BC Place: Stadium Refurbishment | Completed

[Canadian Skin]

Appears doubtful baseball would work with the scoreboard in place.

As a point of reference, Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay has a catwalk above 2nd base that is approx. 190 ft high and while it has only been hit a few times in regular play, it has been an issue.

I suppose it depends on where homeplate would be, but 140 ft is awfully low for baseball to work...

I think they've given up on Major League baseball for Vancouver. Besides, the days of putting baseball in a multi purpose stadium are over, and there was no sense limiting the amenities for the existing tenants in the hopes of accomodating a baseball team "someday". Ever since Safeco was built in Seattle and the Expos moved to DC there's been no chance of regular season games being played in Vancouver. I'm sure for the odd spring training game they can put up with a few scoreboard balls, seeing as they barely keep score.

[Prometheus]

They are testing some of the interior stadium lights: http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/construction.html#webcam

[entheosfog]

A couple random snaps to add to the mix, taken last weekend:
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/4637/img4064l.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/3360/img4087bx.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6386/img4097j.jpg

[nobase2010]

From Global news. It's looking good.

http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/bc+place+new+roof/video.html?v=2104072856#stories/video

[nobase2010]

I took these pics from last week.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6078454771_0f50e876cd_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6079015284_a60221b7f4_b.jpg

[Vancity]

Stadium is looking awesome. The videoboard looks HUGE. It's going to be a very good atmosphere in BC Place. Hoping that the teams making their home there (Lions and 'Caps), do better than they have recently.

[hollywoodnorth]

I took these pics from last week.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6078454771_0f50e876cd_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6079015284_a60221b7f4_b.jpg

nice!

what camera you use?

[Jebby]

Can someone post pictures of the scoreboard?

[peterprinciple]

Just for kicks...click on Interior Webcam and using controls go back one year to August 25, 2010.

[ckkelley]

Nice work nobase2010. I especially enjoyed the one from Coopers Park.

[peterprinciple]

If you go to the interior construction cam and look at the extreme bottom of the image you will see the new playing field being layed. (it's green)

[peterprinciple]

The new GIANT screens will be great for concert goers. Nuff said.

[officedweller]

Also noticed on the webcam that the ivy is starting to grow back up the west wall of the stadium.

[peterprinciple]

Also noticed on the webcam that the ivy is starting to grow back up the west wall of the stadium.

Damn that ivy. I need some clippings from that healthy growth. They should sell some clippings.

[golog]

We've all looked at it, but I'm interested to hear what the new acoustics will be like

[officedweller]

Big ass pic from BC Place Twitter:

http://twitpic.com/6bor2b/full

[officedweller]

Posted at SSC:

Here's a new pic of the interior from a story about BC Place on Stadium Porn.com (http://stadiumporn.com/bc-place-vancouver-canada/) (yes, that really is the name of the site)...

http://i.imgur.com/ikkxL.jpg

[nobase2010]

Im using Sony HX1 camera. More pics

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6089758230_ca771c24cd_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6089194637_c6e46f9108_b.jpg

[canucks23]

^ Awesome pictures. You should just go around the entire city taking pictures with your amazing camera.

[go_leafs_go02]

From that first picture, it looks done to me.

From the interior webcam, I still have a hard time believing it'll be ready in a month, even though progress is flying along so far.

[flight_from_kamakura]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6089758230_ca771c24cd_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6089194637_c6e46f9108_b.jpg

great snaps.

damn, like in the first image, the background towers all look horribly consistent. and the second reminds me of how ugly the olympics staging area was. if they really do allow concord to block out the view of the stadium with more of those towers, i'll file the lawsuit myself.

[Prometheus]

If that's the new field turf beginning to appear in the bottom corner of the interior webcam, then I am really not digging that shade of green. It is way too dark and dull, similar to the too-dark, unnatural-looking artificial turf used for the soccer pitch at nearby Andy Livingstone Park. It looks like a muted, earthy, brownish-green, not a bright, vibrant, fresh, sparkling, grassy green.

[peterprinciple]

After careful consideration...haha...I am thinkin' I would prefer the giant screen structure should have been built square so that all four monitors would be the same size and certainly bigger than the ones facing the endzones. Since the centre node above it is circular I think it would have balanced out visually just fine.

