City Needs Champion

First they looked at a Rexall refurb and estimated it would cost $250 million just to bring the coliseum up to par. But since there were no opportunities for further development on the Northlands site, which includes extensive exhibition grounds, Northlands and the Oilers didn’t think they could generate enough revenue to service a debt of that size. The money would have had to come from taxpayers.

A new arena, meanwhile, was estimated at $450 million (not including land) but might not have to rely on tax increases if partnerships could be made. The committee suggested that up to $35 million of the debt could be levied by contributions set aside for cultural projects from the provincial and federal governments. By designating the area around the arena a revitalization zone, it’s also possible to borrow against future tax revenues.

The committee studied a number of sites around the city – down the Anthony Henday freeway, out by the airport, even on the existing Northlands grounds. All were met with a lack of enthusiasm. “I’m not sure I wanted to be part of something that for the next 25 to 30 years saw 6,000 or 7,000 cars driving out to an arena by the airport for a game and coming back as soon as the game ended,” Best explains. “By the third meeting we were of the resolve that all roads pointed to downtown.”

The city hired consultants from HOK, the world’s leading sports architecture firm, to show the committee where and how a new arena could work. HOK representatives took the committee on tours of some of the newest American facilities.

Columbus, Ohio’s new coliseum, for example, was built on the former location of a state prison. For 20 years, the derelict area was at the centre of questions and plebiscites on what could be done with it. Finally, the locally based Nationwide insurance company, whose offices overlooked the area, offered to take the reins. By bringing in strategic partners, existing buildings, rather than being torn down, were refurbished into condos, restaurants and shops.

“People point to Rexall Place,” says Best, “and say ‘Look, there’s proof that development around a coliseum doesn’t work.’ Well, that’s not proof it doesn’t work. That’s proof there was no plan.”

The Columbus arena also has some innovative money-making features. A large mezzanine that would normally be occupied by traditional suites was turned into a restaurant, where a table goes for $40,000 a season plus the cost of tickets. Guests have access to a full buffet and bar as well as a clear view of the ice. “These tables appealed to a market that couldn’t afford a suite but could afford more than a gold ticket,” says Best, who goes on to say.

Current Issue