Calgary pledges to pay a third of arena costs

The City of Calgary is offering to pay for one-third of the cost of a new NHL arena. In response to the Calgary Flames breaking off talks for a new rink earlier this week, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi revealed details Friday of what the city proposes to pay for a building expected to cost $555 million. The Flames haven’t made their counter-proposal public, but have indicated they want the city to pay closer to half the cost. “Calgarians have told us, ‘We’re willing to make an investment. We’re not willing to give away the farm,’” Nenshi said. The city proposed paying $185 million up front with the Flames contributing the same amount and the other third coming from a surcharge on tickets to events in the new building.