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Calgary arena deal officially dead

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TJ Tucker
January 3, 2022  (1:15 PM)
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It looks like the deal that was in place to build a new arena for the Calgary Flames is now officially dead. The Mayor of Calgary announced just before Christmas that Murray Edwards, owner of the Flames, had backed out of a previously reached agreement to build the arena after it was determined that more money was needed. There was hope the two sides could come back to the table to work something out, but it looks like that hope is gone.

"I've received confirmation that the Dec. 31 deadline to proceed to construction phase has lapsed and the Calgary arena deal will be winding down," said Sportsnet contributor Ryan Pike.

"It's official: the City's arena deal with the owners of the Calgary Flames has been terminated. The two parties had to agree by late on Dec 31 to proceed to construction and that did not happen. City manager says the deal will not be resurrected," said Scott Dippel of CBC News.

"The deal struck in summer of 2019 envisioned a $550 m deal [with] costs split equally between CSEC ( Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corp) & the City. In addition, the City provided land, 90% demolition of the 'Dome, excess flood/site remediation, & levies. Total City contribution: $275m + $22.4m = $297.4 plus land." said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek on December 22nd.

Gondek added the City was then asked to cover cost overruns, something she did not support.

"The City came to the table to assist with $6.4m in roadways leaving $9.7m for the Flames. Based on this gap, CSEC informed me they are walking away from our deal," said Gondek.

The new arena, had it been built, was set to open in 2024.