"If the citizens of Edmonton want their city to be major league and competitive for big-time concerts and other events, then the city needs a new arena, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman restated Saturday. The timing of Bettman's visit, rather than the content of his message, is what is noteworthy here. "Not only am I supportive, it's obviously essential that the Oilers have a new arena," Bettman said between periods of the Oilers 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers. "And actually it's (also) essential that the City of Edmonton have a new arena, as well. "This building is obviously outdated and for this city to continue to attract concerts, family shows, conventions, having a new state-of-the-art arena is important. "Equally important, this team, the Edmonton Oilers has to have a new arena. There's no question about it, they're not going to stay in this building." Bettman has been a steadfast supporter of Oilers owner Daryl Katz's efforts to spearhead construction of a new downtown arena, as would be expected. He visited Edmonton and the Oilers game on his way to Calgary for today's Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium. The city administration will report to council on March 2 on a variety of concerns brought forward at a meeting on Jan. 17. But the key issue with the project remains whether council is prepared to approve a funding formula for the arena, estimated to cost $450 million." Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/spor...arena commissioner Bettman/4315844/story.html
