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Professional hockey

Canadian NHL Teams Seek Public Financing for New Arenas

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Three of Canada's National Hockey League teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Calgary Flames, are requesting publicly financed new arenas or lucrative deals on rent, parking, and concession arrangements at their current homes. The Quebec Nordiques, led by president and part-owner Marcel Aubut, are seeking a special lottery to finance a new $100-million arena and municipal tax breaks. However, Quebec Mayor Jean-Paul L'Allier has refused to provide assistance until the Nordiques share their financial records.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Quebec Nordiques are seeking a publicly financed new arena, citing losses of millions of dollars and the need for a $100-million arena to become viable.
  • Marcel Aubut, the president and part-owner of the Nordiques, has refused to open the team's financial books, citing a "little bit" of loss last season.
  • The Nordiques want Quebec to establish a special lottery to finance the new arena and receive municipal tax breaks and land from the federal government.
  • The Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Calgary Flames are also seeking publicly financed new arenas or lucrative deals on rent, parking, and concession arrangements at their current homes.
  • Quebec Mayor Jean-Paul L'Allier has refused to provide assistance to the Nordiques until they share their financial records.
  • The team's financial struggles have led to speculation that they may have to move to the United States if they do not receive sufficient government support.
  • Marcel Aubut has previously stated that the team lost $3-million last season, but has since revised that statement to indicate a "little bit" of loss.

Statistics:

  • $100-million: The proposed cost of the new arena for the Quebec Nordiques.
  • Millions: The amount of money the Nordiques claim they are losing each year.
  • $3-million: The previous loss figure stated by Marcel Aubut after the 1986 season.
  • 4: The number of Canadian NHL teams seeking publicly financed new arenas or lucrative deals.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail

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