New Downtown Calgary Arena

[Chadillaccc]

Jesus, Spring. *facepalm*

[Spring2008]

Jesus, Spring. *facepalm*

This is the Calgary section. If you started posting Calgary updates in the edm section somebody would def report u for trolling.

[Chadillaccc]

I guess so, but you know very well that the arena is not the only thing going on in Downtown Edmonton.

[Coldrsx]

Have a little sense of humour man... jebus.

[Innersoul1]

Hey Coldrsx, do you have a link to the concourse renderings?

[Jay in Cowtown]

Oh hi guys:)

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/new%20misc/development/ScreenShot2014-10-28at125549PM_zps4996df95.png
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/new%20misc/development/ScreenShot2014-10-28at125549PM_zps4996df95.png)

Well played sir... well played! :D

[Coldrsx]

^why thank you and I would expect the same humour back in our forums in due course.

^^http://www.rogersplace.com/gallery/

[freeweed]

The best concourses I've experienced were in Nashville and Phoenix. With hardly anyone in attendance, there are no lineups, no crowds, and it's just so easy to move about. Plus I almost tackled John McCain in Phoenix by accident, so that was cool.

Staples Center still has my vote for best overall. Love that place.

[Calgarian]

For an indoor stadium that might not be an easy ask.

That's exactly my point. We could probably get 50 000 plus at a Grey Cup game in Calgary, why accommodate for half that?

[Calgarian]

Best concourse I've experienced is San Jose, could walk down the concourse in the intermission of a sold out game, with arms stretched out and you wouldn't touch another person.

I think the Saddledome could do wonders with our concourse if they put metal mazes in the concessions and don't have a fucking car in the narrowest part!

[The Fisher Account]

That's exactly my point. We could probably get 50 000 plus at a Grey Cup game in Calgary, why accommodate for half that?

Because the Grey Cup is here once every 9 years.

[VIce]

^It's great you can capture everything going on in the inner-city deadmonton in one shot, but please keep your spam messages for the Canada section.

Shots fired!

[Calgarian]

Because the Grey Cup is here once every 9 years.

Not with a puny, undersized stadium, once every 15 would be more like it.

[Innersoul1]

Rogers place in Edmonton looks like it's going to be amazing. I can only hope that we get something so outstanding. Fingers crossed that we don't fuck this one up!

[VIce]

That's exactly my point. We could probably get 50 000 plus at a Grey Cup game in Calgary, why accommodate for half that?

BC Place did a pretty decent job neatly hiding the upper-bowl whenever the capacity wasn't needed. Something like that would be really slick. Or (perhaps more reasonably) two outdoor grandstands with open endzones for temporary capacity...

[Innersoul1]

A lot of new stadia are utilizing a horseshoe design that allows one end to be exclusively accessed for events like concerts. It also allows the flexibility for additional ore temporary stands to be added. This is Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake Stadium:
http://archive.sltrib.com/images/2011/0110/backtax_011011~0.jpg
Credit: Salt Lake Tribune

Here are a couple of images of the StubHub Center in LA. It's capacity is 27,000. Should give a good visual of what that looks like.
http://cdn.archinect.net/images/1200x/gh/ghcr79ytm94ccp55.jpg
Credit: Archinect.com
http://cbsla.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/hdcenter.jpg?w=1500
Credit: CBS Los Angeles

[McMurph]

Given that this forum is the closest thing that we've got to a time-lapse arena construction cam in Calgary, I think the Coldrsx's post was well-played.

Whatever the configuration of the arena and stadium and their concourses I just hope they have decent food and beer. The Saddledome's offerings are a joke. I was at a baseball game in SF and was amazed to see a good selection of West Coast microbrews at reasonable prices, along with a great selection of food options. Our sports facilities should support and showcase local offerings like Wildrose, Village, etc.

[Innersoul1]

Given that this forum is the closest thing that we've got to a time-lapse arena construction cam in Calgary, I think the Coldrsx's post was well-played.

Whatever the configuration of the arena and stadium and their concourses I just hope they have decent food and beer. The Saddledome's offerings are a joke. I was at a baseball game in SF and was amazed to see a good selection of West Coast microbrews at reasonable prices, along with a great selection of food options. Our sports facilities should support and showcase local offerings like Wildrose, Village, etc.

