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Commentary: New Oilers arena a waste of money and resources
Commentary by Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
I’m a die-hard Edmonton Oilers fan. Even with their lack-lustre 2009 – 2010 season, I have watched almost every game like any avid fan would.
However; their owner’s idea to build a new arena with city money has me more than a little irritated.
Last Tuesday, Katz Group vice president Bob Black said to media that the group will be looking at building two office towers and two hotels as part of the arena complex. It will also include a casino, restaurants, and a pedestrian bridge with a winter garden.
Does anyone else think this is a waste of funds?
I understand the Katz Group is trying to improve the experience the Oilers’ fans receive when watching a hockey game. However; spending multi-millions of dollars on a project that promotes gambling is likely not something I would support.
Yes, other National Hockey League arenas in North America are built to provide various experiences to the fans. Those buildings were built to draw in crowds in states where hockey was not the professional sport supported by the majority.
We do not need these ridiculously over-priced and overly materialistic buildings to draw in crowds.
While the more materialistic in our population may enjoy having the opportunity to gamble during a hockey game, I personally do not pay over $100 for an NHL ticket to go sit in a restaurant, lounge, or casino during the event.
I think it’s rather irresponsible for investors to even consider this project. With the recession North America has faced for the past couple of years, wouldn’t it be wiser to wait for a while until circumstances are a little more comfortable again?
The initial discussions surrounding the new arena was their business plan to revitalize downtown Edmonton. Maybe the downtown core wouldn’t be facing its current issues if certain businesses hadn’t been built in the region.
After all, the Remand Centre is located just blocks away from where the intended new arena will be built. The building is a 734 bed facility accommodating adult male and female remanded inmates. Makes you feel really safe, huh?
The downtown area has always been one of my favourites in the city. There is a certain amount of peace as you walk along the river bend. If you’re familiar with the city, there is an near the Edmonton House hotel where tranquillity can actually be found.
I just don’t think an arena should be built in an area where there is that many people.
The area where the current Rexall Place sits is already inconvenient to find parking. Property owners located near the building on 118th Avenue offer up their properties to allow individuals to park on their grass.
When, or if, the project commences, the businesses surrounding Rexall will face major economic crisis. Much of the business they receive is relative to hockey games or fans going to the facility for concerts. Many business owners chose that location for their business to be located near the Oilers’ home.
I haven’t even voiced the most important argument against this new building. The resources that will be used to build this enormous building will make a huge environmental impact.
Our lives have become so materialistic and disposable that the main concern in this case is the money that will be wasted to complete this project.
Is it really necessary to build a new building? I guess it’s hard for me to grasp the necessity for a new building when there is a perfectly decent arena located just 50 blocks away.
If the concern is more seating in the building for fans, I don’t think the Oilers have to worry about attracting fans with the way they’ve been playing this year.
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