[MJDDawg]

If that's the new field turf beginning to appear in the bottom corner of the interior webcam, then I am really not digging that shade of green. It is way too dark and dull, similar to the too-dark, unnatural-looking artificial turf used for the soccer pitch at nearby Andy Livingstone Park. It looks like a muted, earthy, brownish-green, not a bright, vibrant, fresh, sparkling, grassy green.

Right now it's still just a matted down carpet. Once the silica sand base & infill are added, and the turf is brushed up so that the fibres stand on end, the fibres should reflect the light a bit differently. That's what I'm hoping for anyways. When it's all said and done, I hope the brushing and infill ends up giving it that freshly cut look -- like this other Polytan turf installation is Salzburg:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/RedBullSalzburgStadium.jpg
Pic courtesy of www.polytan-usa.com

[peterprinciple]

31 Days to first event in new stadium August 30 - September 30.

[Overground]

As much as I loathe the plastic crap being installed, if they can at least get it to look like that pitch in Salzburg it will help a bit to trick my mind into believing it's real grass. Too bad for the players though.

[peterprinciple]

T minus 30 days and counting.

[dtrain]

I drove by stadium last night, around 9:30, just as they started a test of the celestial panels lighting - it was very impressive up close! With all the animation possibilities (they tested a few variations that I saw), I think people will find this feature very cool!

[Overground]

http://s1.proxy05.twitpic.com/photos/large/386469791.jpg
from @BCPlace2011 at twitter

source here and a larger pic - http://twitpic.com/6e3dzz

[WarrenC12]

The lights were shining in my living room, distracting me from TV.

"Dear Gregor Robertson..."

Just kidding, they did look really cool... the animations and stuff were nice. Something almost like the "ring of fire" at Rogers Arena and other venues.

[MJDDawg]

If anyone's interested, this is the turf protection system chosen for our new turf:

http://terraplas.com/news/latest-news/bc-place-vancouver-terracover-v

[Overground]

Ya terraplas is pretty cool. Wembley for example uses a version of it and it can withstand tonnes of equipment on it like concert staging, cranes, etc., and it doesn't damage the grass below. It can even cover the grass pitch for up to several days without direct sunlight/grow lamps as it's translucent.

[MJDDawg]

Yeah, apparently it's amazing stuff! I haven't seen the terraplas specs, but one of the requirements on Pavco's RFP was that the system have the ability to support up to an 80 Ton Crane. Nice.

[hollywoodnorth]

I drove by stadium last night, around 9:30, just as they started a test of the celestial panels lighting - it was very impressive up close! With all the animation possibilities (they tested a few variations that I saw), I think people will find this feature very cool!

old news there bro ... that's so last week .. images are already in the thread

[MJDDawg]

Is it me, or does the concrete on the outer concourse suddenly look a lot cleaner from the stadium roof web cam?

[ckkelley]

http://s1.proxy05.twitpic.com/photos/large/386469791.jpg
from @BCPlace2011 at twitter

source here and a larger pic - http://twitpic.com/6e3dzz

That is one sweet pic!

[mrjauk]

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Video+Sneak+peek+finishing+touches+Place/5336513/story.html#ooid=J3OXFyMjrxtuHWsxV2dgvYILuAeBqAdv

If you listen carefully, you'll hear the interlocutor say "57,000" seats. That's the third different number I've heard from official sources. Is it not 55,000?

[hollywoodnorth]

the largest test of the LED's so far is going right now!

[wrenegade]

I'm not a big fan of the new BC Place, mainly because I think the cost is insane, but I have to say, it looked pretty sweet this evening

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6102364832_4a0bb77b08_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexwrenphoto/6102364832/)
IMG_0274.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexwrenphoto/6102364832/) by Alex.Wren.Photo (http://www.flickr.com/people/alexwrenphoto/), on Flickr

[Built Form]

the largest test of the LED's so far is going right now!

Sorry to go overboard here but yeah it was impressive especially looking down Robson. Here's the view from my place on the 31st floor.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030919.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030916.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030915.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030914.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030913.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030912.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030911.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030909.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030908.jpg
All pix by Built Form

[dtrain]

old news there bro ... that's so last week .. images are already in the thread

Why don't you piss off 'bro'?

[peterprinciple]

the largest test of the LED's so far is going right now!

Sorry Hollywoodnorth but the pics you refer to were not posted the previous week and anyway the site is changing so fast now that all pics are relevent.