I think that the beer selection has a lot to do with the Stampede and the deal that they have with Budweiser. If I am paying $8 for a beer I want something good. Not a cup of piss. However, i wonder how much arena's benefit from the deals with big breweries. It makes it tricky for the small guys to compete

[bt04ku]

I think that the beer selection has a lot to do with the Stampede and the deal that they have with Budweiser. If I am paying $8 for a beer I want something good. Not a cup of piss. However, i wonder how much arena's benefit from the deals with big breweries. It makes it tricky for the small guys to compete

Budweiser pays to be the exclusive beer supplier. The Flames are the arena manager so I don't think the Stampede has anything to do with it, just Bud and Coors' battle to control as many arenas and stadiums as possible.

Fun fact: Consol Energy Center is the only major arena and stadium not to have a deal with Coke or Pepsi to be the soft drink supplier, instead going with Dr.Pepper Snapple.


The ballpark in SF would be pretty unique in offering anything good in the beer department, it is the way it should be, but too much money to be made just going with the big guys.

[ByeByeBaby]

The ballpark in SF would be pretty unique in offering anything good in the beer department, it is the way it should be, but too much money to be made just going with the big guys.

According to this list (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/sports/best-beer-in-baseball/), the ballpark in SF is in no way unique - rather it is utterly mediocre (in baseball terms) of their beer offerings; compare it to Seattle. I suspect that ballparks offer so much better beer than other stadiums is because there has to be something going on there to attract people; it's not like the sport is any good to watch.

[Ramsayfarian]

Given that this forum is the closest thing that we've got to a time-lapse arena construction cam in Calgary, I think the Coldrsx's post was well-played.

Whatever the configuration of the arena and stadium and their concourses I just hope they have decent food and beer. The Saddledome's offerings are a joke. I was at a baseball game in SF and was amazed to see a good selection of West Coast microbrews at reasonable prices, along with a great selection of food options. Our sports facilities should support and showcase local offerings like Wildrose, Village, etc.

I thought it was well played as well. Only think that made me laugh more was Spring's post. He does a pretty good Rusty.

[Innersoul1]

According to this list (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/sports/best-beer-in-baseball/), the ballpark in SF is in no way unique - rather it is utterly mediocre (in baseball terms) of their beer offerings; compare it to Seattle. I suspect that ballparks offer so much better beer than other stadiums is because there has to be something going on there to attract people; it's not like the sport is any good to watch.

I was just about to post the same link. Seattle does it right! The fact that they have Elysian and Pyramid on tap BLOWS my mind!

[bt04ku]

According to this list (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/sports/best-beer-in-baseball/), the ballpark in SF is in no way unique - rather it is utterly mediocre (in baseball terms) of their beer offerings; compare it to Seattle. I suspect that ballparks offer so much better beer than other stadiums is because there has to be something going on there to attract people; it's not like the sport is any good to watch.

Well this has completely changed my view on baseball. Even some NFL teams seem to be embracing this (even if a good chunk only offer craft beer owned by the big guys, many have broken away).

I have to say, I'm rather jealous.

[Airboy]

I have been to a couple of Games in SF and Seattle and can say the beer selection is quite good at both. since I do not drink the big brewery beers it was a pleasant surprise I could have something local. along with good food. But I will say SF has better food that Seattle.

Its something I miss when going to a sports facility here.

[The Fisher Account]

Great seeing this thread bumped continually with talk about baseball park beer selection :hell:

[monocle]

Great seeing this thread bumped continually with talk about baseball park beer selection :hell:

Do you have any extra tidbits you could share? I'm thinking you are on the inside track.

WV would be a neat location if it were turned into a destination outside of events. Maybe the City's portion could be fixing the flyover speghetti monster? I like the idea of building over freeways if needed, but is it feasible?
Sorry that I have nothing productive to add.

[CorporateWhore]

But I will say SF has better food that Seattle.

Not surprising, since SF has some of the best food in the country in general.

The food/drink service in the Dome is definitely still from the 80s era of thinking. It doesn't have anything that you could consider high quality. Anything good (i.e. the glorious nacho sauce) falls under that "I like it because its unhealthy comfort food" category. But if you'd actually want to have something of higher quality or relative health, you better sneak it in.

[Innersoul1]

Wherever the new stadium complex ends up being the food and beverage services NEED to improve. Even the latest changes at the Dome have yielded some pretty poor results. Certainly, an expanded concourse will lead to some better food options along with some restaurants that have views of the ice. Edmonton's new rink will have loge seating with access to it's own food and beverage section, that will be pretty awesome. There also better be some awesome beer!

