Hockey fans in Calgary, hopeful of a new arena for the Flames, are feeling better today.
These are people that have been through many ups and downs in the last few years.
In August of 2015, some sports fans in the foothills were excited about the proposed CalgaryNext project.
CalgaryNext was a 1.3 to 1.8 billion dollar endeavor that would house the Flames, Stampeders and other Calgary Sports and Entertainment tenants.
Some Calgarians, along with councilors, weren’t excited about it, and it didn’t happen.
This week there is a new development. Residents now wait for council to ratify a partnership between Flames’ ownership and the city for a $550 million arena.
The costs will be split equally.
There will be a vigorous debate as there always is in any city, but there is no need to overthink this.
The Saddledome is 36 years old, and in 2013 it was under several feet of water.
The building needs to be replaced, and Canada’s fourth largest city needs to reap the economic benefits of keeping an NHL team and bringing in other major events.