the NHL is business wise I highly doubt they are going to be that stupid to let a franchise who makes the league money and has potential to continue to make money with a new arena leave a hockey mad market to a non hockey market. All we need to do is look at the Arizona Coyotes and where they are living right now as justification. Would be pretty bad optics for the NHL if they let the Flames (a franchise that makes money and can make more) go over a arena dispute but allows the Yotes to play in Arizona where they have never made money and is on their third arena which only seats arounds 5K.

[@TheOneWhoBagsTea]

Oakland just moved its MLB and NFL team to Vegas. Flames ownership will not play chicken, if this deal has to be altered in any major way it will fall through and ownership will not hesitate to move. Atlanta, Houston, Quebec city are all itching to have a hockey team. Oakland A's and Raiders are far more iconic than the flames. They will move.

[@mryellow864]

@@TheOneWhoBagsTea Meanwhile the Arizona Coyotes whom have never made any money are on their 3rd arena that only seats 5K. Atlanta was tried twice and failed twice (How do you think Calgary got a team?) and if Houston really was interested an NHL team would be there by now. NHL is a joke league but they still love money. Edwards is a smart man. Cheap but smart, why pay for an arena when you can extort a city into paying it for you? I don't blame him but lets face it, we all know the Flames won't leave. It would be bad for Edwards and bad for the NHL. If the Coyotes leave Arizona then maybe I would think otherwise.

[@meanwhileinsooke]

Thanks for the details.

[@travisdrawsstuff]

It's very hilarious and sad that the Flames get the relocation threat, but the NHL is happy to prop up the Coyotes the way they do.

[@johnhein4851]

I love the dome, and that Jersey you are wearing!

[@marvinestupe8627]

We need a new arena in calgary.. i support it

[@666kingdrummer]

I'm never going to let them forget the scummy underhanded nonsense that Flames ownership tried to pull, when they were proposing CalgaryNEXT, and the ensuing Temper Tantrum that came about between Ownership and the Mayor of Calgary.

[@Damoose39]

Love your jersey collection. Was gonna start buying Stanley cup winning goalies jersey each year, eventually I hope to start ( idea started when Cam Ward won the cup in Carolina)

[@fantasticvoyage262]

I just bought one this week.

[@colliesis]

Feels very unfair that the Oilers fans have to help pay for this stadium when the province gave no money to Rogers Place…

[@jfkinlloyd]

This does not affect my views on the upcoming election, I think the challenger would approve the deal as well, but could amend it, to something a little more fair to the other people living in the province that do not use the facility. This deal absolutely smells like an "election" deal. great deal for the Flames. I would say that there should be facility user fees charges placed on every single ticket sold to events in the building until the provincial and municipal portions of the actual facility costs are paid. The additional infrastructure and residential/commercial spaces should not need to be repaid but users of the facility, as they will generate their own revenue.

[@extremeredtv5728]

The ASG rotation is such bs. Pittsburgh, Philly, Jersey and the renovated MSG haven't hosted a ASG.

[@laraia98]

I think you really have to look at Oakland as an example never could get a deal done lost three sports teams in a 5 year span that’s a lot of money that the city loses out on . If Calgary don’t get this new arena build don’t be surprised if they moved to Houston honestly I get why people don’t want there tax money to go to a building they will never go to but I just think it would be a shame if the flames would have to leave town and the Saddledome wouldn’t really have a need besides for rodeos

[@ronenson1023]

tbh I think Oakland really lost only one team. The Warriors weren't ever going to stay there and teams move within a metro area not infrequently. Raiders too were very unlikely to stay in Oakland due to groundsharing with the A's. The A's were the only team the city truly lost and it seems abundantly clear that the team wasn't ever really negotiating in good faith--ymmv on whether that matters. /end sidebar

[@rickyaz8640]

NHL ain’t giving up $1b expansion fee so the Flames can move to Houston

[@Worldpeacekid]

@@ronenson1023 Well, Oakland may not have lost the A's just yet, given Kaval apparently did _not_ impress Vegas officials by referring to them as yokels and flaunting that he went to Stamford.

[@SaintGBar22]

I dont think you can use Oakland because the city of Oakland has basically gone bankrupt and turned into slums as wealth moved elsewhere. It could never realistically keep the three teams.

