NHL boss reiterates Flames need new arena now, not later

CALGARY — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the Calgary Flames’ financial situation “continues to deteriorate” as the team continues to operate out of the aging Scotiabank Saddledome.

“This building, in its time, was a work of art. Its time is long past,” said Bettman, speaking to reporters 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 among the many shortcomings of the building, which opened in 1983.

He said it simply doesn’t compare in any way to Rogers Place, the new 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.”

Bettman added that Calgary concert-goers are losing out too.

“I was told [Thursday] that there were 27 acts, some of them multiple days, that have played in Edmonton since the building opened that haven’t played here. That goes to the quality of life of the city and that’s an indication as to the differences in the buildings.”

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,” said Bettman.

“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, but the Flames say the city’s plan would ultimately see the team foot the entire cost of construction.

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

“Everything I’ve heard, [Calgary’s ownership group] sees no reason to have any discussions,” Bettman said, adding he agrees with the team’s position.