[MalcolmTucker]

Last night had to sign for my concession purchases and despite having what looked like a perfectly functional fill from the bottom beer system, they hand poured from a tap. A little bit of TLC would help a lot.

[speedog]

Last night had to sign for my concession purchases and despite having what looked like a perfectly functional fill from the bottom beer system, they hand poured from a tap. A little bit of TLC would help a lot.

What do you mean they poured from a tap? And what do you mean by a bottom beer system? I've volunteered at one particular concession stand with our non-profit group and am curious as to what you're speaking about. All beer in our stand is on-tap (so to speak) from kegs that are a floor below us.

[H.E.Pennypacker]

What do you mean they poured from a tap? And what do you mean by a bottom beer system? I've volunteered at one particular concession stand with our non-profit group and am curious as to what you're speaking about. All beer in our stand is on-tap (so to speak) from kegs that are a floor below us.

The Saddledome installed this new pouring mechanism (a year or two ago IIRC) that is more efficient than from the traditional tap provides (they never removed the taps from the concessions though, seems like it's a back-up)

B-sOgG3h6l0

[MalcolmTucker]

vZ4g6PUlxgw

[Barnes]

NM. Beaten to it.

[speedog]

Aah, we don't have those in our stand - we still do it the old fashioned way from a regular tap.

I don't think the bottoms up equipment is even installed in our stand and for sure, we do not have the glasses that would accommodate bottoms up equipment - this I know because I've inventoried everything in our stand.

[Barnes]

It's always impressive to see the beer and food selection in American ballparks. PNC Park has a great selection and giant, cheap Yuengling cans. I ate scotch eggs and drank many Dogfishhead 60 min IPAs at a Pirates game. At the Black Keys concert this week I ate and drank at Briggs before going to the Dome. Flames are leaving money on the table.

Canada is far behind when it comes to the monopoly of beer sponsorships. Look at the Stampede, our festivals, etc. Canadian, Coors Light or Twisted Tea. Hope our new facilities are progressive when it comes to looking at food and beverage options.

[speedog]

So back on topic, would 27,000 suffice for a new football stadium?

And possibly the thread title should be changed because it's seems more of a reality that the next big complex will be an arena and stadium all-in-one deal. Or just a new thread?

[bt04ku]

So back on topic, would 27,000 suffice for a new football stadium?

Well, it would, but I don't think it would be ideal. The team already averages around 30K and that is in a really bad stadium, though I don't think the ideal number is that far off. I figure 32-35,000 expandable to 45-50,000 would be the ticket. 27,000 without the ability to significantly expand for big events is definitely too small.

And possibly the thread title should be changed because it's seems more of a reality that the next big complex will be an arena and stadium all-in-one deal. Or just a new thread?

Might as well just wait for them to announce something before a new thread. Hopefully won't be too long.

[The Chemist]

So back on topic, would 27,000 suffice for a new football stadium?

And possibly the thread title should be changed because it's seems more of a reality that the next big complex will be an arena and stadium all-in-one deal. Or just a new thread?

Personally, I think 27 000 is quite a bit too small for Calgary. It really ought to be 32k+, IMO, with the potential to be expanded to 40k+ for special events.

[rotten42]

First spy shots of the proposed arena for the Flames

http://i.imgur.com/YIPE7YE.jpg


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

[monocle]

First spy shots of the proposed arena for the Flames

http://i.imgur.com/YIPE7YE.jpg


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

It's beautiful! Really captures the essence of Calgary. A++

[monocle]

Oh, and a little tidbit from an HF poster who attended a season ticket holders' something or other with Burke.

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?p=91719065&highlight=#post91719065

"He said we'd hear something about the new rink in the next few months. Though what I'm hearing is that the west end proposal (Greyhound) will be the one that flies."

Are one of you guys that poster? Lots of murmurs that it's WV... Or is this a large echo chamber?

[Riise]

Wherever the new stadium complex ends up being the food and beverage services NEED to improve. Even the latest changes at the Dome have yielded some pretty poor results. Certainly, an expanded concourse will lead to some better food options along with some restaurants that have views of the ice. Edmonton's new rink will have loge seating with access to it's own food and beverage section, that will be pretty awesome. There also better be some awesome beer!

Over the last two weeks, I have visited four football grounds in the UK. It's interesting to note the difference in user expectations as my biggest gripe was when they didn't have any meat pies available.

