The Toronto Legacy Sports and Entertainment Group is adamant about bringing another NHL franchise to the city of Toronto. The group has held a news conference to announce a huge private investment in the idea.
"I always told myself that the next time I would have a press conference for an announcement is when we had something concrete to present," said Andrew Lopez, who represents the group. "And we do. A $5 billion private investment."
The plan is to build a $5 billion mixed-use arena in Toronto. Two plots have been chosen, with a specific one being selected at a later point. The blueprints include details for what would be the world's largest hockey arena, a non-profit museum and a surrounding real estate development. The group would also like $1 from every ticket sold to go towards the development of a national women's hockey league for Canada.
TSLE has yet to meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman about the plan, or the city of Toronto. It has a meeting in place with city officials next week and has sent Bettman a copy of the plans and news release. It insists the real estate development will be going ahead with or without the potential arena.
TSLE wants to call the proposed team the Toronto Legacy Aces. If it gets its way, the team would start playing in 2021, although the first three seasons would take place in Hamilton while the new arena is built. The same group attempted essentially the same plan back in 2009, but it did not come to fruition.
Source: City TV
