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“If you build it they will come.” — Field of Dreams

EDMONTON — It started out as a dream for this city and it has become a fabulous reality.

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When the good people of Edmonton started down the road of trying to build a new arena in the downtown core, they knew there would be hurdles along the way that would come with many hardships and sleepless nights, but they never could have predicted it would take more than a decade before the doors to the 18,500-seat facility would finally open.

Their advice to Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and, in turn, the people of Ottawa, who are waiting to see what happens next when the National Capital Commission provides an update on its negotiations with RendezVous LeBreton during its board of directors meeting on Nov. 24, is pretty simple: It was worth the wait.

Edmonton Oilers president Bob Nicholson says a move downtown is key for the Senators.

“You look at Ottawa and they just need it,” says Nicholson. “Ottawa has such a great downtown already and this could take it to a whole other level.”