NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called for a new arena to be
built for the Avalanche in or around the Denver area, according
to Lynn Bartels of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS. Bettman: "There's
got to be a new building and everybody knows it. It may be in the
city. It may be in the suburbs. It may be in Douglas County."
Bartels noted the Avalanche are free to leave McNichols Arena
following this season, after signing a two-year lease upon their
move from Quebec last year. However, Bettman reiterated that the
team "isn't leaving" and that "to move out of here would be
unfair to the Avalanche and unfair to the fans." Charlie Lyons,
President of Ascent Entertainment, which owns both the Avalanche
and Nuggets, said negotiations are ongoing with the city to build
the Pepsi Center and that the clubs will remain in Colorado
(ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 10/10). Bettman added the NHL will not
"come in and pound tables and demand to be heard" to try and
pressure local government leaders, but will wait until the
Avalanche invite them to be a part of the negotiations. Bettman:
"We're around if people want us to be" (Brian Metzler, BOULDER
DAILY CAMERA, 10/10).
