[CCF]

With public engagement ramping up on a new arena, I think it's pretty much a given that it's coming. Where we're at now is competing interests vying to influence the location. How I see it:

- Interests associated with REAL arguing that they need the venue on their grounds for financial stability - and making the argument that this is most financially sound decision for the City too
- Downtown interests advocating for a downtown location - based on the argument that it will be the much needed catalyst to stimulate the ongoing challenge of downtown revitalization and be an economic boom for downtown businesses and tourism.

To a lesser extent, I think there are some interests who might be pushing for it at The Yards...but I don't think there's the same power/influence there and I think there are technical challenges too which means the timing doesn't line up.

My sense is that private interests would prefer to see it Downtown, and the City sees value in all three locations REAL (that it makes sense logistically and administratively), Downtown (while the benefits are likely over stated, cities often buy the argument that arena/stadiums are a silver bullet for downtown revitalization), and The Yards (likely see it as an opportunity to kickstart development and set a direction/identity for a stalled development that has had conflicting visions....there's been pitches for a football stadium, baseball stadium, so why not a hockey arena too...).

Just my thoughts.