[andyh]

I don't know if this was mentioned but the rumor is that this stadium will have two new names. One name will Optik Place (or stadium, arena ....) when the Lions play and another different name when the Whitecaps play. Probably another Telus brand. I heard this on Sports Talk last night.

[peterprinciple]

I don't know if this was mentioned but the rumor is that this stadium will have two new names. One name will Optik Place (or stadium, arena ....) when the Lions play and another different name when the Whitecaps play. Probably another Telus brand. I heard this on Sports Talk last night.

I dont know if that true or not but if it is...that is utterly ridiculous. What ever the marketing and advertising agency is for the stadium and or PAVCO should be ashamed and should not be in the business.

[WarrenC12]

I dont know if that true or not but if it is...that is utterly ridiculous. What ever the marketing and advertising agency is for the stadium and or PAVCO should be ashamed and should not be in the business.

Wow calm down. Is it any worse than "Bell Pitch at Empire Field"? I'm sure it will be something similar to that.

[peterprinciple]

Wow calm down. Is it any worse than "Bell Pitch at Empire Field"? I'm sure it will be something similar to that.

Well come on mate, you gotta admit, that's a pretty dumb idea.

[Canadian Skin]

There is a new photo gallery online at the Province newspaper's website:

http://www.theprovince.com/news/photos/Inside+almost+complete+Place/5336195/story.html

[cc85]

We know for sure it will be Bell Pitch downtown (at least during the whitecaps time).

Can anyone really see it being Bell Pitch at Optik Field/Telus Stadium, etc?

[peterprinciple]

Question: If the playing field is to be permanently installed then how will they re-paint the lines for football vs soccer since the two playing surfaces are so different in terms of yard lines - football vs soccer pitch?

[peterprinciple]

Question: If the playing field is to be permanently installed then how will they re-paint the lines for football vs soccer since the two playing surfaces are so different in terms of yard lines - football vs soccer pitch?

And then again when Baseball exhibition games are played..ie: Mariners/Bluejays.

[vanlaw]

Question: If the playing field is to be permanently installed then how will they re-paint the lines for football vs soccer since the two playing surfaces are so different in terms of yard lines - football vs soccer pitch?

Currently at Empire they are able to remove the lines after each game and put in the lines for the next.

[WarrenC12]

Well come on mate, you gotta admit, that's a pretty dumb idea.

I'm not a big fan, but PAVCO's job is to maximize the taxpayer investment, and I certainly don't think:

"What ever the marketing and advertising agency is for the stadium and or PAVCO should be ashamed and should not be in the business."

[peterprinciple]

I'm not a big fan, but PAVCO's job is to maximize the taxpayer investment, and I certainly don't think:

"What ever the marketing and advertising agency is for the stadium and or PAVCO should be ashamed and should not be in the business."

I honestly dont think taxpayers are gonna want a foolish idea like this. Two names for the same stadium depending on what sport is playing there. God forbid we ever get a Pro Baseball league team.

Name one...just one...other stadium in the world that has two names.

[MJDDawg]

Name one...just one...other stadium in the world that has two names.

Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field in Regina is one that comes to mind.

I really don't think there will be two different stadium names as is being suggested. The official day to day name of the stadium will probably be one of the Telus/Optik names already out there.

The so-called second name is not really a second name at all since Bell's sponsorship is officially known as Bell Pitch Downtown and will be used only by the Whitecaps. Bell branding around the field will likely only be seen during Whitecaps games (although I'm sure they can always buy advertising for other events), as such I just don't believe we'll see or hear the term Bell Pitch at Optik Field, or anything like that. Also, as far as I know, you generally only see this type of dual name convention when dealing with civic or community facilities looking to add some sponsorship. Hence, Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field...etc. I'm not sure I've ever seen a dual name facility where both names were of corporate sponsors.

[jlousa]

This isn't really a new concept, I can't be the only one that clearly remembers GM Place being called Pontiac theatre when used as a concert venue.

[peterprinciple]

Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field in Regina is one that comes to mind.

I really don't think there will be two different stadium names as is being suggested. The official day to day name of the stadium will probably be one of the Telus/Optik names already out there.

