As Calgary Flames President Ken King said he would last week, the team has released a full page ad both online and in local print revealing what their offer for new arena funding looked like. In it, the team criticizes the city of Calgary for submitting an unfair proposal that would put the entire burden of financing on the team. Though the city has said they’re willing to pay up to one-third of the cost, the team believes this “did not accurately reflect the total Flames funding required.”
The team includes a somewhat ominous statement about the future in Calgary:
Many, including us, believe Calgary is a terrific place for NHL hockey and we certainly have great fans. As such, we will strive to operate, as we have for the past 34 years, in the Saddledome for as long as we believe it is feasible.
King joined the Fan 960 in Calgary this morning to discuss the ad, and reiterated that there would be no more negotiations or arena talk. He wants to put the potential deal behind him, and “move on.”
Though this all seems like a terrible outcome for Flames fans who wish the team will stay in town forever, remember that this fight has been highly politicized from the start. Though they say there is no movement on a new deal, things can obviously change very quickly. This should not be taken as a death sentence for the Flames, though it is certainly not a step towards longevity.
Seattle flames anyone?
So many jumped into the conversation with ya, Steel!