Scott Radley: Arena debate can’t become another stadium or LRT fight
https://www.thespec.com/opinion-stor...-or-lrt-fight/
Perhaps it's overly pessimistic to worry that the looming debate around the location of a centrepiece arena in Hamilton could end up looking a lot like the divisive battles over Tim Hortons Field and the LRT.
But we wonder.
Big Project No. 3 shows up on the agenda on Wednesday morning. That's when the future of FirstOntario Centre or a new arena will land on council's lap. The independent report it will receive was one commissioned to look at the options for a downtown facility, among other entertainment venues.
But there's a twist. At the same meeting, a proposal from Hamilton Bulldogs' owner Michael Andlauer and Cadillac Fairview will arrive for an arena at Lime Ridge Mall.
Yet before this second option even lands, Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla says no consideration will be given to any arena idea outside the downtown core. That idea's already been dismissed. You can be sure others around the table will share that position.
On the flip side, Ward 7 Coun. Esther Pauls says any good idea needs to be considered even if it's not downtown. Coun. Terry Whitehead says he'll be seconding her motion to that end and others have said they're willing to consider it.
Looks like the battle stations are already being manned.
The 130-page Ernst and Young report that recommends a 10,000-seat arena somewhere in the downtown cites a number of ways such a building would ultimately save the city money over merely maintaining FirstOntario Centre. There would be the spinoff benefits to nearby businesses, a 50-cent facility fee on tickets that would go to the city, a new lease deal with the Bulldogs that would put more money in the city's coffers, and some other impacts.
A big part of all this comes from a greater number of people attending events at a new place, predicted to be 50 per cent more for sports and 15 per cent more for concerts and other shows. This means more tickets sold, more people eating in the area, more parking and more food and beverage revenue in the building.
I'm really skeptical of these increase in numbers for a new stadium. You're losing the ability to host really big shows, plus 50% more for the OHL seems like a reach. Plus whatever number they come up with to build a new stadium, I'm skeptical it can be built for that.