Ottawa Senators: New arena deal could shine a light on franchise
Ottawa Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk reportedly has a deal in place to finally bring a downtown arena to the city of Ottawa. Something that’s been overdue for nearly a decade.
I was at the NHL 100 Classic. The atmosphere was electric. The presentation of the game was spectacular. But there was a grim shadow creeping over the event. Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk was up-front in his comments to the media, and fans for the matter, the night before the special event.
To recap, the Senators Owner alluded to possible relocation of the franchise. With this announcement, it looks like the proverbial shadow is fading.
A group led by Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk reached an agreement in principle with the National Capital Commission on Thursday to redevelop LeBreton Flats, a 53-acre parcel of land the Senators could use to build an arena in downtown Ottawa.
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If you are unfamiliar with where the Senators play, it’s literally in the middle of nowhere outside the city in Kanata, Ontario. Surrounded by farmland, the Canadian Tire Centre has been the home of the Sens since 1996.
The logistical problems are insurmountable for fans coming from Canada’s Capital to catch an NHL game. There’s one way in and one way out. It’s more convenient to take the bus and leave by the middle of the 3rd period. Otherwise, you might be waiting an hour to get on the highway.
During the Senators Stanley Cup run last season, it became evident that people had had enough of the bothersome travel. Fans rather watch the game on a big screen on Elgin St or in the Byward Market than mission out to Kanata. The boiling point was in the Eastern Conference Final where games were not selling out.
Not sold out again but I'm the idiot that doesn't know what he's talking about. Lol. One day u guys will realize I'm right a lot. https://t.co/lJAfMMih20
— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) May 23, 2017
Ticket prices were extremely affordable too. $300 Canadian, about $240 US, got you a round-trip bus ticket from Toronto to Ottawa and an upper bowl seat to any Eastern Conference Final game in Ottawa.
Meanwhile in Nashville, getting in the door for a Stanley Cup Finals home game would have run you a pretty penny. The situation has gotten worse since the cup run. Sections have been roped off to minimize the capacity.
The proposed move downtown will draw the Elgin and Byward crowds if the building sees completion. Folks from Hull & Gatineau will undoubtedly cross the Ottawa river as well.
The Gatineau Olympiques are a storied QMJHL franchise. Alumni include Claude Giroux, David Krecji, Mike Hoffman and Alain Vigneault as a Coach. They love their hockey and would love the closer commute to watch the best players in the world compete.
With Seattle a near lock to become the 32nd NHL franchise and Quebec City yearning to have an NHL franchise, this announcement could squash the relocation whispers.
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Senators fans have been dealing with captain Erik Karlsson’s trade and contract rumours as well. If Melynk can break ground in the Lebreton Flats, it would be a big win for the city and the franchise.