Tim Hortons Field | 40m | ? | Complete

[Berklon]

So are the seats yellow or gray?

Two months and 11 days until the first home game.

Anyone else think it looks to be more than 2 months from completion?
To me it looks like if it were going to be opened in time for the first home game, that it'd be extremely bare bones and in rough shape.

[king10]

So are the seats yellow or gray?



Anyone else think it looks to be more than 2 months from completion?
To me it looks like if it were going to be opened in time for the first home game, that it'd be extremely bare bones and in rough shape.

This has been the case for some time now. It will be operationally opened in time for the first game but will take another 4 to 8 weeks to be 100%.

Also just drove by, the seats are yellow.

[SteelTown]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bnsx2J4IYAAjShv.jpg:large
Barry Gray
https://twitter.com/_barrygray_/status/467021792968974337/photo/1

[thomax]

The seats are going to be mostly silver (grey) with gold (yellow) seats at the top of each section, it was confirmed on the Ticats twitter...
http://i58.tinypic.com/mmcscz.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnsqnENIcAAaOJe.jpg:large
Source (https://twitter.com/CaretakerBob/status/467013837171228672/photo/1/large)


Exterior Façade:
http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260975541.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260735604.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

More Photos:
http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260855553.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260615616.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260695608.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260835554.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260775600.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/ham/images/photo_gallery/2014/05/crop_20260415637.jpg
Source (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

> Click here for the full May 15 construction update gallery < (http://www.ticats.ca/photo_gallery/gallery/id/11929)

[SteelTown]

All hail to the cup holders!

[ScreamingViking]

I was getting used to the idea of gold seats and was a little disappointed seeing the grey at first, but with rows of gold accenting it maybe it will be a good look (and maybe there's some black on the way too?)

Keeping an open mind... I don't expect to see any seat colours during games, but aesthetics are important considering how much time the stadium seats will be empty.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^It will be a more comfortable experience, that's for sure.

We'll see how it looks but I was hoping for more yellow like Heinz Field.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/04_Hou_Heinz_Field_44920_zpse55a6811.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/04_Hou_Heinz_Field_44920_zpse55a6811.jpg.html)
http://shop.steelers.com/catalog/heinzfield/

[lucasmascotto]

Stadium builder bemoans city red tape
The Hamilton Spectator
By: Matthew Van Dongen

The builders of a behind-schedule Pan Am stadium say they've been slowed by long waits for city building permits.

An April 25 letter from building consortium Ontario Sports Solutions, to be considered by a city committee Tuesday, says a bare-bones stadium should be ready for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' first home game July 26 despite delays due to weather and a bankrupt masonry contractor.

But the letter also noted an "exceptionally long" process – between six and eight months – to get city building permits and added other "critical" approvals were still needed.

Project director Samuel Gandossi wrote the builder lacked a sprinkler permit "despite repeated requests" since December and added Infrastructure Ontario must "accelerate" the selection of sports equipment or risk not finishing the playing field in time for a mid-July inspection.

Infrastructure Ontario spokesperson Terence Foran said Friday by email the sprinkler permit has since been issued by the city and the playing field ordered. He said builders are still "working towards" being ready for July 25.

City building inspections manager John Lane confirmed there had been "some issue" with the sprinkler system permit, but didn't have details available Friday.

He couldn't speak to the other alleged delays, but noted the city has had an inspector dedicated full time to the stadium. "What I can say is we have always worked very closely with the contractors and all the parties to ensure the stadium is completed in as timely as fashion as possible."

Councillor Lloyd Ferguson, who chairs the city Pan Am committee, called the letter "jockeying" between contractors and the province in advance of a battle over who pays for the cost of delays.

"There is a lot of money at stake," he said. "I've talked with our building officials and I'm quite comfortable we didn't hold them up … The enemy has been the weather."

The April 25 letter suggested the stadium will be game-ready for the Ticats' home opener, but could be missing concessions, a community scoreboard, broadcast cables and some seating.

In an email update, Foran said Friday general admission seating will be in place. City officials expect further updates Tuesday.

It's unclear if a rainy May that dumped almost 60 mm of rain on Hamilton in the first two weeks alone has put the project any further behind. So far, the city hasn't been told to expect a football game cancellation, said general manager of public works Gerry Davis.

The Tiger-Cats lease agreement with the city calls for $1 million in compensation for every home game missed as a result of stadium delays. The building was supposed to be done by June 30.

The city has repeatedly been assured by Infrastructure Ontario it won't be on the hook for stadium delay costs.

Executive vice-president John McKendrick said April 29 it's likely the building consortium in charge of the project is incurring extra costs due to the delays and associated overtime. "But that … is the consortium's problem," he said.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Shocking. ;-)

On a positive note, it looks like the CFLPA will be going on strike, so they can take as much time as they need getting the stadium ready.

