Bettman paints bleak future for Flames finances

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the Calgary Flames’ financial situation “continues to deteriorate” with the team operating out of the aging Scotiabank Saddledome, but maintained his position that he doesn’t foresee the situation changing soon. “This building, in its time, was a work of art. Its time is long past,” said Bettman, in Calgary as part of his western Canadian tour. “They don’t build buildings like this anymore.”

Bettman listed a lack of amenities for fans and players as well as opportunities for ownership to generate revenue in the building, which opened in 1983.

He said it simply doesn’t compare in any way to Rogers Place, the home of the Edmonton Oilers, which opened last season. “Have you been up the road to Edmonton? Do you see a difference between the two buildings? You know the answer to the question.”

While Bettman said he wasn’t in town to make threats, he painted a bleak picture of the Flames’ financial future if it continues to operate out of the NHL’s oldest building. “The team’s competitive situation, financial stability, is obviously being impacted with each season that they stay here,” Bettman said. “They used to write a cheque for revenue sharing. For the last couple years, they have been receiving cheques. The cheques are getting bigger.”

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has said the Flames’ proposal for a $500-million arena places a heavy tax burden on the city. The Flames say the city’s plan would see the team foot the entire cost of construction.

Neither side is talking, with the team having said publicly they have abandoned pursuit of a new building and they will remain in the Saddledome, doing the best they can for as long as they can.