Daryl Katz Edmonton Arena Discussion

[GOLDENTEMPLE68]

Were lucky katz even bought the oilers and kept them in edmonton or we probably wudnt have the team anymore

[boarderis4snow]

Simply put: If the CITY was to own and operate the arena, ground already would've been broke. As it stands, I don't know a single person (even diehard oil fans concede on the issue) who actually supports it. And I Promise you-- I'm not exaggerating. Not one.

[avengedsoul]

I love edmonton its my favorite city iv ever been too.. And yes some other problems need to be fixed..but the guys throwing his own money in there to help the city..how is that greedy??but the fact of an arena district will bring in new buisness and more jobs..if that's a problem I don't know what's going on with the world..

[avengedsoul]

Hate to say it man but the arena district could help unemployment they are planning on building more than just a rink..if everyones goona cry n moan everytime the city takes a step forward..what's the point of even living in one...out of all citys in canada its edmonton that needs the most change

[theblackcatofchronos]

WTF? o.O This guy looks like a complete ass with a huge ego problem. Why is Edmonton so obsessed over this arena and the Oilers? There are more important things to worry about that could be fixed with that much money. Example: the homeless and unemployment problems, the violence and murders, etc.. LOL I really don't even care if the Oilers do leave. IMO They suck anyway. Edmonton needs to realize there's more to their city then the Oilers. XD (No offense to anyone here from Edmonton)

[avengedsoul]

Kinda sick how many people are willing to lose a piece of canadian history because they don't want their taxes changed..the city needs to be modernized..no one had a problem watching the olympics that bc had to pay for..and that cost a lot more than this arena will..I hope this works out..I'd really hate to see the oilers moved because no one can see the benifits to somthing like this

[robinbryski2]

This is a great video, Daryl is a very good speaker what he says makes sense. He is a smart businessman, he can do great things for our city, just wish Edmonton would just get on board and back him up. Can't wait to see this vision become reality. It's our city, listen to what he has to say, open your mind to better things it time for something new for Edmonton...We have a new Hockey team now we just need a new area to put them in!

[bloodymetal2222]

That extra 3 000 seats will do us great. say we sold each of them for 50$ each. 3 000 x 50 = 150 000$ x 42 (games) AND you have lots of cash. 6 300 000$ sure it will be a bit less but a hell of a lot more money to make in the future.

[bloodymetal2222]

this arena is a great idea. BUT Come on 18 000 Capacity sucks. why would we have one so small. we sell out every game for 4 years. in the future edmonton will look back and say why did we not go that extra bit. make the Capacity 21 000 or a bit less. The Bell Centre went great. why upgrade it a little bit when you can do so much more. if all you guys are in for is money for the box seats why not do both. add more seats and more box seats. more money in the long run.

[ECWnWWF]

Ticket prices go up and play-off appearances go down...and too bad the Islanders are in the NHL...the Oilers won't even be number 1 at the entry Draft

[ImmerWeddinger]

thats the longest ive ever seen someone dip and not spit...

[cinemascene]

KATZ and the govt clowns, blinded by further weath/greed, fail to realize that it takes more than just money to transform this *dead* dumphole city. a City is great because of CULTURE, IDENTITY, ETIQUETTE and RESPECT, not because of a "arena"/mall, shetlered pedway, even more commercial retail shops, restaurants (ka-ching for KATZ). its obvious their agenda is motivated by WEALTH on the pretext of "transforming the downtown core" for the people.

[bigstopper48]

I had thought Katz would do the bulk of the funding when he bought the Oilers. Ticket prices have been raised every year. I was made to feel like he would be our hockey saviour. In the end If feel betrayed and stupid in thinking he would be the best owner for the Oilers. He needs to ante up or move on. I have had enough.

[souldude81]

i admit I like the vision for this arena. However let's make no mistake. The bottom line is making money for the Katz group. Daryl I want to see you foot the 100 million towards this arena with no strings attached. You do this, I and the rest of Edmontonians will help foot the rest of this bill with our tax dollars. I believe in this city too!

[adamhunterprice]

The one thing i dislike about Edmonton is that everyone is so just bare bones, they don't care about arts or culture they just want to go to work and go home, Edmonton has no identity, remember when they wanted to make a monument type things at the edge of the city to welcome people to the city and everyone was so against it. Sometimes the smarter people of the populations need to have the decision, not all these low educated idiots, Im with katz.

[loung747]

@adamhunterprice i had to fly to toronto the i wanna be america city to see my band dir en grey....