Hurray for failure!

[davidcappi]

Is anyone really surprised.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

From Scott Mitchell's Twitter

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bov8UmDCUAECWIn.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bov9RveIMAEzBRA.jpg:large

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Thanks.

Scott Mitchell is, like, the worst person ever, though. My skin crawls just thinking about him.

[LikeHamilton]

From various twotter feeds

Joey Coleman @JoeyColeman · 3m
"Substantial Completion" of PanAm stadium is now scheduled for October, was supposed to be June 30. Ticats home games not impacted


Saira Peesker @SairaAtTheSpec
Jerry Davis from the City of Hamilton says the plan is still to open the Pan Am Stadium for opener July 26.

Joey Coleman ‏@JoeyColeman 14m
I asked what the backup plan is if stadium isn't "bare bones" ready for July 26. "We're not there yet" they have plan is answer.

[thistleclub]

Time will tell what kind of omen this is, but MPP Michael Coteau (http://news.ontario.ca/profiles/en/michael-coteau) (Don Valley East) has reportedly been given the Pan Am Games portfolio (http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2014/06/23/kathleen_wynne_to_unveil_major_postelection_cabinet_shuffle.html), taking it over from embattled MPP Michael Chan (http://news.ontario.ca/profiles/en/michael-chan) (who held it for most of the last 20 months), who inherited it from MPP Charles Sousa (http://news.ontario.ca/profiles/en/charles-sousa) (who held it for just seven). A freshly elected Coteau served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and leapfrogs the current PA (http://news.ontario.ca/profiles/en/dipika-damerla) in that role.

[king10]

jesus, substantial completion by october. i thought labour day by the latest. so the ticats will basically be playing the entire season in an incomplete stadium. i suppose it could have been worse. in 10 years we'll have forgotten all about this and be enjoying our great stadium

[Gurnett71]

For those that bought season tickets this year, would you not feel that you are being slighted by an incomplete stadium that apparently will not have all the amenities that you had expected but still paid a premium price? Wonder if next year the Ticats will raise season ticket prices significantly, saying that this next year you will have the "full experience" at THF?

[movingtohamilton]

Is a professional football team both the best and the worst thing that Hamilton has?

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^You're half right...

[drpgq]

For those that bought season tickets this year, would you not feel that you are being slighted by an incomplete stadium that apparently will not have all the amenities that you had expected but still paid a premium price? Wonder if next year the Ticats will raise season ticket prices significantly, saying that this next year you will have the "full experience" at THF?

Meh I have four tickets up from two previously. I figure it will be similar to Guelph initially and I had tickets there as well.

I do wish they would have come clean earlier on the completion because it was quite obvious to anyone walking by the site that there's still a ton to be done.

I biked by yesterday and it was amazing just how many people are working at the same time.

[Jon Dalton]

I see the 'New Stadium Experience' advertising is no longer on the Ticats website. They should change it to 'Don't trip on that rebar.'

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Or perhaps 'Don't touch the walls' or maybe 'If it's yellow, let it mellow...etc.'

[ScreamingViking]

For those that bought season tickets this year, would you not feel that you are being slighted by an incomplete stadium that apparently will not have all the amenities that you had expected but still paid a premium price? Wonder if next year the Ticats will raise season ticket prices significantly, saying that this next year you will have the "full experience" at THF?

No. I didn't expect it to be totally complete for the home opener, and for me the game is always the thing. And while future ticket prices may rise, I'm paying exactly what I did in the last year at Ivor Wynne.

I appreciate extras, but we've never had many, so even if the new building is missing some of the things we'll come to appreciate when they're ready, it's probably going to be much more than we're used to on the very first gameday. Just having an actual individual seat is a huge upgrade.

I don't begrudge complaints by people who paid for "premium" offerings like the patios or club seats and private suites. But those things may still happen as planned so it's a bit early to be raising alarms over them. I would think the team will do right by those customers if it comes down to it.

[bornagainbiking]

If things are not totally ready, it would be an excellent opportunity for Area Food Trucks to pick up the slack and help out as well as a tidy profit.
Surrround the Stadium (school parking lot. side streets and Scott park ball diamond).
Give the vendors a break on fees, permits and licences for the day as they come to the rescue.
Win-win!

[SteelTown]

^ I believe that's the plan along with portable washrooms and beer tents.

[matt602]

I'm sure the food trucks will be there regardless.

