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Originally Posted by Cecca
sorry new to the thread so ive probably missed quite a lot but couldn't help but wonder why Quebec is investing all these resources on a new arena despite not having any confirmation of a sports team occupying the space any time soon and also correct me if im wrong but didn't the NHL recently state they have no interest expanding into Quebec and are looking more towards the State of Nevada/Seattle/Hamilton and even the GTA
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The NHL has never stated any serious interest in Hamilton. It's been shot down alot though. the owner of blackberry basically killed any chance of Hamilton getting a team period. They don't have an arena that is up to NHL standards.
The reason Quebec is Building the arena is on the NHL side is because The NHL looks for 3 things when expanding/relocating the market the building and the ownership. If they Don't have a building they wont even be looked at as a possible candidate. But an arena brings in more than just NHL hockey. Quebec has been pushing for an olympic bid which never would fly in the Colisee. Concerts,shows,events ect skip town because the lack of a modern arena. And then their's hockey which Canada holds a ton of tourneys for that Quebec will surely be looked at more than ever for participation.
But yes you are right they are taking a gamble on something that to me looks dead in the water. Seattle and Vegas has been mentioned by daly and Bettman time after time he even toured the new arena in vegas. Quebec has never been mentioned by any NHL brass unless asked a question which is always answered by the typical "were not interested in expansion and we don't like moving franchises" speech. Bettman doesn't mind talking about Vegas at all. He actually seems optimistic when the conversation arises. I have a feeling the NHL will expand to Seattle and Vegas. Quebec will be looked at as a last resort relocation site if the Yotes or Panthers ever run out of options completely, But we have seen in the past the NHL will fight tooth and nail to keep struggling franchises in the local area. If Markham (GTA) gets the Arena built. Then Quebec City can kiss the possibility goodbye because they have a better chance of getting 2 NFL teams then an NHL team. This is a touchy subject so watch what you say. I always get blasted by the french Canadians on this forum because they think I'm "Anti Quebec" because I don't think the NHL nor players want to be there the same way they don't want to be in my home city Edmonton or my favorite team Winnipeg, Almost every Canadian city rounds out the top 5 of places where players don't wanna play. Including Toronto and Montreal. So what does Quebec City have that other Canadian cities don't? It's as Small as Winnipeg, Cold as Edmonton And you think the media is bad in T.O and Montreal... Now you're the only pro sports franchise in a city with 20 years of pent up frustration. You don't have the jays or raps to distract the city when you're not preforming. Add to that the fact that it's a mainly french speaking city. It's not gonna be on a players top 10 list that's for sure.
That's just the way I feel. I think Quebec missed an opportunity to do something big and different with the project. Instead of just building an arena that's got "Meh" written all over it they could have done something to get people talking and gather attention to the city. It's an arena in a big parking lot away from downtown. No gathering place no shops or restaurants or LA live setting. No Nothing just a parking lot. The same model that Ottawa is Willing to spend a half billion to get out of, you just willingly put yourself into. Isn't this supposed to be the centerpiece to your NHL bid? The shining star that sweeps the NHL off their feet? Why doesn't Quebecor get the ball rolling on a CFL stadium? Put The city on the map and prove the markets feasibility. Build the Stadium beside the Arena and get ...(this is so painful to say)...Videotron centre...Some TV time? just a thought