The so-called second name, is not really a second name at all since Bell's sponsorship is officially known as Bell Pitch Downtown and will used only by the Whitecaps. Bell branding around the field will likely only be seen during Whitecaps games (although I'm sure they can always buy advertising for other events). So I just don't believe we'll see or hear the term Bell Pitch at Optik Field, or anything like that. As far as I know, you generally see this type dual name convention when dealing with civic or community facilities looking to add some sponsorship. Hence, Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field...etc. I'm not sure I've ever seen a dual name facility where both names were of corporate sponsors.
Thank you MJ. You are the first person to make any sense.
Personally, I believe it will be called "Telus" Stadium at BC Place. Because the Gov. wants this whole thing to be an entertainment district known as BC Place.

[Zassk]

There is a new photo gallery online at the Province newspaper's website:

http://www.theprovince.com/news/photos/Inside+almost+complete+Place/5336195/story.html

Among other things, it looks like these pictures show:

- a test pattern on part of the electronic ribbon
- the finishing on the acoustic wall around the rim (it's white, or at least until painted)
- and the natural light in the interior looks really awesome, even on an overcast day

[S.W.M.Design]

Sorry to go overboard here but yeah it was impressive especially looking down Robson. Here's the view from my place on the 31st floor.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030908.jpg
All pix by Built Form

The display looks awesome, but what I'm actually more excited about in these pictures is the fact that they seem to be putting metal backing for new siding over the ugly concrete facade. If they are putting new siding over this part of the concrete, they will probably be putting it on all the ramp structures. This is a good thing because I think the textured concrete was one of the only remaining things holding the stadium back from looking brand new.

[PaperTiger]

I don't think we can assume the siding will be everywhere. I think it is more likely that they are adding a facde to integrate the display into the building and, I expect, incorporate some signage and branding. (Bell Field at Optik Park at Telus Stadium anyone?)

[Canadian Skin]

I don't think we can assume the siding will be everywhere. I think it is more likely that they are adding a facde to integrate the display into the building and, I expect, incorporate some signage and branding. (Bell Field at Optik Park at Telus Stadium anyone?)

Bell Field at Optik Park at Telus Stadium@BC Place! :jester:

[Denscity]

Field now 2/3rds green according to webcam. looks pretty good.

[peterprinciple]

The display looks awesome, but what I'm actually more excited about in these pictures is the fact that they seem to be putting metal backing for new siding over the ugly concrete facade. If they are putting new siding over this part of the concrete, they will probably be putting it on all the ramp structures. This is a good thing because I think the textured concrete was one of the only remaining things holding the stadium back from looking brand new.

You are absolutely right mate...didnt notice that before. Very cool.

[peterprinciple]

I wish there was a construction cam for this view of the stadium so we could watch this part take shape....HOT.

[peterprinciple]

Bell Field at Optik Park at Telus Stadium@BC Place! :jester:

My feelings exactly Bro! hahaha

[peterprinciple]

Too bad Lucy isnt still alive and then she could sponsor it and it really would be called, "Ball Field".

[peterprinciple]

oops...looks like they came up too short with the last role of turf and now they are rummaging around looking for the one that's the right length.

[MJDDawg]

The display looks awesome, but what I'm actually more excited about in these pictures is the fact that they seem to be putting metal backing for new siding over the ugly concrete facade. If they are putting new siding over this part of the concrete, they will probably be putting it on all the ramp structures. This is a good thing because I think the textured concrete was one of the only remaining things holding the stadium back from looking brand new.

Unless the plan has changed in the last couple of months, unfortunately this is the only cladding we'll likely see on any of the ramp facades. The plan has been to simply clean all those walls.

Personally, I'm still holding out hope that they'll put up giant banners covering each wall...like one of Geroy in his superman pose, one of Eric Hassli...etc.

[MJDDawg]

oops...looks like they came up too short with the last role of turf and now they are rummaging around looking for the one that's the right length.

I think that may be just the carpet flipped over, otherwise you'd see the black elayer and not white.

[peterprinciple]

I think that may be just the carpet flipped over, otherwise you'd see the black elayer and not white.

Upon closer inspection I think you are right MJ. I think I can indeed see a slight loop at the "end of the roll".

[sacrifice333]

Some pics of the testing from last night... sorry from an iPhone:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6104441259_46dedbcfa5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/friesen/6104441259/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/friesen/6104441259/) by sacrifice333 (http://www.flickr.com/people/friesen/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6104987430_22967d7143_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/friesen/6104987430/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/friesen/6104987430/) by sacrifice333 (http://www.flickr.com/people/friesen/), on Flickr

[peterprinciple]

According to the Global Morning News today a report on The Stadium states that there is still NO DEAL on naming rights.