[ScreamingViking]

Food trucks are an obvious solution, but the Ti-Cats did contract with Levy (http://ticats.ca/article/levy-restaurants-THF) so that may limit what the team is able to do. That company could bring some of the trucks in though. (and there's probably little stopping them from setting up in the area on their own, just the bylaws)

[FrankieFlowerpot]

TURF TURF - THERE IS TURF

http://i.imgur.com/2K4U4m8.jpg

[FrankieFlowerpot]

And a better picture from Waldorfian on Ticats.ca forum

http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w679/wald0rfian/2014-07/THF_2014-07-03_07-56-37_zps4123efe6.png

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Hope they've got their sewing machines fired up.

[davidcappi]

Those grey seats are DRAB

[Berklon]

Those grey sears are DRAB

Seriously. Why didn't they just go with all yellow seats? Or at least a big mix of yellow and black splashed throughout.

[ScreamingViking]

Those grey seats are DRAB

While I would have preferred all gold, the seats don't look as drab in person - those webcams tend to wash things out. (and @Berklon: black might look nice but it's the worst to sit on... the scorched hindside from sitting in a black section of old IWS is a memory I'll easily forget ;) )

[Berklon]

While I would have preferred all gold, the seats don't look as drab in person - those webcams tend to wash things out. (and @Berklon: black might look nice but it's the worst to sit on... the scorched hindside from sitting in a black section of old IWS is a memory I'll easily forget ;) )

Yea, forgot about the heat it would generate. But all yellow/gold would've been best. Even if it was a 50/50 mix of yellow/gold and grey would be decent.
I don't understand the point of a few rows of yellow seats on the top of each section. It doesn't improve the aesthetics and only reminds us that yellow/gold throughout would've been better.

[king10]

IMO all yellow wouldn't look that great. would fade very easily and look too bright. i would've preferred a 50/50 grey yellow split tho

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Has anybody seen what the upper deck will look like colour-wise?

[king10]

Has anybody seen what the upper deck will look like colour-wise?

yup Eastside upper deck has about 6 rows of yellow at the top with all grey below

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Cheers.

[elly63]

I think the silver (gray) is shown off better in this photo and will look good when all is completed. Can't source the photo because I don't know where the OP got it.

Tim Hortons Field July 5/2014

http://i60.tinypic.com/okbhax.jpg

[matt602]

Weird how the field makes it look so much more complete (even though it isn't).

[Berklon]

Weird how the field makes it look so much more complete (even though it isn't).

It really does. It's definitely an illusion though.

[king10]

some pics of the lower east stand and south east patio i snapped today.

not sure if they can get this operational on time. lower east side is basically still mud, never mind concessions.

the supports and frame of the scoreboard are going in and it looks HUGE. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[http://i.imgur.com/9gOVSVQl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DRIwJW9l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yb90UTxl.jpg

[Gurnett71]

Stadium won't be ready for first Ticats games

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/stadium-won-t-be-ready-for-first-ticats-games-1.2699091

and

http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/4619361-cfl-city-of-hamilton-says-tim-hortons-field-not-ready-for-july-games/

[king10]

official. according to scott radley's twitter stadium won't be ready for the july 26th and july 31st games

[Berklon]

Is anyone actually surprised by this?

You know this wouldn't have been a problem if.... uhhhh... nevermind.

[Jon Dalton]

I am in complete shock and disbelief.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/new-stadium-won-t-be-ready-for-first-ticats-games-1.2699091

Ontario Sports Solutions, the consortium building the stadium, will pay the Tiger-Cats $1 million for each missed home game.

Ontario taxpayers are “not responsible for additional costs related to the completion of the project,” IO said in a Monday afternoon media release. Instead, Ontario Sports Solutions pays.

The agency is “disappointed that construction of the stadium will not be completed for the start of the football season,” IO said in the release.

“We are determined to make sure that the stadium is completed by Ontario Sports Solutions and that the public interest is protected.”

The stadium is more than 85-per cent complete, IO said.

In the July 26 game, the Tiger-Cats will face off against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The July 31 game is against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The missed opportunity will not only be felt in Hamilton, but by the entire league.

ESPN's main network was scheduled to carry the July 31 game at the Ticats new stadium, hosting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It was scheduled to be the first CFL game played on the main ESPN network under the five-year deal minted between the sports giant the CFL at the end of June.

Statement from John McKendrick, executive vice-president of major projects at Infrastructure Ontario:

The Hamilton Stadium will be completed in 2014 well in advance of the 2015 Pan / ParaPan American Games. The stadium will be a world-class facility for the Games and a legacy that will benefit Hamilton over the long-term.

Ontario taxpayers are not responsible for additional costs related to the completion of the project. The private company, Ontario Sports Solutions, is responsible for building the stadium and is accountable for delivering the project.

