Flames bail on arena talks

Photo: The Canadian Press

The Calgary Flames say they're pulling out of talks with the city for a new arena.

Flames president Ken King said Flames owners believe they can't make a deal because negotiations have been unproductive.

King said the Flames owners remain committed to staying in Calgary for now.

A proposal to put an arena, football stadium and field house on the west side of downtown took a backseat to talks of building an arena on the east side of downtown.

The announcement comes in the run-up to a civic election next month. Mayor Naheed Nenshi is running for a third term.

Nenshi said he would comment tomorrow as he was in council meetings when the Flames made their announcement.