[PaperTiger]

@sacrifice333:

Oh no! They are lighting the roof to?

That takes it from cool to totally tacky. The earlier pic with the rim lighted around the outside looked clean and aweome.

This looks terrible (iphone photo or not).

[Vancity]

@sacrifice333:

Oh no! They are lighting the roof to?

That takes it from cool to totally tacky. The earlier pic with the rim lighted around the outside looked clean and aweome.

This looks terrible (iphone photo or not).

yeah. agreed. it does look pretty bad. from the recent pics, though, from the vancouversun, the internals look pretty good! definitely an upgrade from the old internal look. the experience at the stadium should definitely be better. what is it? 30 days before the stadium opens? exciting times.

[ozonemania]

Perhaps the lighting of the fabric roof isn't intended for continuous use. I agree having it lit like that would be tacky. However, let's say the Lions score or something, a big orange flash would be cool. Or things like projections or other special effects. That would be cool imo.

[Prometheus]

This lighting has been clearly depicted in many renders, including the official video, and should not have come as a surprise:

fgYG4PPYiJA

By the way, the roof lighting is projected from the outside. LED lights are mounted high on the masts and shine down on the rooftop.

[mrjauk]

According to a generally well-informed member of the Whitecaps Southsiders Fan Forum, there seems to be a solution to deal with the exposed concrete on the outside of the stadium:

"The ugly concrete blocks will be covered with events related fabric."

http://forum.vancouversouthsiders.ca/index.php?p=/discussion/comment/35655/#Comment_35655

[peterprinciple]

According to a generally well-informed member of the Whitecaps Southsiders Fan Forum, there seems to be a solution to deal with the exposed concrete on the outside of the stadium:

"The ugly concrete blocks will be covered with events related fabric."

http://forum.vancouversouthsiders.ca/index.php?p=/discussion/comment/35655/#Comment_35655

What ugly concrete blocks are we talking about mate?

[MJDDawg]

Looks like they've revamped the BC Place web-site. But no more web cams?

Now I'm going to have to find another obsession!!

[agrant]

:previous: Click About BC Place (http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/roof.html)...

[MJDDawg]

Thanks. Did find them eventually.

[peterprinciple]

Let's rename this thread "BC Place Redevelopment or renovation and get rid of the Casino portion of the Thread name since that bird is dead in the water.

Just sayin'...

[Prometheus]

Let's rename this thread "BC Place Redevelopment or renovation and get rid of the Casino portion of the Thread name since that bird is dead in the water.

Yeah, no point in reminding ourselves of another opportunity for business investment, commercial development and employment chased away by our political leaders.

[S.W.M.Design]

I still don't see any progress made in the mending of the seams between the pieces of fabric on the fixed portion of the roof. You can still see lines of sunlight on the field from the gaps.

[MJDDawg]

Came across these pics of the e-layer and turf.

The pic of the turf from the side looks a lot better than what the interior web cam shows. Don't see the seams at all and the color looks a lot better. Also looks like they started laying the silica sand base in the turf today.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/Turfelayerjpg-large.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/NewTurfjpg-large.jpg

Pics courtesy of Centaur Products.

[hollywoodnorth]

Let's rename this thread "BC Place Redevelopment or renovation and get rid of the Casino portion of the Thread name since that bird is dead in the water.

Just sayin'...

little do you know .... that the casino and hotel project is far from dead.

thanks for your deep insight

[jlousa]

:previous: thanks, I was going to post the link to the minutes that approved the project, but sometimes it's best to let people learn how to use the search feature.:tup:

[go_leafs_go02]

This stadium looks fantastic, but I'm not a fan of the seating - the colours or how the colours are installed. Just looks odd so far...

[nobase2010]

BCPlace2011: Tweeted this pic. Very nice. The roof looks great.

http://twitpic.com/show/iphone/6ezer5

[Prometheus]

:previous: thanks, I was going to post the link to the minutes that approved the project, but sometimes it's best to let people learn how to use the search feature.:tup:

Oh, so city council approved Paragon's $500 million casino expansion project?

Yeah, please post a link to the minutes to that, if you wouldn't mind.

[cc85]

I believe they approved the relocation, just not the increase to the number of slots.

[Pinion]

There's also talk that the casino could be built with lots of "flexible" floor space just in case they can add those slots later, which seems inevitable.