[copcorona]

This is a reverse Robin Hood. Steal from the poor to give to the rich. Don't these people have any sense of right and wrong?

[punjabimunda4lyfe]

do it mr.katz!!!the sketches look amazing we r going to need an arena sooner or later y not make it sooner =D

[loung747]

@punjabimunda4lyfe yea sketch is missing bums, drunking natives, graffiti, hookers & child preditors with no ankle bracelet

[loung747]

@loung747 not to be sterotyping that all are natives mostly all u see in downtown are drunk natives just go outside downtown and u'll see one in every alley

[CamMcD123]

Well said, Daryl

[MrManfly]

best hair this side of Donald Trump.

[hallmonitor98]

Hey public money for private corporations, makes sense to me!!

[strikerssrx]

I still wish the EIG could have owned the oilers, when our team was in trouble these poople came an bailed out our team. I didnt see one attempt by Darryl Katz to save our team with all his money!! Now he wants to own the oilers because they are profitable. i think tax payers money need to improve our road, school and infrastructure to benefit the people, not the rich. Now he is backing out of the Arena after promising his money towards it.

[gmoneystyles]

Pay for your own arena punk. What the hell did Rexall do for 118th, theres still drugs and prostitutes everywhere. What, am I gonna go shopping before I go to a game? After it? Preposterous money grab from a man who can afford it.

[motormouse2000]

I thought there was a law against panhandling [one hundred million dollars]!

[habby06]

the person giving him PR advice should be fired...

[dirtyernie100]

and by the way everybody knows shit runs down hill getting rid of that garbage makeing decisions for a last place team might give some spark as long as they are there f##ck the new arena the ahl will be happy to play at rexall

[dirtyernie100]

the edmonton oilers who are they i say you get yourself an act before you start selling tickets oilers managment say they dont think they have to do anything id like to go to work and say that katz your surrounded by retards klowe tambi get your self a team nothing like the cart before the horse and if you have that much faith in the project pay for it yourself weve seen what your hot shot managment can do

[TheAlexander008]

For 400 million we could buy the oilers and keep them in rexall place

[TheAlexander008]

No arena ever in any city has ever gained value. Who exactly is going to buy the thing afterwards. The people of edmonton need to wake up and quit being slaves to this hockey team. How many times do we need to invest in a private team to keep them here. By all accounts they should be OURS (the cities) by now. It is all just another ploy to make money of the taxpayer. If he wants a new arena then maybe he should get the people backing him up on video to foot the bill.

[TheAlexander008]

I think it is amazing how he can muster vocal support from all the money men in the city when shooting a promo but when it comes to asking for financial help to pay for it privately there seems to be no helpers. Its obvious that daryl katz thought he could use edmontonians emotions to make himself a fortune. He and his co-horts plan on buying up the land around downtown then get us to build him an arena then watch there property values skyrocket while the arenas tanks.

[mammabear1ful]

I am amused that there are hardly any people commenting positively on this arena proposal...so, does that mean the proposal is stagnant?

[cominatyawitdatruth]

My favourite comment called for more parkades so no one would have to walk to far. This really explains the whole thing. Edmontonians seem to want endless suburban sprawl with just enough of a centre for them to see a hockey game and get drunk before they drive home. Not only that, we're lazy! Unable to make a city with our own effort, we're ripe pickings for anyone with a scheme that claims to do it for us. Katz is not a loser but a sharpster. We are the lazy losers!

[sjchan]

I agree with downtown rejuvenation but an opulent entertainment arena is going to do it. Although the Oilers aren't the only reason the arena is being built, it is definitely a main one and I don't agree with how we treat hockey players like Gods. Edmonton needs to realize that being a hockey city is not the only tile in our identity mosaic anymore and it's time to stop building infrastructure that rewards the wealthy.

[OilersSniper17]

For all of you who aren't behind this, stop whining about how much money its going to cost (even though its gonna be in the very high millions, I understand that). Healthcare, education is very important and it needs some upgrades but we have, arguably, the best healthcare and education system in the world. Think about how this is gonna change the city of Edmonton by bringing in alot of cultural and tourist attractions and helping our beloved OILERS!

[mammabear1ful]

Mr. Katz, I understand you wish to gain our vote over this new arena. I am not against this new vision, but the bill attached to it! Most of us would love the chance to go to hockey games and other events. The tickets are truly too expensive already. I believe that our taxes are going to too many frivolous things instead of helping our unemployed, healthcare, non-profit organizations...to the residents of this city who work too hard and simply can't afford such things. Count my vote OUT!