Forget craft beer, give me terraced standing room! Although I wouldn't complain if the new arena had truffle fries with mayo. And peppered steak pies.

[DizzyEdge]

First spy shots of the proposed arena for the Flames

http://i.imgur.com/YIPE7YE.jpg


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

:haha::haha::haha: Can I tweet that rotten24? (crediting you however you like)

[The Fisher Account]

Why don't you quote the actual designer who posted it on here and CPuck back in June:

http://davesgeekyideas.com/2014/06/21/calgary-stetson-arena-concept/

[O-tacular]

First spy shots of the proposed arena for the Flames

http://i.imgur.com/YIPE7YE.jpg


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

Lol!!!!:haha::haha::haha::haha::haha:

It's a beaut!!!! Harkens back to our western heritage.

[DizzyEdge]

Why don't you quote the actual designer who posted it on here and CPuck back in June:

http://davesgeekyideas.com/2014/06/21/calgary-stetson-arena-concept/

Done

[O-tacular]

Why don't you quote the actual designer who posted it on here and CPuck back in June:

http://davesgeekyideas.com/2014/06/21/calgary-stetson-arena-concept/

Reading it he almost seems serious about the design. On second thought he couldn't be.

[esquire]

Personally, I think 27 000 is quite a bit too small for Calgary. It really ought to be 32k+, IMO, with the potential to be expanded to 40k+ for special events.

I agree. Considering that the Stamps have been in the 28-36 thousand attendance range for the last 15 years, I don't think it would be wise to limit capacity below that number. Expandability for special events is also key given that this will really be the only major stadium in Calgary.

Considering that Winnipeg and Regina are going to be at 33,000 with expandability to 40,000, I would think that Calgary, with its potential to attract major sports and entertainment events more frequently, should be considering a slightly higher number. Let's say 37,000, expandable to 45,000.

[rotten42]

:haha::haha::haha: Can I tweet that rotten24? (crediting you however you like)



They aren't mine. They showed up in my Facebook feed.

[monocle]

Reading it he almost seems serious about the design. On second thought he couldn't be.

"I enjoyed making this concept, which is surprisingly the first architecture design I have posted. "

Whether it's a troll job or earnest, I enjoyed that link more than I should have. Comments were a bonus.

[You Need A Thneed]

The Stamps stadium will 100% gauranteed be able to be expanded to 40k+. Hosting a grey cup requires at least 40,000 seats.

[Tills13]

First spy shots of the proposed arena for the Flames

http://i.imgur.com/YIPE7YE.jpg


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

I just threw up a little.

[Chadillaccc]

:haha: I literally almost fell off my chair laughing! I would honestly die if that was our new arena. :haha::haha:

[Ramsayfarian]

I think it's a well thought out design. Notice the rafters are outside, since Calgary has very few banners to display, there's little need to have them under the roof.

[Fuzz]

I think it's a well thought out design. Notice the rafters are outside, since Calgary has very few banners to display, there's little need to have them under the roof.

I thought those were hitching posts for our horses.

[Ramsayfarian]

I thought those were hitching posts for our horses.

I take it you're referring to what's commonly known as the brim. You are correct, those are hitching posts for horses and unruly children. I'm referring to the crown or the top of the "hat".

Unless of course, you have really tall horses, then I stand corrected.

[Fuzz]

Ah, of course, I hadn't noticed the rafters above the hat. Aren't those the gallows aus country folk hang the no-good outlaws from?

[Bigtime]

Why don't you quote the actual designer who posted it on here and CPuck back in June:

http://davesgeekyideas.com/2014/06/21/calgary-stetson-arena-concept/

Good point, but perhaps the designer should also credit Devin Henry for the background rendering in the daylight image. That is one of his earliest future skyline works if I am not mistaken.

[Ramsayfarian]

Ah, of course, I hadn't noticed the rafters above the hat. Aren't those the gallows aus country folk hang the no-good outlaws from?

Well considering your lack of banners, outlaws will do. :)

[The Fisher Account]

Good point, but perhaps the designer should also credit Devin Henry for the background rendering in the daylight image. That is one of his earliest future skyline works if I am not mistaken.

One thing at a time! :cheers:

[Innersoul1]

I think 35,000 would be a reasonable number of seats for a new football stadium. I would imagine that there would be more corporate boxes, to some extent. Additionally I could see some sort of outdoor patio area/restaurant being included. i would imagine that there would also be space in the endzones for temporary expansion for large events like the Grey Cup.