[@yycguy8722]

Will the ticket holders except the much higher prices in absolutely everything related to going to Flames games / concerts / or any other venue held in the new facility? This project will likely create a great deal of anger towards the wealthy owners and government officials who fast tracked this deal without any plans given to the public in advance. Keep in mind inflation and the cost of just about everything is going up quickly, yet the average person’s wages are not! This is a lot of money put on the taxpayers of Calgary without a doubt. One might suggest, officials are taking advantage of the relatively strong economic situation Alberta has at the moment compared to the rest of the country. 🤔 Perhaps this move will slow the mass migration of people wanting to move to Calgary if our taxes go up by a substantial amount in the coming years.

[@coltsgotluck6518]

As someone who lives in Edmonton I have to say we can't lose the Flames. The team has to stay. However I think its bullshit that the province is expected to pay for whatever percentage it is sounds like about 90%.

[@garetsakata392]

No where near 90% from the province

[@coltsgotluck6518]

@@garetsakata392 I dont care what the percentage is if my tax money is going to the Flames stadium we better be calling them the Alberta Flames

[@garetsakata392]

@@coltsgotluck6518 Well my tax money went to CRL which went to Edmonton so are they the Alberta Oilers?

[@glennelliott708]

I am excited to see if the arena is in the shape of a saddle horn.

[@vinceniederman]

Even As a Flyers Fan I Remember When The Deal 2 Years Ago Was Dead Now 2 Years Later It’s Back on Crazy Stuff!

[@ryanmc2504]

This deal is wild. Flames barely pay more than original cost and the city doubles up their commitment, plus the province is putting in money when Edmonton got nothing?🤔 This is election time BS. I see a long , long, long road ahead of us still. No rendition of the arena means the price could still go up, who is going to pay the difference in the instance that costs are over run? Is that going to be on the city, the province or the Billionaire?

[@ezearl84]

I'm at a cross roads on this one. I work for a company whose main investor is Murray but I'm also a Calgarian taxpayer. I was surprised that this deal wasn't more similar than the last one. I don't want the Flames to go that's for sure but I don't also know if I will be able to pay for tickets at a new venue. Definitely not black and white for me!

[@Biffysmalls]

Read my comment elsewhere in the replies. This is a joke.

[@ezearl84]

@@Biffysmalls like I said, I'm surprised by this deal. It has been a long time since we had some of the bigger concerts though so I don't agree that it's a joke. It's not great but such is life.

[@That90sShow]

Your tax dollars paid $500 million for the bmo canter and $300 million for a library. I'm sure you were a complete mute about that though LMAO

[@ezearl84]

@@That90sShow I don't always like the price but a city needs amenities. Could it be done cheaper? Sure but nice things cost more typically.

[@allisonpolonio1691]

Awesome cat,

[@Tingy.]

As a Calgary Flames fan, I'm happy to see progress towards a new arena, but this doesn't sway my vote. Still going with NDP

[@realalbertan]

Same. Revenue sharing needs to be part of the deal IMO -

[@lunarbunny3021]

When she tanks the economy again..don’t come crying

[@professordogwood8985]

I certainly wish the new roof is also a saddle, because Calgary.

[@martinman04]

quote from the province of Alberta website the provincial government will not be investing in the construction or operation of the arena itself. Those costs will be borne by the city and CSEC pursuant to a separate MOU between those parties. The province will instead contribute up to $300 million, the majority over the next three years, primarily committed to road and bridge construction, LRT connection, site utilities, site reclamation and other supportive infrastructure. These investments will be critical to the development of the entire area, will enhance access to the Stampede grounds and the expanded BMO Convention Centre, and ensure a vibrant downtown and Rivers District. A additionally like rogers place in Edmonton, the new Calgary arena will be owned by the city of Calgary and will get revenues from events at the facility Also in that area, there will be an additional community rink like there is one in ICE District in Edmonton

[@Slvrbuu]

Didn't the province pretty much tell the Oilers to shove it? Now that Calgary needs funding... :P

[@admirals818]

How does this project (and in particular, funding) compare to the Oilers arena? If Edmonton was given a nice sum of money from Alberta, that gives Calgary leverage to ask for the same.

[@bradyroy6279]

Edmonton got no money from the province, only from the city.

[@joeshmow1583]

​@@jasonmclean7544 it payd 0$ the city put up like 300 million and Darryl Katz put up over 600 million and the rest will be payed from a ticket surcharge. It's the reason calgary is having a hard time getting any from the province. Alberta also shot down getting the Olympics because we are wising up to the falsity that it's somehow worth using tax dollars for these projects that only serve a small percent of the population.