Like many citizens and football fans, we are disappointed that construction of the stadium will not be completed for the start of the football season. We are determined to make sure that the stadium is completed by Ontario Sports Solutions and that the public interest is protected.

The stadium project is over 85% complete, and Infrastructure Ontario will continue to work with all partners to ensure the project gets done.

Statement from the city:

Following a meeting today with all involved parties, the City of Hamilton has confirmed that the Tiger Cat home games scheduled for July 26th and July 31st will not take place at the new Pan Am Stadium (Tim Hortons Field) as the facility will not be safe and ready for occupancy by then. We will review the construction status again at the end of July and provide a further update at that time.

The City continues to work closely with Infrastructure Ontario, the contractors and our Ti-Cat partners to achieve the earliest possible delivery of the stadium to accommodate future football games.

[ScreamingViking]

I was wrong to believe the official timeline that the builder had promised. Hopefully we're watching a game there on August 16, but if it's Labour Day I'll be happy with that. I hope it's not a longer wait, but who knows...

For those that don't venture on the Canada forum (or theSpec.com), I linked this there. The Spectator posted this today, obviously filmed before official announcement of the delay.
bvIH7fZxWvk

[BCTed]

I think what is most disappointing to me is that they had scheduled the July 31 game to air live on the main ESPN channel. Such a rare thing and it would have been fun to learn about American reactions to the game.

[DHLawrence]

Is anyone actually surprised by this?

You know this wouldn't have been a problem if.... uhhhh... nevermind.

Read my mind...

[markbarbera]

With the construction company having to pay the Ticats $1mil penalty per home game missed due to construction delays, I bet anyone who has had possession of their newly constructed home delayed like this would wish they had this kind of 'problem'.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

A home that you didn't even pay for. Wait a second...this is amazing news for the Ti-Cats! :tup:

[markbarbera]

Exactly. The longer it takes to finish, the more the builder is subsidizing the Ticats' already meager contribution to the construction costs. It's a shame the city didn't think to include a clause like that for themselves as well.

Personally, I really don't care how long it takes to get finished, as long as it is completed in time for its role as the CIBC Pan Am Stadium one year from today.

http://images.toronto2015.org/system/asset_images/1886/original/hamilton-stadium.jpg?1399557466
source (http://www.toronto2015.org/venue/hamilton-soccer-stadium)

[BCTed]

With the construction company having to pay the Ticats $1mil penalty per home game missed due to construction delays, I bet anyone who has had possession of their newly constructed home delayed like this would wish they had this kind of 'problem'.

A deal is a deal. And I hardly think that this is some kind of windfall for the Tiger-Cats.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

Well - look what I found - one of the losing designs for Tim Horton's Field/Pan Am Soccer Stadium

http://www.regionalarchitects.com/project/2015-pan-american-games-soccer-stadium

rA and pA were selected as part of Bird Construction and Turner Construction’s Design-Build team for the design and delivery of the 2015 Pan American Games Soccer Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario. The new 22,500-seat stadium will replace the legendary Ivor Wynne Stadium and serve as a soccer venue during the games and as the new home for the Hamilton Tiger Cats football team following the games. The stadium sits within Hamilton’s Stipley neighbourhood, long recognized as a strong working-class neighbourhood with a dense fabric of single-family homes but lacking in parks and services.

Our team were responsible for planning the approach to site including: stadium orientation, circulation, community integration, landscape architectural design and the design of ancillary structures on the site. Special attention was paid to ensure the site could be used during off-game times for the Hamilton-Wentworth School Board use, and community special events and concerts. We were also responsible for planning the deployment of the Pan Am Games Overlay program, the temporary construction and facilities required for the Games on the site. The submission was completed in joint-venture with Populous and Kasian Architecture.


http://i.imgur.com/vgg8BcI.jpg

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

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

http://i.imgur.com/i5xcZqJ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/JBWfuP7.jpg

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

[SteelTown]

Ugh it has endzone seating. Looks more like a complete stadium.

[mattgrande]

Having end zone seating makes such a big difference. It turns it from a pair of grand stands into a "proper stadium."

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^I tend to agree, though in this case, those endzone seats seems really detached from the rest of the stadium and the field > they would be terrible seats.

The present stadium plan doesn't have any big tigers, does it? I-WANT-A-BIG-TIGER!
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/tiger_zpsa5ee7176.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/tiger_zpsa5ee7176.jpg.html)
source (http://motorcitybengals.com/2013/10/16/detroit-tigers-vs-boston-red-sox-alcs-game-4-start-time-tv-schedule-lineups/)

[ScreamingViking]

I would have been fine with that design. I do really like the concourse wrapping around the south end, though for the present day capacity needs I think we're better with the grandstand seating on the sides and not the endzone - that can be added later if there's a business case.