Correct me if i am wrong but the current capacity of McMahon is around 39,000. I think a new stadium should maximize sideline seating in an efficient manner that promotes solid sight-lines. Endzone seating should be kept to a minimal. I think the only stadium that has popular endzone seating is Mosaic in Regina....but those third-worlders are CFL crazy :)

[bt04ku]

I think 35,000 would be a reasonable number of seats for a new football stadium. I would imagine that there would be more corporate boxes, to some extent. Additionally I could see some sort of outdoor patio area/restaurant being included. i would imagine that there would also be space in the endzones for temporary expansion for large events like the Grey Cup.

Correct me if i am wrong but the current capacity of McMahon is around 39,000. I think a new stadium should maximize sideline seating in an efficient manner that promotes solid sight-lines. Endzone seating should be kept to a minimal. I think the only stadium that has popular endzone seating is Mosaic in Regina....but those third-worlders are CFL crazy :)


There are a couple (albeit small) rugby stadiums that have their suites at the endzone in a stack which I think is something that would be ineresting to look at for a bit larger scale. But keep in mind these are 15,000 seat stadiums:

Franklin's Gardens in Northampton
http://www.premiershiprugby.com/images/news/FranklinsGardens1112.jpg

The Recreation Ground in Bath
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000X8gPh7tuIEE/s/600/BATH-LONDONIRISH-160213-030.jpg

Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester
http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kingsholm+Stadium+J+P+Morgan+Asset+Management+DO50r3ljJIsl.jpg

I think for proper expansion ability you can't do it to both sides, but it would be a way to lower the footprint and still maximize the number of suites in the stadium. Since the suite experience tends to be less about the game than anywhere else, it makes sense to use the space this way IMO.

Suites and ample amounts of loge seating seem like no-brainers for football games and this city.

[Innersoul1]

Those are some great example. Especially if the price was right and it made it affordable for people and groups to access. The only tricky thing with the endzone boxes in general and the examples that I have posted below is that for CFL fields the endzones are quite large. So it takes the seats quite far away from the action

I also like things like this, albeit a very simplistic example:
http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/123628dd768f86c525d480fbde33c1f7e3deee17/c=34-0-767-550&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/LafayetteIN/2014/04/15/-newsouthendzone.jpeg20140412.jpg
Credit: jconline.com
This is from Perdue, although teams like Toronto FC have done similar things.
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2014/0708/ncf_purdue_ms_600x400.jpg
Credit: Espn.go.com

Also for consideration would be some of the inventive things that MLB clubs do in thier outfield seating areas. If the stadium can maximize food and beverage revenue in these areas it a good model.

[Innersoul1]

Over the last two weeks, I have visited four football grounds in the UK. It's interesting to note the difference in user expectations as my biggest gripe was when they didn't have any meat pies available.

Forget craft beer, give me terraced standing room! Although I wouldn't complain if the new arena had truffle fries with mayo. And peppered steak pies.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/Pukka_Pies.jpeg

[bt04ku]

Those are some great example. Especially if the price was right and it made it affordable for people and groups to access. The only tricky thing with the endzone boxes in general and the examples that I have posted below is that for CFL fields the endzones are quite large. So it takes the seats quite far away from the action

That's why I'm partial to the stack, doesn't move people as far away from the endzone but helps cater to the groups that probably don't care as much since they'd likely only be there because of the group.

Also for consideration would be some of the inventive things that MLB clubs do in thier outfield seating areas. If the stadium can maximize food and beverage revenue in these areas it a good model.

Those are good too. It looks like Tim Horton's Field is going for something like that in one of their endzones. Plus it is the kind of thing you can throw a lot of bleachers on top of when needed.


There is definitely a lot of options available to cater to people who would like the idea of being at a football game without being forced to watch a football game (basically want to be at a bar with a really big HD TV). The kind of areas they could make a killing with on Friday night games if they can bring in the corporate groups right after work.

And as mentioned before, they absolutely need to copy MLB beer policies, the lack of which is what I will attribute as the sole cause of the Stampeders lack of capacity crowds.

[Nudrock]

"Forzani Field" has a nice ring for a football stadium name.

[The Fisher Account]

"Forzani Field" has a nice ring for a football stadium name.

Good luck. Unless his family is sponsoring the name.

