Bettman eyes Calgary sequel to Edmonton's new arena

Even as commissioner Gary Bettman revelled in the NHL's newest arena, he had his mind on his next rehabilitation project: Calgary.

• Edmonton's new 'world-class' arena Rogers Place opens its doors
• Rogers Place to undergo repairs 6 months after opening

Bettman was in Edmonton to tour the new Rogers Place arena ahead of the Oilers game against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. It was the first time Bettman was seeing Rogers Place in person after facilitating a deal between the City of Edmonton and Oilers owner Daryl Katz that led to the construction of the $480 million arena, which opened up in time for this season.

He was quick to answer when asked if he would be working towards assisting Calgary in building a replacement for the Flames' Scotiabank Saddledome.

"I hope it will be the case," he said. "Calgary obviously needs a new arena and hopefully this arena and this complex is inspirational."

Bettman himself was clearly impressed with Rogers Place and the Ice District, the surrounding entertainment district that is still under construction.

Great vision

He spoke in glowing terms about the facilities and what they're doing for the City of Edmonton.

"This arena is nothing short of phenomenal," said Bettman. "I was intimately involved with Daryl Katz and the mayor of Edmonton as this was on the drawing board and I knew there was a great vision for what this arena would be and what the [accompanying under-construction entertainment region]Ice District, but seeing the arena finished is nothing short of phenomenal."

Bettman said it has also been pleasant to see the Oilers blossom in their new home.

"It's a bit of fun to see the team perform better than it has in the last few years in the first year in its new home," he said. "Maybe some people would say there is a connection between the two."

World of possibilities

With the new Rogers Place in Edmonton, it is natural to look towards the possibility of hosting the NHL Draft and All-Star games in the near future in Alberta's capital.

"I believe we should have those events here, but I would like to see the entire Ice District completed [first]," he said.

"When we show off Edmonton and the Ice District to the world, I would like it to be done. Depending on the pace of construction, we would be thrilled to bring our league events here, particularly with this new building."