[GordonWolters]

is he chewing snuff?

[edmontonarena]

The funding model is generating a lot of questions. Like this whole project, it's a work in progress. For more information please see the Answers page on the website.

[loung747]

@edmontonarena i want free guitar 4 my daughter and me how about that......... about 3,200 of my tax money going to this shit fuck. i never watched a oilers game in my life and not about to start.................. conscerts sorry u don't have any bands that have my interest i had to fly to toronto and chicago lallapaluza 2010 to see x japan, dir en grey n and ramstein etc

[loung747]

@edmontonarena o by the way i'm dead serious about the eletric guitar

[kazancraig]

I applaud Mr Katz's commitment to Edmonton. We need these type of visionaries for our city

[Canadog]

Poor Daryl. Yes, let's keep cutting school programs so we can buy this nice man his new arena.

[howara21]

Edmonton needs a downtown rejuvenation that Katz if proposing. Anyone living in Edmonton knows it is one of the worst major cities in Canada without a doubt, other than west edmonton mall there is nothing at all.

[Treva231]

Like any great development this is going to be a hot topic for many. Push ahead and let history judge you rather than piss around and rip the city in half. Someone in council needs to grow some balls and back this project with a little determination. Lets not pretend that this is going to magically allow us to attract world class talent, however if someone does decide to finally play here maybe they will take some pride and actually play.

[CHRISMAS1000]

wow you guys just don't get it...look at the other cities who lost nhl teams.

[amjtaylor1984]

Why do so many individuals here desire for Edmonton to remain mired in mediocrity? Construction costs are low, and we have the money to do it. This is a good time to invest in our city.

By the way "HeavyMetalway", I don't think you know what failure is. Being a billionaire is hardly a failure, and I'm willing to bet you can't top that.

[mammabear1ful]

In response to amjtaylor1984

money...where????

Our city roads can't even be maintained during our winters. We can't even park our car downtown. And, if we are lucky to find a spot, we still have to pay out of our food/rent money just to use it! Our minimum wage is still UNDER 10 dollars an hour. Tell me...what money. Our beloved government have used up the rest of mine on the new Arts Museum i will probably never see. You want to pay my portion...go ahead, be my guest!

[cominatyawitdatruth]

What further evidence does the world need to see Edmontonians as they exist in their native habitat. It's all about cars, what kind of roads can I drive on and where can I park. As for museums, we'll never go there!

So as Big Daddy Darylbucks takes out money, we can rest assured it will only go to things the suburbanites want like parkades, casinos, bars, and an arena and never to museums, concert halls or--gasp!--mass transit.

[bebrave122005]

If Mr Katz wants a new arena etc downtown I wish him well, please build it. But NO TAXPAYER money should be involved.

[Retrorocketzguy]

so spending billions of Edmonton's tax dollars on a new arena, a ritzy hotel, a casino is going to get rid of homelessness in Edmonton. Edmonton should not pay for something that they dont get any return on. This idea does not benefit Edmontonians.

[Treva231]

@Retrorocketzguy - construe the facts why dont you.... when did they say that they are going to spend billions of tax dollars? The tax dollars is for the Arena is slated at $400 mil, tough pill to swallow? Maybe, however this is going to help convert an area that is seeing a loss of corporate support, a rash of homelessness, and many other problems. This can only help Edmonton in the long run.

[HeavyMetalway]

Thats only if Katz can spur a billion dollars of private investments wich is highly unlikely, look at the guy how anti social he is, how terible hes done with the Oilers. Hes got failure written all over his face. He's no better than the beggers on the street corner looking for wealfare,

[bamz0r19]

Lol are you retarded? He's a fucking billionaire for gods sakes.

[CHRISMAS1000]

no owner has paid for an arena by themselves ever.the city has there hands on everything.Of coarse they will benefit from this

[MasterP741]

you guys gotta be joking me.......first we all complain how no one wants to come to edmonton because its such a shitty city, and how no good players want to play here. Now when someone is trying to do something to make our city better we bomb on them too!!! This arena isnt going to make our city any worse, i can only see positives from this so im 100% behind this project

[vcrisfi]

I wonder if people understand what's being proposed here. The City will fund the construction of the arena and own it, but Katz expects the Oilers to be able to play rent-free. In addition, Katz wants the revenues from ALL events held at the arena, not just the hockey games. Basically, we'll own the place but won't get any of the revenue generated. The only return we will get on our investment will be in the form of property and business taxes. I pay taxes too, why isn't the city subsidising me?