[@Orinocomplex]

​@kenklak8519 Ever heard of the CRL? 226 million of it was used. 1/3 of the arena project. Edmonton used redirected provincial money to help fund the arena. Where do you think the money from the CRL came from?

[@joeb2151]

Shannon is given $1.2B. All of the hockey jerseys/hats/cards/Coke Zero everywhere sell out. Building delayed.

[@GotFridged]

I already made up my mind for voting against the UCP. This just further cements my stance on the party, and I'm worried that we gave away too much in concessions to get this done, especially with an owner who seems very occupied in spending his time anywhere but Calgary. I can't even recall a time where he has been in public let alone make a statement about the team. This was Danielle Smith making a political gambit, and I can't imagine folks in Edmonton are all too chuffed about their tax dollars are being spent on something like this. Infrastructure projects are needed throughout the province - that much is a given - but when it comes to something that isn't a utility or public good, I think that begs the question if there is merit in public spending for it in the first place. Much nicer arenas have and will be built and paid for out of the owner's pocket without the public paying a dime.

[@but-why.]

Do you not remember the nutley years???

[@GotFridged]

@But, why? Frankly, I don't have much to remember about the NDP because of how many fuck-ups were made by the UCP if the last few years they have held office, from bungling how to deal with Covid to seemingly trying to alienate every single member of the public sector. Christ, I didn't even mention the NDP or anything Liberal, and your first response was "BuT wAchEl NoTleY!!! 🥺" Is that really your only defence to justify voting UCP? God forbid. Too many Albertans thought we lived in some Soviet Bloc country where we were spending 3 hours in line for a head of lettuce. You'll be fine if the NDP wins. You'll still get to drive your Ram and not have to worry about some Liberal gestapo watching behind your back.

[@-..-no-..-]

This is a giant sized FU to Edmonton after the province refused to chip in on their arena. Wasn’t that also the UCP?

[@fubartotale3389]

I wonder if they're going to stick with the "saddle" motif?

[@Worldpeacekid]

Likely not; the saddle shape to the arena is the very reason that concerts and other such events keep skipping over Calgary.

[@debuthunter5389]

Unlikely. Not functional enough. Seen some previous proposals. Likely to be squared off like those.

[@greenmaple7210]

I'm not getting my hopes up until they start construction, they did the extract same thing only to put kibosh on the deal a little over a year ago.

[@danivuk2036]

Great chanel btw.

[@colleentombs7040]

Calgary needs a new arena. The flood in 2013 the water was as high as row 17. In the end will be good revenue for Alberta.

[@REDKRAKEN18]

That’s not how net worth works though if someone is worth over $2 billion that’s just in assets

[@tIhIngan]

One thing people need to keep in mind is Gary Bettman. He works really hard to avoid rich owners paying for their own building so that poorer teams can't be told "pay for your own damn arena like them." I am sure the Flames' owners could afford a new private building if they wanted to (not sure if they actually want to or are being told not to by Bettman). But my biggest concern as a local citizen is: who gets what? My understanding is that the Flames are living in the Saddledome (city-owned) rent-free and tax-free, meaning those rich b@stards get 100% profit off their events, no venue fee. Is that arrangement still going to continue?

[@That90sShow]

Just like Daryl Katz

[@FAITHandLOGIC]

Bettman works for the owners. It is his job to help talk the city to help with tax dollars

[@mitchfran9611]

Funny how this deal was quickly done shortly after "the gathering" complex was announced in GA (USA) and possible NHL return to ATL. Similar in cost too. My theory is they now suddenly saw a real fear of the team relocating. Their president even stated in the past that if they couldn't get an arena deal done, they were relocating (of course, he is now gone 🙂). When Houston, Atlanta & Quebec City were discussed & put back on the table for possible expansion and/or relocation destinations, this deal "miraculously" gets done after YEARS of roadblocks & uncertainty. interesting

[@dogcowrph]

Why would the NHL go back to Atlanta when it has failed twice already? Oh wait, we’re talking about the NHL here. Go to Houston, Quebec, Kansas City, Hartford, Milwaukee. There are four good cities right these. There are four arenas that are already built to move in immediately. All the NHL needs is a billion dollars from each city and it will all make sense. Atlanta should be behind Portland, Austin, Indianapolis and Hamilton for the next round of cities after the first four. Atlanta is a bad sports town. A big market but not loyal fans. By all means get out of Florida and Phoenix.

