Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[wave46]

It is an interesting comparison between the two NHL franchises trying to get new arenas built. To wit:

The Senators have participated in a public process to redevelop unused land.
The Flames have offered an unsolicited plan without consulting the city first.

The Sens have not requested public funding (yet).
The Flames have.

The Sens have largely built their bid around getting consensus and treading lightly from a PR point of view.
The Flames have picked up the bullhorn.

What's the takeaway from this?

The Senators have approached this in the right fashion. They haven't created a divisive atmosphere around their new arena, so if (IMO it will be 'when') they approach government for money, they're more likely to get some charity.

The Flames have made a point to play politics. It could backfire spectacularly. Then they've effectively screwed themselves, since Nenshi isn't likely to offer them a better deal if he's re-elected. It looks especially bad as Nenshi looks like the reasonable one in this debate whereas the Flames look greedy.

Final word: The 'tread lightly and build consensus' seems to work better in Canada.