Hockey Lockout Could Hit Arena Ratings

The National Hockey League's lockout of its players could impact ratings for the Staples Center arena in Los Angeles, according to Fitch Ratings.

Fitch warned in a report it could place the Staples Center, home to the Stanley Cup-champion Los Angeles Kings, on negative watch if the labor contract dispute drags on and the season is canceled.

Currently, the Staples Center's $201 million revenue backed notes are rated BBB-plus with a stable outlook.

Since the lockout began before the 2012-2013 season started, the NHL has canceled 625 games through Jan. 14, according to the Fitch report.

It wouldn't be the first time the league canceled a season after failing to come to terms with the players' union. After an lockout of players, the NHL's 2004-2005 season was officially canceled on Feb. 16, 2005.

Fitch also warned that $46.7 million of revenue backed notes for the Pepsi Center in Denver, home of the Colorado Avalanche, could also land on negative watch. Those notes are rated BBB-minus with a stable outlook.

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