94 replies to this topic

[cusimano_brothers]

From Edmonton Journal:

On the same day Mayor Stephen Mandel set an Oct. 17 “drop-dead date” for the Katz Group to explain what it wants in an arena agreement, Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz was in Seattle, and the Washington state city approved a new $480-million-US arena project.

Mayor Mandel knows how to make new friends in Seattle; from TSN:

"The Oilers have sold out what 150 to 200 games in a row (in Edmonton)," Stephen Mandel said in a TV interview Tuesday morning.
"In Seattle you have football, baseball, if they get an NBA team (then it will be pro basketball), college football, college basketball, and then hockey. I'm not sure you're going to sell out 18,500 seats a game or 18,300 seats a game there at $8,000 a season ticket."

[cusimano_brothers]

From Edmonton Journal:

Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz issued an open letter to Edmonton residents and Oilers fans on Saturday, apologizing for the way he has handled negotiations for a new downtown arena.
...

He's stealing headline space from Uncle Gary.

[cusimano_brothers]

From Edmonton Journal:

In an angry letter addressed to Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel, Daryl Katz, the chairman of the Katz Group, says neither he nor anyone from the Katz Group will appear before city council on Wednesday to discuss the stalled negotiations over the proposed new downtown arena.

“I fear the City has approached this negotiation based on narrow political considerations rather than a genuine desire to strike a deal that is fair and makes economic sense for both sides,” reads the letter, which is dated Oct. 16, 2012.
...

What is he up to now?

[cusimano_brothers]

From Edmonton Journal :

City council has voted to cease negotiations with the Katz Group on a downtown arena and will explore the possibility of building an arena themselves.
“Enough is enough,” said Coun. Dave Loken, whose motion to cease negotiations passed unanimously on Wednesday. “We’re going nowhere with these negotiations.”
Mayor Stephen Mandel said that nothing justifies giving the Katz Group another $6 million a year in an operating subsidy.
“I don’t believe we are much further ahead today than we were four years ago except for a greater ask of money.”
...

[F.Michael]

If there's a new arena built in Edmonton - hopefully Katz isn't part of it.

[drwscc]

Yep. Move the Oilers to Seattle. Good times.

[Hiei]

I don't think the other owners will let him move to seattle.

[cusimano_brothers]

Uncle Gary wanted Edmonton to get the wheels in motion for the building of a new arena. That was done. Talks wee dragging because of dollars (what else). Katz visits Seattle, then returns claiming he wasn't doing reconnoissance as a backup plan, saying he's "sorry". Now, this latest mess of breaking off discussions.
Irony: the same man who started this might have to step in to try and help keep them in Edmonton, especially if Katz makes a return visit to Seattle.

[drwscc]

Let em go. The owners are all scumbags anyway, right? Let Seattle deal with them.

[F.Michael]

Let em go. The owners are all scumbags anyway, right? Let Seattle deal with them.

This isn't Phoenix, nor Nashville...Edmonton has a plethora of fans who support the team, and attendance has been strong.

From what I understand - many of the fans see Katz as someone who wants his shiny new arena (courtesy of taxpayer $$$) - only then to sell the franchise off to the highest bidder.

I have my doubts if Seattle can support an NHL franchise; it seems as though many there would rather have an NBA franchise.

[cusimano_brothers]

From Edmonton Journal:

Wanted: one mediator to facilitate negotiations between increasingly cranky city councillors and multimillionaire recluse. Successful candidate should have high tolerance for repeatedly hearing such phrases as “iconic,” “world-class,” “game-changer,” “October framework” and “bridge to nowhere.” Must have wisdom of Solomon, patience of Job. Ability to walk on water an asset. Those with track record of wandering in desert for 40 years need not apply.

This sounds familiar.

[cusimano_brothers]

From Edmonton Journal:

 

It will be two years late and $30 million more expensive than planned, but construction is set to start by next fall on a new downtown arena.

 

There...that didn't take too long, did it?

[evilzyme]

Good for them. Shiny young players with a shiny new arena. 

[cusimano_brothers]

From CBC:

 

 

Council has passed a deal that will see the city of Edmonton and Oilers owner Daryl Katz each put in more money to offset the $55 million shortfall needed to build the new downtown arena.

All but three city councillors voted in favour of the deal. Kerry Diotte, Tony Caterina and Linda Sloan voted against the agreement.

Katz will chip in an additional $15 million through the Edmonton Arena Corporation and another $15 million will come from the Community Revitalization Levy [CRL].

The city hopes to get a $25 million grant from the province's Regional Collaboration Program. Last week, a majority of the Capital Region Board — which represents municipalities around Edmonton — agreed to support the city's application.

...

 

Baby steps, baby steps.

[The Axe]

As long as the edmonton ice is transferred to the new areana, great.