[Prometheus]

I believe they approved the relocation, just not the increase to the number of slots.

Yeah, I know.

As we all know, the city unanimously rejected Paragon's proposal for gaming expansion, which was the heart of the project, and which was supposed to have brought an additional $146 million annually to the provincal government and an additional $17 million annually to city hall.

[Vancity]

Came across these pics of the e-layer and turf.

The pic of the turf from the side looks a lot better than what the interior web cam shows. Don't see the seams at all and the color looks a lot better. Also looks like they started laying the silica sand base in the turf today.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/Turfelayerjpg-large.jpg

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/MJDDawg/NewTurfjpg-large.jpg

Pics courtesy of Centaur Products.

I don't understand how they determine where the red seats go? it looks like it's pretty random.

[Pinion]

Yeah, I know.

As we all know, the city unanimously rejected Paragon's proposal for gaming expansion, which was the heart of the project, and which was supposed to have brought an additional $146 million annually to the provincal government and an additional $17 million annually to city hall.

Those numbers are a bit misleading since it would come at the expense of the other major casinos in Metro Vancouver. Unless you believe it would create thousands of new gamblers, and the benefit of that is debatable. I used to work at Edgewater and they had charts on the walls that showed how one casino's gain always came at the expense of another. There's a relatively finite amount of people and $$$ to go around.

Anyway, I just watched a video on the repair of the Metrodome in Minnesota. It's like a parallel universe, where they didn't have an extra $550,000,000 lying around to do everything Pavco did.

Beyond removing a square layer in the middle for more light and adding some acoustics panels, it's the same old pile of shit stadium. As an SSP regular it's probably not surprising that I liked our choice, but purely from a "this is neato" perspective. And I came to that conclusion only recently when it became clear the stadium really is going to be great.

[jlousa]

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20110419/documents/regu20110419min.pdf

Here's the link showing the city approved the project. The expansion of slots and tables were not approved at that time but the project itself was. The city agreed to revisit the gambling expansion once issues it felt needed addressing are addressed. The fact is Paragon seems to have run into some kind of trouble as it's being sued by the architect for non-payment.

[logan5]

Those numbers are a bit misleading since it would come at the expense of the other major casinos in Metro Vancouver. Unless you believe it would create thousands of new gamblers, and the benefit of that is debatable. I used to work at Edgewater and they had charts on the walls that showed how one casino's gain always came at the expense of another. There's a relatively finite amount of people and $$$ to go around.


If we have more tourists coming in from China or wherever, there's an opportunity to tap those gambling dollars and I would imagine the new casino would be a lot more attractive to the already established tourism market. That's if it is actually a Las Vegas style casino and not just a souped up Edgewater.

[Prometheus]

Those numbers are a bit misleading since it would come at the expense of the other major casinos in Metro Vancouver. Unless you believe it would create thousands of new gamblers, and the benefit of that is debatable. I used to work at Edgewater and they had charts on the walls that showed how one casino's gain always came at the expense of another. There's a relatively finite amount of people and $$$ to go around.

That's why the project (with its international hotels, meeting space, and up-scaled casino) was designed to attract tourists and destination gamblers, as well as new casual gamblers locally.

[Pinion]

The hotels etc. are still happening though, no? Along with a new casino to replace the horrible old Edgewater? So all this doom and gloom talk about lost revenue seems misplaced.

jlousa, is that a temporary problem or are they bailing?

[Prometheus]

The hotels etc. are still happening though, no?

I highly doubt it. Although the city said Paragon could build the hotels and new building if it wanted to, it was the gaming expansion (which the city denied) that was the main economic rationale for the development, as well as a massive new source of revenue for the province and city. So, without assurances from the city that it will completely reverse itself on gaming expansion in the very near future, it is unlikely that Paragon will actually proceed with the development.



So all this doom and gloom talk about lost revenue seems misplaced.[/B]

No one mentioned "doom and gloom." But the lost $146 million and $17 million annually to the province and city, respectively, due to the denied gaming expansion is real.

[WarrenC12]

Beyond removing a square layer in the middle for more light and adding some acoustics panels, it's the same old pile of shit stadium. As an SSP regular it's probably not surprising that I liked our choice, but purely from a "this is neato" perspective. And I came to that conclusion only recently when it became clear the stadium really is going to be great.

So is it a pile of shit or great? I can't understand your comment.