I'd expect something like the Telus Sports Complex. Home to Encana Field and Scotiabank Arena.

[monocle]

Good luck. Unless his family is sponsoring the name.

I'd expect something like the Telus Sports Complex. Home to Encana Field and Scotiabank Arena.

Can't you give us anything? WV. Check. Combined facility. Check.
TOD? Theaters? Leisure Centre?
Bueller???

[The Fisher Account]

There's the dream.. of one day.. taking a piss at a sports facility in Calgary.. without.... waiting. I have a dream.

[McBuilderson]

There was probably 10,000 people today at McMahon and it's 0c and snowing. No one wants to sit outdoors in this. If they build anything other that a stadium with a retractable roof it would be a mistake. I'm a proud Stampeder fan and I wouldn't catch me in the stadium when it's below +2c

The actual football is terrible in bad weather also...

[Riise]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/Pukka_Pies.jpeg

Their Beef Mince pies are mint!


Good luck. Unless his family is sponsoring the name.

I'd expect something like the Telus Sports Complex. Home to Encana Field and Scotiabank Arena.

They could always name the stadium after him and sell the naming rights of the stands or vice versa. The Shaw Stand at Forzani Field or Forzani Stand at TELUS Field.


There was probably 10,000 people today at McMahon and it's 0c and snowing. No one wants to sit outdoors in this. If they build anything other that a stadium with a retractable roof it would be a mistake. I'm a proud Stampeder fan and I wouldn't catch me in the stadium when it's below +2c

The actual football is terrible in bad weather also...

Attracting 10,000 fans to a meaningless game in terrible weather is pretty decent.

[McBuilderson]

Many Western finals we have had 18k.... the most meaningful games no one is willing to brave the weather. I would bet we sell out 35k if we had a indoor stadium.

Attracting 10,000 fans to a meaningless game in terrible weather is pretty decent.[/QUOTE]

[Spring2008]

There was probably 10,000 people today at McMahon and it's 0c and snowing. No one wants to sit outdoors in this. If they build anything other that a stadium with a retractable roof it would be a mistake. I'm a proud Stampeder fan and I wouldn't catch me in the stadium when it's below +2c

The actual football is terrible in bad weather also...

Yeah, 100% agree - build it right with a retractable roof.

[Riise]

Yeah, 100% agree - build it right with a retractable roof.

Wouldn't it be much more cost-effective to just shift the season a month forward? It's going to be tough enough financing a stadium in general, an indoor stadium would be even more challenging.

I will admit that I am a bit biased as I value the outdoor elements (e.g smell of the grass, the breeze and sunlight) and consider them as part of the experience.

[CorporateWhore]

Wouldn't it be much more cost-effective to just shift the season a month forward?

Im sure they have their reasons, but it does seem silly that they only start their season at the end of June. IMO, they should be be playing by early May and finishing by mid-October. Id rather the crappy weather would be at the beginning of the season, instead of the end of it when they are the most important.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a total fair-weather CFL fan. The best part of a football game is the outdoor experience on a beautiful day, but if the weather sucks, no thanks. I don't mind making a wintery trek to the Saddledome...but that's because I don't also have to sit in the cold for 3 hours.

[Riise]

Im sure they have their reasons, but it does seem silly that they only start their season at the end of June.

I was wondering as well so I took a look. There were no definite answers but some suggestions were: the Grey Cup Final is traditionally played in November and the CFL doesn't want to go head-to-head with the Stanley Cup playoffs.

[ggopher]

Regina's new stadium will cost $278.2 million and seats 33, 000. But to add on a retractable roof would have cost $100 million more. Sure it might be nice a few days to have a covered stadium, and it would draw a few more events per year. But not enough to justify an extra $100 million.

[Spring2008]

Ken King emphasized this is going to be one of the most multi-purpose sporting and entertainment complex in the world.

Without a retractable roof you have about 10 CFL games plus a few other events per year.

With a roof, potential for a field house, convention space, year round events and concerts, and MLS.

[CorporateWhore]

I was wondering as well so I took a look. There were no definite answers but some suggestions were: the Grey Cup Final is traditionally played in November and the CFL doesn't want to go head-to-head with the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Doesn't sound like very compelling reasons then. I'm sure the majority of football fans would be willing to push that that "tradition" to October. And the last game of the Stanley Cup finals was June 13th, and the first week of the CFL was June 26th...so if there was overlap it would be in the CFL preseason. Even if there was more overlap, I doubt it would make much of a difference. In fact, I actually think the CFL would get better attendance numbers with the season starting earlier...by the the the NHL Finals roll around, everyone is tired of the indoors and wants to get outside.

