Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz, Edmonton’s mayor Stephen Mandel and National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman will meet on Wednesday to discuss a possible road block of a new arena in Edmonton.
Katz has the option to purchase land for a new arena in downtown Edmonton, but the option expires on Oct. 31.
“Katz has already put $25 million into the project of his own money; the question now is do you keep throwing good money into the situation? At some point you need some clarification from the city and the province,” former NHL player Marty McSorley said.
“The city of Winnipeg was given $100 million over 20 years among other incentives for the team to come back there. Edmonton is the only team in the league that does not own and operate their own building. They are looking at a situation at having a big development in downtown Edmonton for the long-term good of the team and the city.”
The Oilers owner, who has a reputation for being aggressive, feels there will be incentives from raised taxes and different things that will come from the downtown project.
Rexall Place opened in November of 1974, making it one of the oldest venues in the NHL. It is also home to the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League and the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League.