[erixon35]

No funding blueprint is set in stone and that's not entirely what the proposed. Please get your facts straight. Taxes will not go up, the people will not be left with the bill if you were to look into what they had in mind, you might understand. Don't believe everything the newspaper tells you.

[vcrisfi]

I am not getting all my facts from the newspaper; in fact this is based on the words of a city counsellor. I'm also not claiming that taxes will increase, rather that I think this is a poor use of public funds. I don't think we will see a good return on our investment.

[adamhunterprice]

@vcrisfi katz says he wiill pay for half of it, you sound like your just saying a bunch of bull

[CopperVids]

The Katz Group has an amazing Vision and sees so much potential in our City. I couldn't be happier to finally see someone who's got the guts to step up and provide a voice for us Edmontonians who want change but just don't get the attention.

I am 100% in full support of the Katz Group. I believe what he's offering to bring is worth it.

[habby06]

so this guy is a billionnaire and wants us to pay for his arena....

no thanks, pay for it yourself.

[g8282]

I stand 100% behind this project. Hey Edmontonians... I think we need to realize that we can't always look for the "quick fix" all the time.. sure our team sucks right now and the city hasn't been up to anyones standards but hey I think its time that we have to take a step back from the 80's mindset and look forward to the future...if it takes a couple years...sure I'm willing to live through hardship and struggle..but what ever takes to make ourselves better..I will accept and learn from it

[kennedyfan1118]

Residents really need to get behind this vision because it takes balls to actually do something rater than whine and cry about everything. Wake up folks life is a struggle so what if Mr Katz makes money off this thing I didn't see anyone else step up and puchase the team. He's the guy who took the risk and until all the lefties in this city figure out that a healthy business sector means a heathy government put up or shut up!

[workmovie2]

If people are stupid enough to buy into this, then more fool them. It wouldn't be the first time city hall wasted my money.

The city needs to learn a lesson like this every twenty years or so. Mr Katz is the teacher.

The only thing that chokes me is that the last "teacher" brought us Five Stanley cups, Daryl hasn't even got us to the playoffs.

Anyway Mr Katz, if you can get money out of the city, all the power to you!

[MrAllanthomas]

What a bunch of bullshit.You dont have enough money already Katz? I have some bottles in my back yard you can pick up.I dont trust you for a second the only person your looking out for is yourself.That letter someone wrote for you for the journal was a joke.I love the part about you thinking that your 100 million committment was clear.Why dont you and your shitty team crawl in a hole somewhere..

[sparky32233]

No Bull shit here???? He is a man who wants to do good things for the city ...it needs someone to step up!!!! Of course he will make a shit load of money in the long run ..so what????? he is the one taking the risk!!! Tax dollars are getting spent downtown everyday just to keep derelict buildings up only to be home to homeless and their pet pigeons.

[Tonchwalrus]

Thank you Mr. Katz. I'm on board. Let's get Edmonton back to being a real city. Not a pretender.

You're a true Edmontonian and visionary.

[Dalke5]

Thank you, finally some one who wants to make Edmonton a place to be remembered. After all the bad press we have had lately I welcome Mr. Katz vision for this great city.

[shoaibandhalo]

Let's Go Oilers Hemsky baby and drivin drunk bulin will lead us to the top lol and there should be a casino in the arena that wud be hype!!!!!

[HeavyMetalway]

With the rampant influx of oxycottens and percs hitting Edmontons streets those two drugs would be my first guess.

[leskow]

What kind of drugs did you make your millions selling anyways?

[wordsinred]

Edmonton's downtown needs something big like this. Downtown Edmonton feels creepy by day, and downright dangerous at night. The only decent development happening in this city is out in the suburbs.  We need a city core that makes us feel proud, comfortable and safe.

Edmonton has a good start, with Muttart, the Arts Gallery and Winspear. But those destinations are scattered amongst empty, run-down streets.

[seymourlj]

Hey Goofy, that hairstyle went out a few "years" ago, and you forgot to take of your wet suit. Is that a zipper on the sleeve hahahahahahahaha Welcome to the 70's Doobie

[albertabornman]

Mr. Katz you make your self look suspicious by having controlling the forum in which you appear. A radio interview which was scripted on CHED and now this?

What are you hiding from the public that you refuse to take questions in public? In previous "interviews" you insisted on seeing and approving questions beforehand?

Are these the actions of a person to whom we are supposed to hand over a $400 milliion facility?

