Before the first game of the Colorado Avalanche-Ottawa Senators series in Stockholm, Sweden (which Ottawa won 4-3 in overtime) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman took to the podium (video via Sportsnet) to speak with the media. When asked his thoughts on a new, downtown arena in Ottawa Bettman didn’t hesitate.
A new arena, a downtown arena I think is vitally important for the long-term future, stability and competitiveness of the Senators and the process is ongoing. I think asking Mr. Melnyk or the Senators as to the status of that would be more appropriate than asking us, however we believe there needs to be a solution long-term.
Ottawa currently plays at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, a good thirty minutes outside of the downtown core and inaccessible by many modes of public transportation. There has been complaints about the arena’s location for some time, and this summer Bettman and Senators’ owner Eugene Melnyk went to speak with Ottawa mayor Jim Watson about a proposed downtown arena project. Melnyk’s financing group wants to build a new rink in the LeBreton Flats right down along the Ottawa River, serviced by transit and within walking distance of much of the city.
In August, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen wrote about the proposal, including a timeline of early 2018 for a decision to hopefully come down. While Bettman didn’t answer anything to do with the timeline so far, it’s clear that he supports Melnyk’s group in their pursuit of a downtown arena. With the Senators in the midst of some of the best hockey in the organization’s history and with a true franchise player in Erik Karlsson, a move downtown can only help their popularity and success in the region.
Wholeheartedly agree. Ottawa is a lovely place, and a downtown arena would really add to the city in my opinion.
It must be done, 100%
…also, they need to bring back the old logo already. But that’s a topic for another day.
This particular arena was old way back when I played. But, the arena had some of the best ice that I ever skated on. I do agree that a move downtown for the Senators has to happen because more people will have an easier access to watch these guys play. Hopefully this will happen as soon as possible because Ottawa is playing well right now & with each passing day, the Senator players are moving further from their prime years. I do not agree with Bettman very often but this is one of those rare times that I do. Come on, the fans of the Senators deserve a new arena & so does the team.