I'm not sure there would have been as much room for temporary seating for the Grey Cup. In the renders, it looks like there's no space on the Beechwood end and the concourse might have made adding seats more difficult on the south. It's not as important as regular use of course, but adding capacity for big events is a consideration.

In the long run, assuming the Cats eventually do invest money into this place (like they should have, aside from the $5 mill Young is pumping in for team facilities and gameday toys) we may see some of the same elements added.

[thistleclub]

Pan Am Games hampered by facility delays (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/panamgames/2014/07/13/pan_am_games_hampered_by_facility_delays.html)
(Toronto Star, Jennifer Pagliaro, July 13 2014)

Regardless of whether it’s built yet, the Games will come.

While Pan Am Games officials take to podiums and send press releases to declare that all 25 venues across the GTA will be ready on time — and under budget — the on-the-ground realities one year out from the opening ceremony are already starting to derail.

Just this week, new Minister of Sport Michael Coteau admitted the provincial government can’t guarantee the event will be on budget.

A massive $600-million construction project has been underway since the fall of 2012, involving 10 new complexes and several major retrofitting and upgrades to existing facilities.

However, completion of some buildings has lagged, holding up test events, while slow progress at a few smaller venues has had an impact on local businesses.

Construction delays have already marred what was to be the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ big CFL homecoming at a new 22,500-seat stadium. Two games have been pushed to the nearby McMaster University campus with no official word on when the stadium will be ready.

The CFL game would have served as an important test event to work out any issues before the venue — which is hosting soccer — was cast into the international spotlight for the Games....

Each venue’s construction contract has dates marked for substantial completion so test events can be held and volunteers can move in.

The date for Hamilton’s new soccer stadium has slipped from June 30 to early October — creating what organizers acknowledge is the most substantial setback so far.

The earlier date would have seen the stadium ready well ahead of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ home opener against the Ottawa Redblacks on July 26.

When it was clear progress was lagging, the City of Hamilton said the team would need a temporary occupancy permit just to play, but that the stadium would be ready for fans.

Just weeks out from the planned occupancy of Tim Hortons Field (formerly Ivor Wynne Stadium), there was no turf on the ground, no concessions or even finishings, according to Hamilton’s general manager of public works, Gerry Davis.

On July 7, the city announced both the home opener and a July 31 game would be moved because the stadium would “not be safe and ready for occupancy by then.”

The state of the facility appeared to be lagging more than anyone predicted.

Davis said the setback — which was caused by winter delays and a subcontractor in charge of masonry going bankrupt — was concerning. The city was hoping to welcome football fans home with some finesse. Now the city is on the hook to recoup any losses — estimated at $1 million per home game — incurred by the delays.

“There’s another hundred items on the list, I’m sure,” Davis told the Star last month. “We want it done.”

In an attempt to catch up, some communities are looking for new ways to meet deadlines.

Earlier this month, the City of Hamilton amended a bylaw to allow construction crews to work from 6 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, to speed up the process.

Read it in full here (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/panamgames/2014/07/13/pan_am_games_hampered_by_facility_delays.html).

[SteelTown]

From this morning
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/C2BEB0A4-BA19-4279-B099-690E5E6061E0_zpsnfw3fopa.jpg

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Overall, I'm satisfied with the almost-final product but this shot makes this NEW stadium...
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/C2BEB0A4-BA19-4279-B099-690E5E6061E0_zps5ce59015.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/C2BEB0A4-BA19-4279-B099-690E5E6061E0_zps5ce59015.jpg.html)
...look an awful lot like Winnipeg's OLD stadium, Canad Inns (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=357548).
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/IMG_17682_zpsf27c0df5.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/IMG_17682_zpsf27c0df5.jpg.html)
Oh well > Beggars can't be choosers.

[king10]

true the exterior looks similar. cannot compare the amenities though. endzone patios, over 30 suites. press box facilities, club lounges, hospitality areas, scoreboard, washrooms, dressing rooms, training and medical areas, etc. etc. etc.

[Beedok]

Amazing to see a Winnipeg shot with more random commieblock apartments than the comparative Hamilton shot. :D

[FRM]

sorry if this has been asked already...

i was just wondering why is there a stadium being built for soccer for pan am games, when there is a perfectly good one in toronto ie. bmo field

can someone please explain what the games committee were thinking??

[DHLawrence]

BMO Field is being used for rugby sevens. They probably figured BMO's size would cater to rugby better while a larger stadium would be more suitable for the expected crowds for soccer. They get their larger venue, Hamilton gets a new CFL stadium (though not the one most here were hoping for). Almost a win-win.

