It would cost Jackets to leave | The Columbus Dispatch

The problem boils down to the fact that the projected plan when it was begun has not panned out. People invested money and took a chance on the Blue Jackets, and the economy turned away from said plan. It seems to me that somewhere along the line someone is making money, and someone is losing it on paper. McConnell has to have value added to what the initial investment was, and Nationwide has had tax advantages from owning the arena. Sure, day to day they may cry they are losing money, but if the team is good, the seats are filled, and the economy truns to allow more shows and conventions in the arena, then things will be better. If both Nationwide and the Blue Jackets are willing to allow a share of the ownership of both to the taxpayers instead of a taxpayer hand out, I would be open to that. But, if they both want a handout and are not willing to share in a losing investment, then I would say something is up if they don't want to allow the public money to share in said losses.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

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I don't think it would be such a bad thing for the Convention Center to take over Nationwide Arena. I think they could justify it by dovetailing operations with the convention center. I am for helping the Jackets. Having the Jackets has been a lot more effective at bringing people downtown than City Center was, PLUS it is one of those areas where people can come away with positive impressions about Columbus. It really is a nice area, done the right way.

Have you been in the Arena District on a none event night. Ghost own comes to mind, nobody for blocks.

Go Blue Jackets!!!!!

Just give Hamilton the team they just got part of the pan-am games with the (bicycle arena) new (football stadium) and (swimming facility) a new up-grade on the hockey arena would bring so many sports fans to this sport city .

Big johnson, Bill from worthington, and bigbuckeyefan. You are all frickin idiots. Why don't you just leave cbus and move to downtown Youngstown. There is a thriving downtown that may be to your liking with nothing going on. Oh, and lick my johnson. Idiots!

BigBuckeyeFan wrote:

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And just where do you think they can move this team that makes any more financial sense? Canada is in worse shape financially than the US. It is sinking over its socialist agenda and the conservatives are trying to take it back. So the Maple leaf gravy train will come to a halt. Few other US cities have the public backing to take them either. The best thing the CBJ could do is SHUT UP and tighten their belts like everyone has done. Don't start begging like ACORN, UAW, SEIU, GM, Chrysler and the others.

Canada is in worse shape that the usa ??? Where are you getting your false information ?? We are doing quite well up here... Our banks are in great shape,whereas yours are not... We are not printing money ,whereas the usa is....and that is going to create another depression for you guys in the future,... We can handle some more teams up here and we will support them,which isnt the case in the usa.... Im hearing of ten to twelve thousand attendance at a lot of game in the usa....There will be more than one team available if this keeps up....

Does anyone think that area would have been better off if they kept the Ohio Penitentiary there??

Would Beijing or Shanghai consider buying an NHL Franchise??

If that's what it takes in the long run, it's time for them to go. The public has had enough taxation, and we don't want to own the building. The minute we own it, it will sit empty. And then more tax dollars will be used in an attempt to get some other tenant in it. Quit it.

How about this: All lot of people all across the country have endured pay cuts and dwindling benefits, what about the CBJ players helping the franchise out? There are a few classy players who have taken pay cuts to help the team, one of them plays for the Penguins. OK, you can start throwing the darts now.

P.S. I feel the Arena District is great and worth saving. I may have been to Value City Arena once since it landed here. Yeah, competition is good for business.......

Kart Freak wrote:

If that's what it takes in the long run, it's time for them to go. The public has had enough taxation, and we don't want to own the building. The minute we own it, it will sit empty. And then more tax dollars will be used in an attempt to get some other tenant in it. Quit it.

Hey just get your govt to print some more money,then pay the big price later,when it creates another depression.....heeeeheee

DEV STARR wrote:

<quoted text>Canada is in worse shape that the usa ??? Where are you getting your false information ?? We are doing quite well up here... Our banks are in great shape,whereas yours are not... We are not printing money ,whereas the usa is....and that is going to create another depression for you guys in the future,... We can handle some more teams up here and we will support them,which isnt the case in the usa.... Im hearing of ten to twelve thousand attendance at a lot of game in the usa....There will be more than one team available if this keeps up....

calm down there dev star in Little America, known as Canada.

When the NHL contracts and the BJs are eliminated then what?

Those thinking the players need to take a cut in pay, they just did, after the 2004 lockout/strike the player salaries rolled back 25%.

Also player salaries are NOT reflected in ticket price.

If you believe they are do you mind grabbing me a few Final Four tickets for next March? Since college players aren't paid the tickets must be free right?

Ticket prices are reflected in what people are willing to pay for them.

Look at the hapless Maple Leaf Fan, they pay over $200/seat for top ticket prices, and still sell out game after game.

As for handouts isn't that what taxpayers are for?

Good for standing up.