The Calgary Flames appear to be asking for the moon.
In a Feb. 21 proposal leaked to The Globe and Mail, the Flames' ownership group of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. requested that the city of Calgary grant it several revenue streams as part of an agreement to fund a new arena.
The proposal outlined a number of terms, including an option for the group to purchase and develop the surrounding land of the proposed facility.
The Flames would also receive a percentage of the revenues generated by the Calgary Stampede's Cowboys Casino and all of the arena parking fees, while the team also requested the city waive transit fees for those traveling to an arena event via public transportation.
Furthermore, the proposal asked for the team to be reimbursed for provincial taxes paid on the arena, and for the city to cover the cost of arena flood insurance.
"Our proposals in the enclosed term sheet outline the minimum requirements for a robust competitive sports environment and the infrastructure needed to compete on the world stage from an entertainment perspective," Flames president and CEO Ken King wrote to the city, per The Globe and Mail.
In a statement, King declared the leaked proposal "inappropriate," telling The Globe and Mail, "Somebody was playing fast and loose with their ethics and I think that's a damn shame."
With a deal appearing uncertain, King indicated last month that the Flames are no longer pursuing a new arena in Calgary. Both the team and city have since released their competing proposals for public consumption.
Whether the two sides will return to the negotiation table is unknown. However, talks could be revisited following the city's upcoming municipal vote, when incumbent mayor Naheed Nenshi, who opposed the Flames' proposal, is up for re-election.
