SOMEBODY’S POISONED THE WATER HOLE!!
By Lowetide
11 years ago
The last 24 hours have been interesting times for the city of Edmonton. Fans found out a good portion of the ownership group and their icon collection were apparently shopping for a new city.
As with all things, context and understanding are vitally important. I’m no expert when it comes to the arena deal, but it looks like there are several pressure points on both sides:
- Costs are going up
- The negotiation has been going on for a generation and the two sides appear to have a wider gap than they did at the beginning.
- The "deal" that had been agreed to–at least that was the fan’s understanding–is now not good enough.
- "Casino" money–part of the initial deal–may not be available.
- The city has recently rejected the Katz group request for a subsidy.
- Mr. Katz gave a long and meandering interview ("the White Album") in which he expressed frustration over the long and drawn out process.
- Mayor Mandel suggested he was also frustrated and went public with the idea Katz talk to council with camera’s on.
- Katz and his entourage made their most public appearance in a new town, in a clear and perhaps desperate attempt to put pressure on the city.
QUIT HORSING AROUND!
A statement released by the Oilers yesterday confirmed the visit and generally acknowledged that this was a pressure drop without actually saying the words. The statement did discuss the fanbase:
- “We are extremely grateful to Oilers’ fans for their patience and loyalty as we work through this process towards what we sincerely hope will be a long and successful future for the Oilers in Edmonton. We have no further comment on the status of our discussions with other markets at this time.”
MY TAKE
The problem Mr. Katz is having–in my opinion–is that Edmontontians were very uncomfortable but willing to live with the deal made with the City. The mayor’s reaction to the new request for dollars was a perfect mirror for the citizens, and that gap–however wide–may be the hill the mayor and the city of Edmonton choose to die on.
Can the casino gap be made up with user fees? What about a "community fundraiser" committee ala the 1500 Saskatchewan Roughrider groups who help the team? What about–and don’t kill me–a third partner who invests and also shares in the (obvious) profits?
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
This isn’t an easy negotiation for either side, and I do believe the city has stretched itself to the breaking point. The feeling I get in talking to Edmontonians is that they know the current deal is a huge win for Katz but are willing to live with it. Is there an appetite to go to ‘infinity and beyond’ for the Oilers and homey Daryl Katz?
I suspect we’re about to find out.
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