[@larscederberg8564]

Why not use the Saddledome as a community rink and tear it down but keep the lower level seating and put a roof on it like they did with the old Maple Leafs Garden and build the new rink beside it

[@NN010]

6:18 I sure as hell am not voting for Danielle Smith & the UCP this election, but this deal isn't why (I'm an Oilers fan & live in the Edmonton area, so this doesn't really affect me much outside of having my tax dollars go towards this). It's because Smith is hell bent on making Alberta even closer to an American state than we already are. Not to mention the stupid Alberta Soverignty Act. So I am actively rooting & voting for Rachel Notley & the NDP in this election (even if it means the potential end of the Battle of Alberta in the NHL). But no, this deal does not change my vote for this election.

[@agent00puffball]

This is pretty much where I'm at, even as a Flames fan. I wasn't going to vote UCP before and I'm still not going to now. It'll take way more than this to sway my vote.

[@burts3781]

$165 million of provincial government funding went to Arts Commons renovations. If people who like going to plays get their facility subsidized then I have no problem with a facility that holds hockey games and big concerts getting provincial funding.

[@drivethru6155]

An entertainment venue is basically your local community centre on steroids, so there isn't much debate towards its public value and that it stretches beyond Calgary. It is precisely why sports team owners can convince a government to pay for part of it. Whether the cost sharing split is fair is where I am out of my depth so I have no idea lol.

[@willlaney]

I agree that these billionaire should have to pay for their own stadium but I wonder how much of the 1.22 billion is public infrastructure to be able to get to the stadium such as roads, sidewalks, and a possible train line. And how much is the district around it including the hotels, restaurants, and possibly apartments(I would guess there would be based on other arena districts).

[@shield2957]

​@@willlaney i think thats the difference between the old deal and this one. Because the deal isnt just an arena but also amenities it gives a greater instinctive for the deal to go through

[@robertmulligan7475]

The Rivers District Project has long been underway, this is really just expanding on that pre-existing program.

[@ryans413]

3:12 where the hell did bear jump too lol

[@kftc1980]

Word has it the new building will look like a bucket seat. Gotta get with the times.

[@agent00puffball]

Calgary absolutely needs something like this. I don't think that part of it is going to be under debate. They are missing out on tons of concerts and other events because they don't have a suitable location and this project will definitely help with that. This will live or die by the Provincial funding. The city and CSEC are in, the question is if the Province will be. Normally I'd completely remove politics from a situation like this but with an election coming up you just have to keep it in mind. CSEC did a good job in saying the deal is with the Government of Alberta, not a political party so he hopes they honour it no matter who gets in, but that just isn't a guarantee. I am cautiously optimistic about this one, but I also saw the last deal fall through after we all thought it was a lock. Until I see a building I'll always be a bit reserved.

[@raymondsupper]

SaddleDome was nice when they had Olympics 35 years ago but time to blow it up and get something to put Calgary and Alberta back on map.

[@goadamson]

How does this compare to the Edmonton deal? Was that all Katz?

[@mNag]

City helped pay. But province didn't give a dime... As someone from the Edmonton area, I'm actually kind of miffed that suddenly the provincial government is willing to help pay for a new arena when it's in Calgary. So Edmonton taxpayers get to pay for 2 arenas, while the rest of Alberta just pays for Calgary's. Kinda bogus.

[@ominousflames14]

​@@mNag I am pretty sure they made it clear the provincial support is for the extras and NOT for the arena. The arena is paid by the city of Calgary and Flames org, in which the city will own the building.

[@goadamson]

@@ominousflames14 I’m hearing that as well now that more details are starting to emerge but I agree with Eirhead, if Edmonton can do it without the province then Calgary should too. Best case is that this all blows up in Smith’s face come election time 😉

[@mNag]

@@ominousflames14 The province of Alberta gave edmonton ZERO support funding any of the downtown development or our community rink. It was all Edmonton and Daddy Katz. Pretty bullshit. Just trying to buy Calgary votes. Fuck the UCP.

[@garetsakata392]

@@mNag Province gave the city money for the Community Revitalization Levy which money from that was used for the arena. Calgary chose to use that money on other projects . This money isn't going to an arena just the infrastructure around the arena.

[@glenbarker6927]

so the arena does not cost 1.2 billion . it includes roads , taking down the saddledome , lrt and underpass , you should give the full information

[@csolivais1979]

It's a hockey channel. 99% of his subscribers, more than likely, could care less for the fine details.