[king10]

BMO Field is being used for rugby sevens. They probably figured BMO's size would cater to rugby better while a larger stadium would be more suitable for the expected crowds for soccer. They get their larger venue, Hamilton gets a new CFL stadium (though not the one most here were hoping for). Almost a win-win.

except BMO field has a capacity of 22 500 for TFC games and THF has 22 500 seats so they're the same size. Albeit THF has 1500 standing spots.

I still dont think they'll come close to selling out for the soccer matches though. The pan am games soccer turni usually consists of C level teams. The USA aren't even sending a team.

[drpgq]

sorry if this has been asked already...

i was just wondering why is there a stadium being built for soccer for pan am games, when there is a perfectly good one in toronto ie. bmo field

can someone please explain what the games committee were thinking??

Hamilton had to be included. Simple.

[Gurnett71]

Not to reopen old wounds of the West Harbour versus anywhere else, but an interesting article in the National Post today:

The troubling account of Ivor Wynne’s replacement stadium and legacy of the Pan Am Games

Republish Reprint
Sean Fitz-Gerald | July 24, 2014 8:42 PM ET

HAMILTON, ONT. – Nineteen days before it was scheduled to host its first Canadian Football League game, the new stadium was still a mess. Heavy rainfall the night before reduced a corner of the worksite to a muddy burial ground for construction detritus, while work in a drier corner belched plumes of dust over well-kept lawns in a blue-collar neighbourhood.

Residents had complained machinery was rumbling late into the night as workers raced to meet a completion deadline. It was supposed to be operational Saturday, less than a year before it hosts the full soccer schedule in the Pan American Games — its raison d’être — but very little has gone smoothly, because very little of the project has gone to plan.

So in a way, everything has unfolded just as it should.

The new stadium was effectively a gift from the upper levels of government after the Pan Am Games were secured, a multi-million dollar investment into part of Southern Ontario that could use a break. Hamilton city council saw it as a chance for city-building. Its plan was to position the shiny new bauble away from the hardscrabble part of town where Ivor Wynne Stadium had stood for more than 80 years, near what is now a raw strip of Barton Street East silhouetted at night by the fires from one of the last active mills.

A preferred site was in an area known as the west harbour. It was contaminated land, but it was only a few blocks from downtown, closer to a hub of public transit. Proponents for that site closed their eyes and dreamed of new businesses sprouting like seedlings nearby, eventually growing into the kind of urban renewal Hamilton has craved for decades.

Full article here: http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/07/24/the-troubling-account-of-ivor-wynnes-replacement-stadium-and-legacy-of-the-pan-am-games/

[Berklon]

Hard to argue with that article. The phrase that describes the whole thing is "missed opportunity". Bob Young and the city will learn a tough lesson here.

[durandy]

do we really need to have this debate again? This writer missed the due date for this article by what, 3 years? I rank this at the same level of Torstar 'Hamilton rising' articles.

[markbarbera]

...A preferred site was in an area known as the west harbour. It was contaminated land, but it was only a few blocks from downtown, closer to a hub of public transit. Proponents for that site closed their eyes and dreamed of new businesses sprouting like seedlings nearby, eventually growing into the kind of urban renewal Hamilton has craved for decades.


What utter hogwash. The potential for redeveloping the West Harbour has increased by not wasting such a prime redevelopment area by building a stadium there. The vision for this site is now as it was pre-Commonwealth Games/Pan Am Games dreaming, and as it should always have been: redevelopment of intensified residential and commercial properties that will generate property tax dollars for the city.

http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/DF368413-8483-4F31-93A2-6A06550C0E59/0/BartonTiffanyConceptPlan.pdf

[king10]

What utter hogwash. The potential for redeveloping the West Harbour has increased by not wasting such a prime redevelopment area by building a stadium there. The vision for this site is now as it was pre-Commonwealth Games/Pan Am Games dreaming, and as it should always have been: redevelopment of intensified residential and commercial properties that will generate property tax dollars for the city.

http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/DF368413-8483-4F31-93A2-6A06550C0E59/0/BartonTiffanyConceptPlan.pdf

fair enough. perhaps both could have co existed? regardless if ivor wynne hadn't stood on those grounds nobody in their right mind would say "hey lets build a stadium right in the middle of this 100 year old residential community bordered by public schools and housing on 3 sides" A compromise should have been agreed upon. Either confederation park(thanks city council) or perhaps the intersection of the Redhill and Linc. anything better than where it is now

Regardless no sense in crying over spilt milk. it is what it is. we need to make the best of a shitty situation. the city needs to do something to acquire the scott park land and turn it into some sort of commercial/ entertainment development that can make a profit even when its not game day

[bigguy1231]

What utter hogwash. The potential for redeveloping the West Harbour has increased by not wasting such a prime redevelopment area by building a stadium there. The vision for this site is now as it was pre-Commonwealth Games/Pan Am Games dreaming, and as it should always have been: redevelopment of intensified residential and commercial properties that will generate property tax dollars for the city.

http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/DF368413-8483-4F31-93A2-6A06550C0E59/0/BartonTiffanyConceptPlan.pdf

Despite all the grand plans nothing will be built there in the near future, unless of course the city pays for it. With all of the restrictions in place no developer worth anything will touch the area, it won't be profitable enough to be worth it. The only thing we might see in that area in the near future is public housing.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

I dunno, I think it's pretty good timing for a little retrospective.