[93JC]

Ken King emphasized this is going to be one of the most multi-purpose sporting and entertainment complex in the world.

:haha:


Anybody who believes that tripe is in for one hell of a disappointment.

[McBuilderson]

Regina's new stadium will cost $278.2 million and seats 33, 000. But to add on a retractable roof would have cost $100 million more. Sure it might be nice a few days to have a covered stadium, and it would draw a few more events per year. But not enough to justify an extra $100 million.

Calgary's time to step up and be one of the big cities in Canada and honestly North America is now. In my opinion this about taking us to the next level as much as it as about providing the fans what they want (reprieve from fall Calgary weather). This won't be just for football...this will be used by many other uses and bring us pride and attention if done correctly which will only benefit the image of Calgary as being recognized with the likes of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. If we built a similar stadium in Calgary that is being built in Regina or has been built Winnipeg, Hamilton... what does that say about Calgary and it's own image of it's self ? We need to make the statement we are a big dog...not only with the big cities in Canada but cities in North America.

We are what we say we are... If you build it they will come! :notacrook:

[Spring2008]

:haha:


Anybody who believes that tripe is in for one hell of a disappointment.

Let's keep the trolling to a minimum. Unless you care to explain yourself, I'll take what's been publicly stated for now.

[craner]

^Yeah, what's the deal with the negativity? :shrug:
We haven't even seen anything yet, all we can comment on is rumours .

[craner]

Regina's new stadium will cost $278.2 million and seats 33, 000. But to add on a retractable roof would have cost $100 million more. Sure it might be nice a few days to have a covered stadium, and it would draw a few more events per year. But not enough to justify an extra $100 million.

Only $100 million more for a retractable roof seems like a bargain to me.
Retractable roof would be perfect. If the only choice was permanent roof vs. no roof I would choose the latter (even after yesterday's game).

[craner]

...by the the the NHL Finals roll around, everyone is tired of the indoors and wants to get outside.

This is a very good point and certainly is true for myself.
I totally agree with starting the CFL season in May and ending in October.

[Surrealplaces]

It's always bothered me that the CFL season starts so late and the most important games take place in the middle of blizzards.

A few years ago some local radio sports guys were griping about low attendance numbers at a Western Final game. Some guy phoned in and said he'd gone to games in the middle of summer but didn't want to sit freezing in the stands for a playoff game, and that they should move the season up a month. The radio guys acted surprised that people would have that attitude, and they kept blathering on about 'tradition'.

I wanted to phone in and say 'wake the fuck up!'. Not all all traditions are the best ones.

Im sure they have their reasons, but it does seem silly that they only start their season at the end of June. IMO, they should be be playing by early May and finishing by mid-October. Id rather the crappy weather would be at the beginning of the season, instead of the end of it when they are the most important.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a total fair-weather CFL fan. The best part of a football game is the outdoor experience on a beautiful day, but if the weather sucks, no thanks. I don't mind making a wintery trek to the Saddledome...but that's because I don't also have to sit in the cold for 3 hours.

[J-D]

Ken King emphasized this is going to be one of the most multi-purpose sporting and entertainment complex in the world.

Without a retractable roof you have about 10 CFL games plus a few other events per year.

With a roof, potential for a field house, convention space, year round events and concerts, and MLS.

The multi purpose stadiums never seem to work out as well as single purpose venues. Different sports require vastly different seating arrangements.

[craner]

It's always bothered me that the CFL season starts so late and the most important games take place in the middle of blizzards.

A few years ago some local radio sports guys were griping about low attendance numbers at a Western Final game. Some guy phoned in and said he'd gone to games in the middle of summer but didn't want to sit freezing in the stands for a playoff game, and that they should move the season up a month. The radio guys acted surprised that people would have that attitude, and they kept blathering on about 'tradition'.

I wanted to phone in and say 'wake the fuck up!'. Not all all traditions are the best ones.
Exactly!
Why continue with a bad tradition?

[speedog]

The multi purpose stadiums never seem to work out as well as single purpose venues. Different sports require vastly different seating arrangements.

So Spring2008 quotes "Ken King emphasized this is going to be one of the most multi-purpose sporting and entertainment complex in the world." and you get multi-purpose stadium out of this?

