bert
Registered User
For me its not hard to get to the current arena I live pretty close compared most people. It really wont be any different for a downtown location for me in terms of travel. So this is not a personal thing. I dont live in Kanata but in the west end. I have also been fortunate enough to attend major league sporting events all over north america. Atleast 30 different venues from sport to sport. We have undoubtedly the worst situation I have ever experienced. Every other venue at the very least had walking distance amenities. To think that the game day experience is that bad and for the team to draw as well as it has tells me there is tremendous upside. That along with changing demographics in this city, the newer generation is less frugal and there is more private creeping into the market. Thats where were going to see the largest increase is in corporate tickets. Because of the overall experience its something that the average person will want to do not just hockey fans.@Micklebot to include you
I've worked on business cases that involve >500M in investment. There's lots of variables. Sure, I didn't include various revenue types in a 300 word post, I also didn't include revenue losses by moving rinks. The parking loss is huge.
I live in Orleans. My friends are all Sens fans. Driving to Kanata is a pita. But it's not really a deterrent in anyway for anyone I know here that can afford to go to games. And it's not the same as going to Montreal. It's not close. Minus winter weather I can leave at 630 and be in my seat at 730 with a beer. Mind you I live in the west end of Orleans so time wise it'd be worse for those that live in the Cumberland side of Orleans
It's a hard business case to make and not one that is without risk. I recall Melnyk saying about the original LeBreton deal that there were various assumptions and "if we're wrong, we're really wrong" I've said for years that I couldn't make a business case on the original LeBreton deal. I clearly didn't have access to all of the data so admittedly there's things you cannot see, but I'm also one with a resume that could have seen me engaged on such a business case.
It's not a slam dunk. It's possible. It's also not possible.
As a fan, I get it and I'd like the downtown rink. I'd be ecstatic. But an awful lot has to go right for it to eventually happen and imo it won't until enough public sector money comes to the table.
Right now the current arena needs massive renovations to accomodate big acts and everything that goes with them. To go along with a new roof. The new arena isnt just for hockey its going to attract way more events in general.
A new arena also adds to value of the franchise which @Micklebot kindly pointed out. Tax breaks etc. Its a slam dunk in every possible way not only immediately but for the health of the franchise for the long term.