At the time, I favoured the West Harbour but that was more as a result of the total lack of better options. That's where the City buggered this up > Falling in love with a single option without properly investigating some reasonable Plan Bs.

Anyway, I suppose this debacle is further evidence that compromise truly is the worst possible solution for both parties > in business, in politics, in relationships, etc.

I'm still really dubious that THF will be ready by Labour Day. Some are whispering the Cats will be lucky to play a single game there this season.

[ScreamingViking]

At the time, I favoured the West Harbour but that was more as a result of the total lack of better options. That's where the City buggered this up > Falling in love with a single option without properly investigating some reasonable Plan Bs.

I'm with you about that. The process should have begun with a complete and consistent assessment of a range of sites, instead of the piecemeal approach taken after the Ti-Cats balked at the city's preferred site. Maybe it would have resulted in the same preference, but we'll never know.

And I think West Harbour will still see positive change, in the near future.

I also think it's time people start looking at the Barton corridor through a more optimistic lens. It may take a while, but it can become a busy and vibrant street again, especially if the city makes advances in brownfield redevelopment throughout the north end. An improved King St. corridor should be a priority too (regardless of what happens with the LRT issue)

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Barton, Cannon, Wilson, King, Main...there's no end to it. Not that I'm overwhelmed or anything. ;-)

[HillStreetBlues]

I also think it's time people start looking at the Barton corridor through a more optimistic lens. It may take a while, but it can become a busy and vibrant street again, especially if the city makes advances in brownfield redevelopment throughout the north end.

I think you're completely right about this. But that is a very big "if."

[thomax]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Btekg4wIAAAsqWM.jpg:large
Source (https://twitter.com/urbanmoon/status/493043570224275457/photo/1)

[Berklon]

Wow, that really shows how far off they were from hitting their opening date.

It also shows that an August 16th opening isn't going to happen, and that Labour Day looks pretty iffy.

[MolsonExport]

Like their donuts, the field will never be fresh, but made at Maidstone bakeries in Brantford.

[ihateittoo]

at least the old winnipeg stadium had a roof overhang....

[Dr Awesomesauce]

After the goal posts go in it's just a bit of sweeping and Windex to get things ready. ;)

[king10]

After the goal posts go in it's just a bit of sweeping and Windex to get things ready. ;)

that pic is a week old, goal posts have been in for a while now. guess we just need that windex :haha:

[drpgq]

I was by on Sunday and saw seven workers (that's all I could see from the North fences). I've been by on plenty of other Sundays and that's the first time I've seen people working on Sunday.

[markbarbera]

I am wondering how many of the people watching and secretly hoping for prolonged delays to the stadium's opening also eagerly watch the RHVP every time there's a heavy rainfall, secretly hoping for flooding to take place.

[DavefromSt.Vital]

I drove completely around the stadium on Sunday and saw those same seven workers.

[durandy]

I am wondering how many of the people watching and secretly hoping for prolonged delays to the stadium's opening also eagerly watch the RHVP every time there's a heavy rainfall, secretly hoping for flooding to take place.

At $2 million per game lost I'm sure Bob Young is one of those people

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^I don't understand how these deals get done. After all the public monies spent on this project, how do the Ti-Cats end up walking away with $$$? Welcome to the world of sports/ corporate handouts.

[BCTed]

^I don't understand how these deals get done. After all the public monies spent on this project, how do the Ti-Cats end up walking away with $$$? Welcome to the world of sports/ corporate handouts.

The Tiger-Cats were assured a home by a given date and they were not provided that home by that date and were fortunate enough to have the foresight to set up a clause in the deal.

I hardly think that the $1 million per game is a handout --- A) It is not being paid out by the public, and B) I do not believe the Ti-Cats are making out like bandits on this deal.

