The ticket tax is not money coming from Mr. Katz although a lot of people are saying it is. It is nothing more than a "user fee" similar to the cost of entry and will help repay the initial cost - which obviously will now be the city of Edmonton than anyone else. Similarly, the added charge for entry to the existing arena is nothing more than a user fee for that building. I would agree that a new arena in this downtown area will be a benefit to the area, but if we are footing the bill for the majority of funding, why not own the building outright, charging those that use it a rental fee and reap any profits it may offer rather than allow all that profit going to an organization that puts in so little to begin with.

How many years would it take for the city to gain back the revenue that is going to be spent on building this arena

Can someone please tell me what is wrong with the arena we all ready have? Too much money just to feed the rich!!

I live in the outer region of Edmonton. Edmonton and its surrounding area population is easily over a million people. And on any given night you can by a ticket. I went to a pre season game and it cost 150 for the ticket 12 for parking and 7.50 for a beer . And every game is on tv Build it edmonton but no provincial tax dollars .

It's impossible to predict returns on an investment, it depends on how you define returns. The money being spent locally would immediately benefit the local economy in construction and engineering. Cash return to the coffers of the city, not sure... I'm sure the math has been done somewhere though.

Does the Gretzky statue move ?

This is A chance for our city to do something amazing, There is upfront costs, but lets take a risk, and become the great city we are....Build the new arena... It's for Edmonton.

We'd probably would have had a covered foorball stadium a long time ago but they bawked on that one. I hope they don't make the same mistake twice D-:

Don Iveson is funny.

@Driver I don't see what this "Thugs on Ice" comment has to do with the discussion. If you want to use that argument lets talk about all the charity work done by the Oiler players.

@Yes Arena:
Most of the charity work that you refer to is hidden from the people. The activities that take place on ice are broadcast to a million or more people. The allowance of this hockey violence gives people the idea that rules don't mean much.

The other sports that you refer to have less of a following than hockey, but the rules of the particular sports are more stringently enforced.

It falls back on the concept of "I will do what I want, seeing as my 'Heros' can do what they want".

Consider the blatant violations of the "rules of the road" that we see each day. This is a symptom of the lack of respect for the society in which we live.

the city could give Northlands money to fix the current arena BUT take a look at what Northland has done for the city...Ran the indy into debt, run the Rexall place to the ground...the horse races are now having financial difficulty...Maybe it's time for a Change...Give KATZ a chance to do some good for Edmonton...lets see what he can do with the city's money....He is proven that he is successful with his own business so lets see what he can do!!! why not give him a chance the only thing we have to loose at this point is a hockey team!

Katz has already done great things for our city, including the Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research at the University of Alberta. Northlands has a really poor track record of managing money and I agree it is time to put our money elsewhere.

Moral stances on rules and conduct in the sports have little to do with this, It is a business, will it generate more business, and stimulate growth and life. Night clubs, bars, strip clubs etc all have questionable motives or lifestyles at times connected to their businesses. They exist, get over it. The only questions should be is: can we do it? and will our city benefit from the change? and in what way? Better or worse. Don't confuse your personal interests in this.

Apologies, I got a couple of responses mixed up. The other sports were actually referred to by Eric.

yes, this is a Civic issue, but the main focus and driving factor at this time seems to be "The Edmonton Oilers". This also seems to be the only solid commitment to the arena.

If the situation were to focus on other aspects of the facility, including a fair ownership/ entertainment situation, it would make the arena easier to swallow.

Hockey is entertainment. It should be contracted as any other entertainment is. The entertaining organization should perform for a fixed fee, or a percentage of the gate. It should not dictate the use of the facility. Nor should it own any portion of the facility.

Yes, because the Edmonton Oilers need a new home, the team knows this, the league knows this the fans know this, it just comes down to how it will happen. The other aspects of the facility are all incorporated, just many people are not absorbing the big picture and are focussing solely on the fact that yes, the Edmonton Oilers plan to play in this new facility. There are many positives that will come from it aside from entertainment including local businesses in the area as well as other aspects to be included in the building.

No Arena? Welcome to Deadmonton (from the urban dictionary)

The name described for a population of people that happen to inhabit Edmonton and don't like to do adventure outside households after school/work.

Example: "Wanna go to a movie tonight?" "Nah, theaters closed down in Deadmonton."

How many councellers are part of the Northlands board, conflict of interest and non profit my&*&*%% they just pay each other out more money at years end. They also pay the city little or no rent, wow great deal