Should taxpayers fund sports stadiums?

The Calgary Flames need a new stadium — but initial projections put the price tag at a cool $900 million. The NHL is willing to kick in $200 million, but wants taxpayers to cover the rest.

As the debate rages, guest host Gill Deacon convenes a special edition of the q sports panel. This week, Toronto Star sports columnist Bruce Arthur and CBC's Sonali Karnick weigh in on whether fans should pay to watch their favourite team — twice.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who spoke to the CBC earlier this week, says a joint public-private partnership is necessary and that the Flames' franchise "isn't going to bestow a $900 million charitable gift."

Arthur argues that stadium building is a con game. "They suck public money out by pitting cities one against the other."