FLAMES CUT OFF ARENA TALKS
The Calgary Flames are no longer going to pursue a new arena in Calgary, team president and CEO Ken King told a news conference Tuesday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. After months of talks with Calgary officials, King said it became clear the city has no genuine interest in helping build a new arena for the NHL team. The announcement comes with less than six weeks before the municipal election, where Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is seeking a third term. Nenshi has clashed with King about a new arena. On Tuesday, Bettman encouraged people to speak out if they oppose the city’s actions. On Monday, Nenshi pushed a plan for creating a cultural and entertainment district in East Village and Victoria Park he said would ideally include a Flames arena. A key point of contention is how much, if any, public money should go toward a new arena.