[@not2tees]

One layer of grabblers inside other layers of grabblers, all squirming to make more $$$ than the next layer. Inspiring.

[@jyrbm]

Province proposed to pay for the Flames new building = $330 Province proposed to pay for the Oilers new building = $0 Do you guys see a problem with these numbers?

[@bwest2010]

Do I understand correctly that the Flames get a new building worth 1.3 billion paying about 25% of that? Could someone explain why this should happen? Isn't this a subsidy for a wealthy business?

[@csolivais1979]

The 1.3 billion is more than just the arena. Also developing areas around it as well. Plus new/improved roads and what not, at least from my understanding.

[@CheetahLynx]

If the new arena can't be a saddle they should put a cowboy hat on it

[@johnston1313]

If Murray had to pay for it, it would just be a new arena. No public areas, no new public arena, No restructuring the road, adding a new ctrain station on the new line, and the rest of the district etc. The governments both already have money set aside in budget for infrastructure upgrades and construction, I'd rather see that district get refreshed and used then the money get wasted in the dumb "art projects" around the city like the blue ring or the peace bridge which is constantly having to be repaired.

[@JUVI9596]

They walked away over 3 million extra dollars for sidewalks. Now we have a deal that’s hundreds of millions of dollars more. Makes sense 😐😐😐😐😐

[@TheRealCodyPope]

Could anyone answer this, why are the ladder half of these series have games 4 days apart example: edm vs lak game 5 to game 6

[@csolivais1979]

Building availability, I think. I know Boston shares its arena with the Celtics. And am pretty sure LA shares theirs with the Clippers and Lakers

[@fantasticvoyage262]

The Panthers didn't want to play on the same day as the Heat.

[@TiredTiger329]

Calgarian here, Voting NDP. No arena deal could change that. Maybe new gov can levy a $330 million tax on oil CEO's. Happy to be getting a new arena though. Dome doesn't have enough bathrooms.

[@burts3781]

If you vote NDP there won't be a new arena. Tough choice ... not really.

[@BarqsGotBite]

If calgary was smart to add to the rivalry with edmonton to name this new district the "fire district"

[@That90sShow]

Nobody cares about deadmonton

[@jonah.donohue]

Why is it so expensive to bulid a building?

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

Because they're very comfortable places where lots of people can go to watch hockey, basketball, or music.

[@kcham22]

If the Flames have to move because the saddle dome doesn't work while the Coyotes play at ASU it would be absolutely ridiculous.

[@csolivais1979]

Is there another building in Calgary that they could use? If yes, then you are correct. If not, then no, you're not.

[@realalbertan]

Winsport holds 2500. Not enough for an interim venue

[@michaelvaldez5095]

Come Calgary build the Flames their arena. I’m a Stars fan & I don’t want to see a team in Houston

[@SmallTalkWNickyD]

I don't understand why they don't do something similar to the Oilers.

[@SmallTalkWNickyD]

@@kenklak good to know. So they kinda screwed themselves in that sense.

[@burts3781]

The plan is taking advantage of a CRL. Probably by changing the terms of the current CRL.

[@MrBcardinal35]

The Hooters Hoofdome

[@jimgap3654]

If the NDP gets elected Alberta is screwed.

[@MegaIndecisive]

I was hoping it would end up being north of the city so they'd bring the train line up here. :) Oh well, just glad negotiations are done and they're staying in Calgary.

[@shield2957]

Itll also mean they'll have yo clean up the ne. That would be nice

[@liamwoods3631]

@@shield2957 that would be the most expensive job of all time haha never happening

[@FHL-Devils]

Anyone who complains about public funds being used better make sure they never set a single foot in a museum, theatre, concert or any other public works project. It's fine to not CARE about sports - as long as they aren't hypocrites about it.

[@TheBlackWatchRHR]

WHAT!?!?!?! GST was once temporary? mind boggling

[@KnightGallant]

The difference between this situation and the Coyotes situation is that the NHL will not help Calgary if they can't get an arena deal done. I guarantee you that the Calgary flames wouldn't be allowed to play in a College arena, or the league stepping in to own them, the NHL would just move them.

[@JaffaJannu]

ALL cool construction projects have cost overruns. Not just those that have city, province or state funding involved. Really it's like a gentlemen's club. If you dont have cost overruns you're a nobody.