[Gurnett71]

Stadium won’t be ready for August football

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4731850-stadium-won-t-be-ready-for-august-football/

[durandy]

"The Tiger-Cats have a lease with the city calling for $1 million in damages for every missed home game in the new stadium due to construction delays. The city will pursue those damages on behalf of the team from Infrastructure Ontario and the contractor."

so city not on the hook for the $1 million but they have to pursue one or the other of the negligent parties for the money? ie they have to pay the legal bill, which in something like this could easily reach 7 figures. And if IO could be liable it's basically four public bodies, the province, fed, municipality, and IO, that are on the hook for this stupid stadium.

[Optimist]

Well the Tiger-Cats weren't stupid in that case. ;)

[LikeHamilton]

Labour Day at Tim Hortons Field “a real stretch”

AM 900 CHML Rick Zamperin August 15, 2014 08:11 am

A Hamilton councillor says it will be “a real stretch” to have Tim Hortons Field ready for the Labour Day Classic.

Lloyd Ferguson tells the CBC “there’s a 75 per cent chance” that it will be ready in time.

Ferguson, who toured the stadium last week, admits he was surprised to see the amount of work that still needs to be done.

He says he doubts there will be concession stands, adding the priority now is health, fire and safety.

But guard rails and hand railings have not been completed and elevator installation has yet to be finished.

The Tiger-Cats are set to host the Toronto Argonauts on September 1 after stadium construction delays forced the team to play its first three home games at McMaster University.

The original plan was to have Tim Hortons Field completed by June 30.

The construction company has assured the team and city that it will meet the Labour Day deadline.

(CBC)

[LikeHamilton]

Stadium being ready for Labour Day will be 'a stretch': Ferguson

By Samantha Craggs, CBC News Posted: Aug 15, 2014 7:25 AM ET

Builders have promised that the new Tim Hortons Field stadium will be finished by Labour Day, but a city councillor and veteran of the construction industry says he has his doubts.

Coun. Lloyd Ferguson of Ancaster heads the city’s Pan Am subcommittee. He took a tour of the stadium last week after the opening date was delayed until early December — the latest delay in a $145-million project.

Based on what he saw, Ferguson estimates there’s only a “75-per cent chance” the stadium will be done for the Labour Day Classic, when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats play the Toronto Argonauts.

“There’s so much work there,” said Ferguson, who spent more than 30 years in the construction industry. “There may be less than a 75-per cent chance.

“I was surprised by how much work there is left to be done.”

The consortium Ontario Sports Solutions (OSS) is building the 22,500-seat stadium, which falls under Infrastructure Ontario (IO). The stadium replaces the former Ivor Wynne stadium. In addition to being the home base for the Tiger-Cats, it will host the soccer games for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

Organizers first reported a two-week delay in January, citing issues with subcontractors and a late December ice storm. That estimate lengthened to six weeks over the spring. By the June 30 deadline, OSS hoped the stadium would be finished by the first Tiger-Cats home game on July 26. OSS now estimates it will be open by Labour Day.

In the meantime, the Tiger-Cats are playing at McMaster University, which caused the team to miss out on a major ESPN broadcast. An agreement dictates that IO pays the Tiger-Cats $1 million per missed home game. As of Aug. 16, they will miss three.

If the stadium opens by Labour Day, Ferguson said, there’s lots that won’t be done. For example, he said, there won’t be concession stands. The priority now is health, fire and safety.

“It’s going to be a real stretch to be ready,” he said. “I’m not saying it won’t. I’m saying it’ll be a stretch.”

Maintenance and electrical workers are doing double shifts to ready the stadium, said Terence Foran, IO spokesperson.

IO is withholding $89 million of the project until OSS completes it, he said. That’s the only penalty currently in place for the late finish.

“Based on conversations with OSS, they’ve assured us they’ll meet the Labour Day Classic game,” he said.

Outstanding work includes:


Guard rails and hand railings.
Electrical systems such as broadcast cabling and mechanical systems such as bathroom fixtures.
Elevator installation.
Concessions (food services) equipment installation.


If the stadium isn’t ready for by Labour Day, Ferguson said, he’ll be upset.

“That’s putting it mildly,” he said. “I’m upset anyway. They made it clear in their contract that it would be ready by June 30, and they’re not.”

[Jon Dalton]

Oh well, maybe next year.

[bigguy1231]

So basically the Ticats aren't going to have anywhere to play on Labor day since Mac's season starts that day with a home game. Maybe they could play it in Moncton or one of those other city's they threatened to move to.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

Occupancy permit has been issued and the game tomorrow is a go!!

Looking good the night before

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwaKJ8oCQAEWcWY.jpg:medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwaKJ9lCIAE-Ahw.jpg:medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwaKJ8dCIAA0A4t.jpg:medium

[king10]

wow looks great at night. great bang for our buck

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Yes, emphasis on our.

[BCTed]

Yes, emphasis on our.

It is also our stadium.