Calgary event centre talks constructive: NHL commissioner
Posted Mar 1, 2023 9:33 am.
Last Updated Mar 1, 2023 1:08 pm.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says talks around a new event centre deal are optimistic and progressing.
Bettman was in Calgary Tuesday for talks regarding the league in an annual tour. He also made a stop in Edmonton.
The commissioner made those comments after speaking with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp, who chairs the city’s Event Centre Committee.
Bettman also spoke with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith over the phone in early February about a new arena.
“The language of discussion is an agreement that everybody feels there’s no choice but to have a new event centre,” Bettman told reporters in Calgary. “There are fundamental things that have to be resolved, but everybody’s focused on it, and I think that’s a good thing.”
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Bettman says Calgary is overdue for a new arena. He also says he usually only gets involved in arena talks when he thinks it’s necessary, and if everyone involved is open to discussing with him.
“Everybody involved, at this stage, I think, wants to see the Flames and the City of Calgary have a new event Centre,” Bettman said.
“I don’t think there is anybody that disagrees on that point right now. I hope it comes to fruition, but as I said, there is a lot of work to be done.”
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The Flames and the city have been having formal talks on a new arena since October after previous talks came crashing down in 2021 because of budget concerns.
The Saddledome is the second-oldest arena in the league; only the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City is older.
“From a league standpoint… this building, I think we can agree, is past its due date, and at some point, it’s going to become uninhabitable, and there needs to be an alternative,” Bettman said.
“It’s not just for the Flames. Having an event centre affects the quality of life in Calgary. Family, shows, concerts. It’s something that’s important for the quality of life and a community.”
The latest details on where talks are heading could come soon as the committee will resume conversations in March.
-With files from Duncan Elias