[@beltlinebandit9694]

The city and taxpayers got bent over. Let’s see if the deficit hawks in this province complain about this corporate welfare.

[@burts3781]

What if they don't complain?

[@colorado8avalanche]

So no more scary booth walk 😭

[@gregsaldi1292]

I'd like to see a mash up of just the faces shannon makes in the first 5 seconds of each video.

[@boblogan3665]

Just get the company that built the Edmonton arena to build the same exact one in Calgary and save hundreds of millions

[@TheManny717]

It’s a bit startling that Murray Edward’s who owns the Flames is only worth $2.7B (🇺🇸; as of December 2022), so I understand to some regards that he does not want to flip the bill 100%. If he were to be in the $10B range or more, then it’s well deserved for him to get all of the criticism from the fans, the media, the taxpayers, and everyone else.

[@Riderfan04]

Living here in Calgary. I've been screaming for a new arena ever since the talks of a new one started. Saddledome is iconic absoultly but it just doesnt work anymore and its time to go. Hopefully the sooner timelines and everything get talked and approved we can get shovels in the ground as soon as possible. As for if it changes how I'm voting... No my opinion hasn't changed

[@AssimilationKaelThas]

Smith never had my vote, this changes nothing. But I am annoyed that when this deal falls through, it'll cause yet more delays.

[@billg763]

Yeah Murray Edwards is worth a lot, but I'm guessing if he builds a new arena in Calgary it wouldn't be where the City wants it. Or he could build in another city. The 1.2 is not just for a new arena. It is a development of an area. This will not change by vote for the UCP. And if the NDP, always proponents of public expenditures, say they aren't behind it they are being dishonest.

[@thefrenchr6950]

Wrong, province money is not allotted to the arena. It is to go for the infrastructure of the area. The province said they will not be willing to put any money in on an arena. Also, remember where all this money is being spent. It's not like $ 1.22 billion is going to just vanish from the province and/or city. A lot of job and money getting dumped right back into Calgary Alberta

[@thefrenchr6950]

I really do love this channel and watch all the time. I'm just looking at what and how I see it.

[@trueguinnessking]

I’d like to see a forecast as to how much this will inject into the economy. Lots of people would benefit from construction work , and how many jobs would this create with a completed project ?

[@F5BOTD]

I took an entire course of the economics of Olympics. These projects are always a net negative to local economy

[@rtremblay7429]

Every study I've heard about claims that publicly-funded stadiums for sports teams do not make economic sense for the governments funding them

[@BCMSi]

How does this sort of stuff shake out in terms of - who actually owns the building when its built, who profits off of non-hockey events happening there, etc etc? Is there any potential for the City/Tourism Calgary to recoup the costs by hosting events? Also, sorta unrelated and it was under Kenney not Smith. But UCP here pre-pandemic axed the commitment the NDP made to the X Games saying provincially "our current fiscal situation does not allow for the funding of the *$12 million* commitment to X Games", and this was a sporting event projected to be very very profitable. I'm pro-stadium, but this also kinda reopens that wound for me a bit haha

[@Mikerizzo1987]

As someone who lives 30 minutes outside of Detroit and the disaster the District of Detroit is I'd rather my tax dollars go to that when IF it ever gets finished i'll use instead of it going to the pockets of politicians....

[@montanak833]

Alberta flipping to liberal over this would be hilarious

[@AssimilationKaelThas]

The province is paying to tear down the Saddledome, and put a parking lot in it's place.... I feel like we can get Edmontonians on board.

[@billdapp2491]

The provincial money is NOT going to the arena. It's going to the infrastructure in the Rivers District. The only money that is going to an arena is $37.5 million for the community arena.

[@daws_garage7674]

Source?

[@Euphoric_Toast]

@@daws_garage7674 project is 1.2 billion, province is putting up 330m, and the arena is about 800m, do the math

[@billdapp2491]

@@daws_garage7674 From watching yesterday's live feed. Danielle Smith re-itterated that the money the Province is putting up is for the infrastructure in the Rivers District only.

[@zach3640]

​@@billdapp2491 wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her, how she has a job is baffling.

[@NathanDarling]

Living just outside Calgary. Not a huge fan of provincial dollars going in....but the dome needs to be replaced. Hopefully the deal goes through, and we get a new arena

[@curtisdoucet]

Edmonton Got no funding from the province for Rogers place and yet Calgary is promised $300 million for theirs? Wtf

[@burts3781]

No. Edmonton got funding from the CRL.