The Winnipeg Jets need a new arena to keep their franchise
Photo credit: Canada Life Centre
The Winnipeg Jets have been under the NHL microscope over their declining home game attendance.
Its no secret that the Winnipeg Jets have the smallest market in the NHL by a significant margin. Despite their size, many fans are trying to find a potential solution concerning making the franchise more attractive to consumers. Could a new arena be the answer?
The Edmonton Oilers and now, the Calgary Flames have already pulled the trigger on new downtown venues. Billionaire David Thomson, who owns True North Sports and Entertainment, is one of the wealthiest men in Canada, and the world for that matter. It's time for Thompson to step up and use house money while subsequently utilize government funding like their fellow Canadian counterparts.
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How long can Canada Life Centre be a sustainable venue for their fanbase and franchise before Mark Chipman considers an upgrade? Although the Jets arena underwent some minor renovations and upgrades last season, a new arena with more seating capacity (over 18,000) might have to be built within the next 15 years for the Jets 2.0 to stay.
Many fans well remember when they lost their beloved Jets 1.0 to the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996. I fear that if the Jets fail to build an attractive new arena within the next 15 years, the Jets 2.0 could very well suffer the same fate.
Perhaps the biggest question that needs to be asked is, what assurances can the NHL and True North Sports and Entertainment give the hockey fans of Winnipeg and Manitoba that they won't face the heartbreak of losing their team again?
| POLL | ||
6 AOUT | 148 ANSWERS The Winnipeg Jets need a new arena to keep their franchise Should the Jets build a new arena? | ||
| Yes | 90 | 60.8 % |
| No | 58 | 39.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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