If Isle of Capri gets the slots license, the organization will build a new arena and the Penguins will stay in Pittsburgh.

How many times do we have to hear that?

My belief is that two statements are true.

1. Pittsburgh will get a new arena no matter who gets that slots license.

2. The Penguins are not leaving town.

Unlike the debate over whether the city needed a new baseball or football stadium at the time PNCPark and Heinz Field were built, there is no argument on whether a new arena is needed.

Mellon Arena is 45 years old. It is by far the oldest building that hosts a National Hockey League team and it's not exactly a concert-friendly place, either.

Everybody pretty much agrees that a new arena needs to be built. By Isle of Capri offering to foot the entire bill for a $290 million arena in Pittsburgh, it makes itself the popular selection among this region's sports populace, which is a large number of people.

Hey, sounds great to me. It's high time somebody cut taxpayers around here a break. So count me among the Isle of Capri supporters as well.

But if that deal doesn't happen, an arena will be built regardless. Like it or not, alternative plans are in place.

And NHLcommissioner Gary Bettman coming to town even to hint that the Penguins' future in Pittsburgh is insecure if Isle of Capri doesn't get the slots license is absurd.

The Penguins have not made the playoffs in a few years. They play in the oldest building in the league and their ticket prices aren't cheap.

And they've been selling out games. Weekend games, weekday games, it doesn't matter. This city is into this team.

During the winter months, Pittsburgh has become a college basketball town — as long as Pitt keeps putting a Top 10-caliber team on the floor — and a hockey town.

Sorry, Pittsburgh Xplosion. Kevin Pittsnogle or not, you face an uphill battle.

There is no way the NHL — still lacking even a decent national television contract — is going to yank a team out of a proven market and relocate it to Kansas City, Hamilton, or any other unproven market.

Remember the Kansas City Scouts? They lasted a year. And even hockey-crazed Canada failed to support the Winnipeg Jets.

California Seals, Atlanta Flames, Hartford Whalers, Minnesota North Stars — the NHLhas been forced to move enough franchises. It's not going to move one that's already working.

While the Cleveland Browns were uprooted despite a historically loyal fan base, the NFLis different. There are plenty of cities in this country without a pro football team that could easily support one. Los Angeles doesn't even have a team.

Pro hockey is a different story. Not only is there no need to move the Penguins, there may be no viable place to move them to.

So enjoy watching Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and company skate.

Soon enough, they'll be skating in a new building near you.