The public are wiser to media manipulation than you imagine.

[hemskyforpm]

I agree. It's much better to let the Edmonton Sun kick and whine because they don't get to smear mud all over the big fish.

[HeavyMetalway]

The last project the city took on to make Edmonton world class, we were told would cost $20 million. You know what that Art Gallery ended up costing us $88 million. The city doesnt know how to manage a project like this, after Mandel and his cronies are done with us I bet were close to a billion$ in the hole. Thats why adventures like this need to be left to the private sector. BTW the Gallery didnt put us on the map no better than what this arena will.

[scottMarkfilms]

Rexall place is the smallest arena in the NHL and edmonton is growing so lets all get behind this as a city and support Mr. Katz in making are city better. THIS IS FOR THE CITY AND THE CITY SHOULD HELP SUCK IT UP SPEND SOME MONEY ON MAKING THIS CITY BETTER

[scottMarkfilms]

First off everyone on here who is crying about Mr Katz ideas are completely retarded this guy is trying to do something that would be amazing for this city. In my mind this would be similar to west edmonton mall, not the mall part but the impact on the city as a great facility and events centre.

[allison52010]

I agree. He owns the oilers if he wants than pay for it himself. He speaks of being one of us. None of us are BILLIONAIRS. We have to work every day to put food on the table put clothes on our kids backs save for their education, vactions etc. I would rather see my tax dollars, familys and friends tax $ going to help the over whelming homeless people in OUR city or the Stollery. Think again my fellow Edmontonian you have deeper pockets than any person in this province. You should be embarrassed

[BleednOil]

Get it done! Sure it's about business and profit and individuals on the face of it; but it's also about civic pride and creating a 21st century vision for a great city. Skeptics step aside or at least bring forth your ideas and be part of the solution. Do something, anything, except complain when someone reaches for the sky. Edmonton deserves so much more than a back-woods mentality.

[tmpull]

I see both sides of the discussion at hand, Something that needs to be taken into consideration is a Parkade so those of us that do attend games and concerts don't have to park two miles away from the center (there is already a lack of parking in the downtown area, as well I am tired of paying to sit in the most uncomfortable/no leg room seats ever.

But one thing that I would like to know is how much is this project going to jack up the price of tickets to events.

[djh1218]

Mr. Katz - what about the homeless and others you speak of? What happens to them? Where are they pushed to when YOU build your development? And I emphazie the YOU. If YOU want it, if you believe it's a sure thing, then YOU take the risk and YOU pay for it.

[MikeWilson2k5]

Homelessness is an unsolvable problem, you can't help people that don't want to be helped. It's a proven fact that there is a psychological block to some homeless people that they will never be assimilated into society.

For those that do want to be helped, there is ample amounts of support in this city.

[djh1218]

I certainly agree with you about homelessness. It just seems that we put up new 'in' venues and keep pushing the homeless to another back corner of the city where we once again complain about their presence. And Mr. Katz mentions, proudly, how in the US cities with such developments, these people have left the areas of development.

[allison52010]

I agree. He owns the oilers if he wants than pay for it himself. He speaks of being one of us. None of us are BILLIONAIRS. We have to work every day to put food on the table put clothes on our kids backs save for their education, vactions etc. I would rather see my tax dollars, familys and friends tax $ going to help the over whelming homeless people in OUR city or the Stollery. Think again my fellow Edmontonian you have deeper pockets than any person in this province. You should be embarrassed

[CanadaBasketball18]

I agree Mr Katz, Edmonton needs your progressive thinking and vision for its downtown, I support what you are doing and wish you the best in building the Oilers a new home and revitalizing downtown edmonton

[allison52010]

Let me guess are you one of his friends?

[drbrookes]

Daryl should run for politics - he's a master at talking circles around an issue without addressing the real matter: money. While this idea would enrich Edmonton's downtown, Katz neglects to mention that it would make him and a select group of developers insanely rich. This is being driven by one thing only: potential profit. I'm all for the new development, but so long as it takes money out of my pocket (via taxes, etc) and offers NO financial return, private developpers should bear the cost.

[HeavyMetalway]

I dont share your vision Katz, not of Gambling, Casino's, hotels, or hockey Katz I think its destructive to my city i was born and raised here also. I believe in things that are afordable that brings familys and friends together thats my vision of my downtown. Not saying you cant do what you want Katz but not at the expence of the rest of us, you got lots of money so please quit being a freeloader and go away

[Ashkloff]

Are you going to pay for it?