Complex and stadium might very well mean two different things, no?

[93JC]

Let's keep the trolling to a minimum. Unless you care to explain yourself, I'll take what's been publicly stated for now.

Oh fuck off, I'm not trolling; I'm one of a handful of voices of reason around here.

You're cherry-picking very vague, trumped-up comments made to the media and making assertions based on your own extremely spurious guesswork, so I call bullshit. You're trolling as far as I'm concerned, spreading rumours and gossip like a 13-year-old girl.

^Yeah, what's the deal with the negativity? :shrug:
We haven't even seen anything yet, all we can comment on is rumours .

Bold is my emphasis.

[Nudrock]

Calgary's time to step up and be one of the big cities in Canada and honestly North America is now. In my opinion this about taking us to the next level as much as it as about providing the fans what they want (reprieve from fall Calgary weather). This won't be just for football...this will be used by many other uses and bring us pride and attention if done correctly which will only benefit the image of Calgary as being recognized with the likes of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. If we built a similar stadium in Calgary that is being built in Regina or has been built Winnipeg, Hamilton... what does that say about Calgary and it's own image of it's self ? We need to make the statement we are a big dog...not only with the big cities in Canada but cities in North America.

We are what we say we are... If you build it they will come! :notacrook:

Sounds like you want the City of Calgary to help pay for a complex worthy of our city. Unfortunately, too many property tax payers do not like that idea - or at least they are the ones who make the most public noise.

[Spring2008]

Oh fuck off, I'm not trolling; I'm one of a handful of voices of reason around here.

You're cherry-picking very vague, trumped-up comments made to the media and making assertions based on your own extremely spurious guesswork, so I call bullshit. You're trolling as far as I'm concerned, spreading rumours and gossip like a 13-year-old girl.



Bold is my emphasis.

Since you're the voice of reason around here, what are you basing your assertions on?

Go watch Ken King's clips and ask for a diaper change.

[ByeByeBaby]

Sounds like you want the City of Calgary to help pay for a complex worthy of our city. Unfortunately, too many property tax payers do not like that idea - or at least they are the ones who make the most public noise.

I think that having a highly profitable business that wants to make more money from an expanded/improved operation actually pay for that expansion themselves is an ideal worthy of our city, and the idea that working citizens need to subsidize the hobbies of billionaires is beneath our city. But maybe I've been listening to too many right-wing, pro-free-market types lately.

[93JC]

Since you're the voice of reason around here, what are you basing your assertions on?

Go watch Ken King's clips and ask for a diaper change.

I'll look forward to telling you four of my favourite words when shovels start hitting the dirt.

[Nudrock]

I think that having a highly profitable business that wants to make more money from an expanded/improved operation actually pay for that expansion themselves is an ideal worthy of our city, and the idea that working citizens need to subsidize the hobbies of billionaires is beneath our city. But maybe I've been listening to too many right-wing, pro-free-market types lately.

Right - but will the billionaires build one as McBuilderson described? I don't think they have an incentive to do that.

[J-D]

So Spring2008 quotes "Ken King emphasized this is going to be one of the most multi-purpose sporting and entertainment complex in the world." and you get multi-purpose stadium out of this?

Complex and stadium might very well mean two different things, no?

Ah, true enough. :cheers:

[calgarydude]

It's always bothered me that the CFL season starts so late and the most important games take place in the middle of blizzards.

A few years ago some local radio sports guys were griping about low attendance numbers at a Western Final game. Some guy phoned in and said he'd gone to games in the middle of summer but didn't want to sit freezing in the stands for a playoff game, and that they should move the season up a month. The radio guys acted surprised that people would have that attitude, and they kept blathering on about 'tradition'.

I wanted to phone in and say 'wake the fuck up!'. Not all all traditions are the best ones.

I have heard that some of the other issues with moving it up would be the playoffs competing with Baseball playoffs (versus November not competing against baseball at all) and getting rookies out of university in time for camp when school is finishing end of April (training camp has to wait until May)
that said, I agree it should be moved up a month.

[O-tacular]

I'm just expecting the cheapest possible design and if if it's not an ugly brick barn I'll be happy.

[craner]

^Why such low expectations O-tac ? (just curious)

[The Urbanist]

Just heard from a developer with major land holdings in the Victoria Park/East Village area that the Stadium will be built on the Stampede Grounds. Sounds like you west-end hopefuls might be losing your lunch money:uhh: