There has been speculation recently that the Calgary Flames may be looking to relocate from Calgary, their home since 1980. The Flames have struggled with getting a new arena deal done in Calgary, leading to questions about whether they may leave the city. This article will examine the key factors around a potential Flames relocation and try to determine how likely it is that the team may move.
Background on the Calgary Flames
The Flames have played in Calgary since 1980 when the team moved from Atlanta. They played out of the Saddledome arena for over 30 years until the early 2000s when it became one of the oldest arenas in the NHL. This prompted discussions about building a new arena in Calgary. However, after years of negotiations, the Flames and city have failed to come to an agreement on splitting the costs of a new arena. As a result, speculation about the Flames potentially leaving Calgary has increased.
Here are some key facts about the Calgary Flames:
- Began play in 1972 as the Atlanta Flames
- Relocated to Calgary in 1980
- Have played at the Scotiabank Saddledome arena since 1983
- Won the Stanley Cup in 1989
- Valued at $680 million by Forbes in 2020
The Flames have become an embedded part of the Calgary community over the past 40+ years. However, the lack of a new arena has led to an uncertain future.
Challenges Getting a New Arena in Calgary
The Calgary Flames’ home arena, the Scotiabank Saddledome, is one of the oldest in the NHL at over 35 years old. The team has been seeking a replacement for quite some time now. However, there have been challenges coming to an agreement on a new arena:
- Funding split – The Flames initially wanted the city to pay for a significant chunk of a new $550 million arena. The city was reluctant to provide that much public funding.
- Location – There were debates around potential locations for a new arena either near the Saddledome or further downtown.
- Tax incentives – The Flames also wanted some property tax breaks associated with a new arena that the city was reluctant to provide.
With both sides unable to reach a deal, the Flames’ future in Calgary became uncertain. The team has indicated it will not continue to play long-term in an aging Saddledome. This prompted speculation that relocation could be on the table if a new arena deal remains elusive.
Potential Relocation Destinations
With the Flames struggling to get a new arena in Calgary, speculation has increased that the team could relocate. Here are some of the top potential destinations if the Flames decided to move:
Houston
Houston is one of the largest US markets without an NHL team. The city has a ready-to-go arena in the Toyota Center, home of the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Houston is believed to be high on the Flames’ list as a relocation option. However, the heat and humidity of Texas may not appeal to some players.
Quebec City
The Quebec Nordiques left this hockey-mad Canadian market in 1995. Quebec City has been eager to get a team back and has a new arena, the Videotron Centre, built in 2015. Quebec City is an attractive, less drastic relocation option for the Flames if they want to stay in Canada. However, the market is significantly smaller than Calgary.
Portland
Portland has emerged as an intriguing potential NHL expansion or relocation market. The city has demonstrated it can support NBA and MLS teams very well. Portland has plans in place for a new arena should it attract an NHL team. The Flames could tap into the Pacific Northwest hockey market by moving to Portland.
Seattle
While Seattle is finally getting an NHL team in 2021, there is speculation the market could support two teams. The Flames could beat the new Seattle franchise to the market by relocating there first. Climate Pledge Arena is slated to open in 2021. Playing in Seattle would allow the Flames to remain in the Western Conference.
What Factors Support the Flames Staying in Calgary?
While the prospects of a Flames relocation have increased, there are still factors that support the team remaining in Calgary long-term:
- Strong fan support – The Flames have enjoyed strong fan support throughout their 40+ years in Calgary.
- Waiting for arena deal – The team seems resigned to playing a few more years in the Saddledome while still trying to negotiate a new arena.
- Loan from NHL – The NHL provided the Flames a $275 million interest-free loan to help the financial conditions during COVID-19.
- Relocation fees – The Flames would need to pay a substantial relocation fee to the NHL to move that could be upwards of $200 million.
Staying in Calgary remains the most likely outcome for the Flames. However, if the arena impasse cannot be resolved within a few years, relocation pressure could mount.
How viable are the other markets?
While Houston, Quebec City, Portland, and Seattle have been raised as potential Flames relocation destinations, how viable are those markets for supporting an NHL team? Here is a quick assessment:
Houston
Houston should be the leading candidate to land the Flames if they relocate. The city has proven to support NBA and MLB teams strongly. Houston is a large, growing market with corporate support needed for luxury suites and sponsorships. The existing Toyota Center arena is also a huge plus over the other markets. Overall, Houston seems like the most NHL-ready location.
Quebec City
The passion for hockey in Quebec City is unquestioned. However, its small market size of approximately 800,000 people would be the smallest in the NHL. There are also questions whether strong corporate support exists there. The NHL may prefer a relocation to a larger U.S. market over Quebec City.
Portland
Portland has demonstrated an ability to support NBA and MLS teams passionately. The Flames would need a new arena built there first. While not as large as Seattle, Portland has shown it is a growing market that could potentially support NHL hockey.
Seattle
Seattle will finally get its own NHL team in 2021. But some believe the market could eventually support two franchises. Climate Pledge Arena will be ready for the new Seattle team. If the Flames relocated first, they would need to play temporarily in another local venue until a new arena is built.
How likely is relocation versus getting a new Calgary arena?
Based on all the factors, here is an assessment of the likelihood of the two scenarios – the Flames relocating versus getting a new arena deal in Calgary:
Chance of relocation: 25%
While the arena situation remains unresolved, the Flames have yet to seriously explore relocation options. The team seems willing to keep trying to make it work in Calgary for a few more years. Eventually though, the aging Saddledome will force the Flames’ hand if no progress is made on an arena deal.
Chance of new Calgary arena deal: 75%
The most likely scenario still appears to be the Flames and the city reaching an arena agreement within the next couple years. Both sides have motivation to get a deal done. Negotiations will likely start up again in earnest soon. An arena deal seems more probable, though not guaranteed, in time to keep the Flames in Calgary long-term.
Conclusion
The unsettled arena situation has created some uncertainty around the Calgary Flames’ future. However, the team remains likely to stay in Calgary for the foreseeable future. Houston does stand out as the most viable relocation option if talks break down. Building a new arena is still achievable, but the Flames and the city need to work through their differences. Calgary’s odds are still the best to retain its beloved NHL team. But until a new arena deal gets done, relocation whispers will persist.