Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[Djeffery]

That looks a lot bigger than 25k seats, even if it was just the lower bowl. Looks very mid-level NCAA. Those other 2 look NFL level to me, I get Raymond James and Arrowhead vibes from them (might be the red lol).

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

That looks a lot bigger than 25k seats, even if it was just the lower bowl. Looks very mid-level NCAA. Those other 2 look NFL level to me, I get Raymond James and Arrowhead vibes from them (might be the red lol).

The AI robot doesn't listen very well (shape of things to come?) I asked it to remove the endzone upper deck seats and it didn't.

I wish I could remember where I created the first set because they are much better than the ChatGPT where I did it now.

Have to say I really like the exterior of the first two

[elly63]

Originally Posted by elly63

BTW don't crap on BMO, some people think that's the greatest stadium ever designed, much better than they have in those hick towns like Regina and Winnipeg.

TSN really had the ol' drones flying around showing off Mosaic, I'm sure they'll do the same next week in the Peg.

[Oilkountry]

Originally Posted by craner

I think it's a pretty substantial renovation of Copps - no ?
I say "definitely go to the bother".

Is it though?

Its a concourse refresh, new seats and some paint on the facade.

[Oilkountry]

Originally Posted by elly63

I have gone back and forth on this subject for years and still can't convince myself of a right answer.

First a little story. There are many naysayers who aren't as polite as this poster who argued/trolled when I stated the the stadium was a landmark in Montreal.

I have just ordered a video projector that is being delivered by Intelcom. They have an animation of a truck driving across the country. In Toronto, the drawing shows the SkyDome and CN Tower. For Montreal, the chosen symbols were the Mount Royal cross and the Big O. So I think it is fair to say the stadium is a landmark

Honestly man....enough.

The big O is not an important landmark in anyway. I would argue BC place isn't "iconic" but it is far more iconic that The big O. Its iconic to the people of Montreal and thats where it ends. The problem with Quebec is you guys like to beleive you're up there with France in terms of global notoriety, like Montreal is an extension of paris. Nobody and I mean nobody outside of Montreal gives a crap about the Big O and the ones that do understand its history think its an embarrassment as they should. It serves little to no purpose in your community. 2 Billion dollar boat show venue. Your stuck with it only because its too expensive to demolish. Pure plain and simple. Its a monstrosity that looks like it was built in the 30s.

If they somehow convinced the CFL and MLS to play in it and it was SUITABLE for those perspective leagues with a complete interior tear down and renovation...sure, its BC place without the addition to the skyline.

Stop trying to convince yourself/us a roof that costs 3x more than a CFL stadium and over half an NFL Stadium for a tendantless, antiquated building is a good idea based on some Companies logo that resells alibaba projectors.

Nobody under 45 knows what the big O is. You act like its the fenway park of canada. Quebecs delusion that they are a globally renouned destination Is actually annoying. The BC place comparisons are laughable. 2 pro sports teams, Its place in Vancouvers Skyline, Modern enough bowl design to justify it. And a complete renovation for 200M less than just a roof for one of the ugliest sports venues ever constructed

[elly63]

Is that you Blackdog?

[J.OT13]

Update on the LeBreton NHL Arena:

https://ottawasun.com/ottawa-senator...ports&tbref=hp

The highlights:

• Sens will not be asking the City to contribute financially to build the arena, but may ask for some sort of PPP, similar to the Sensplex projects (Sens built the community rinks, City rents ice time).
• Sounds like $37 million was the purchase price for the land. Earlier reports said $30 million.
• The Sens were looking at two or three other sites in case LeBreton fell through.
• Sens are hoping to have something to show the fans by the end of the calendar year, presumably a site plan with specific uses and/or renderings.

[trueviking]

I will see it when I believe it...a P3 is not the same as privately funded.

[MalcolmTucker]

Originally Posted by trueviking

I will see it when I believe it...a P3 is not the same as privately funded.

Yeah.

It could end up like a hybrid between Seattle's deal and Calgary's.

Scouring for incremental revenues the arena will 'cause' - parking revenues, tax and fee revenue, new developments within a zone, and dedicating it to pay arena costs.

Municipal financing to provide longer term bonds at lower rates.

Right of first refusal to a bunch of planned development sites.

[Djeffery]

BC Place and Olympic Stadium are both important to their city, but it's laughable to suggest either is iconic or important to the rest of the country.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

BC Place and Olympic Stadium are both important to their city, but it's laughable to suggest either is iconic or important to the rest of the country.

The only person who suggested that was Blackdog. But to suggest it isn't iconic to Montreal is ridiculous.

[Berklon]

Originally Posted by Oilkountry

Is it though?

Its a concourse refresh, new seats and some paint on the facade.

More details:

Key renovations include a new facade, a completely stripped and re-seated arena bowl, improved sightlines, enhanced acoustics, new premium suites including unique floor-level suites, transformed concourse areas, and upgraded food and beverage facilities. The project also includes adding new restaurants and lounges, new food concepts, and upgraded elevators and restrooms.

[king10]

Originally Posted by Oilkountry

Is it though?

Its a concourse refresh, new seats and some paint on the facade.

It is though

[king10]

Originally Posted by Oilkountry

Honestly man....enough.

The big O is not an important landmark in anyway. I would argue BC place isn't "iconic" but it is far more iconic that The big O. Its iconic to the people of Montreal and thats where it ends. The problem with Quebec is you guys like to beleive you're up there with France in terms of global notoriety, like Montreal is an extension of paris. Nobody and I mean nobody outside of Montreal gives a crap about the Big O and the ones that do understand its history think its an embarrassment as they should. It serves little to no purpose in your community. 2 Billion dollar boat show venue. Your stuck with it only because its too expensive to demolish. Pure plain and simple. Its a monstrosity that looks like it was built in the 30s.

If they somehow convinced the CFL and MLS to play in it and it was SUITABLE for those perspective leagues with a complete interior tear down and renovation...sure, its BC place without the addition to the skyline.

Stop trying to convince yourself/us a roof that costs 3x more than a CFL stadium and over half an NFL Stadium for a tendantless, antiquated building is a good idea based on some Companies logo that resells alibaba projectors.

Nobody under 45 knows what the big O is. You act like its the fenway park of canada. Quebecs delusion that they are a globally renouned destination Is actually annoying. The BC place comparisons are laughable. 2 pro sports teams, Its place in Vancouvers Skyline, Modern enough bowl design to justify it. And a complete renovation for 200M less than just a roof for one of the ugliest sports venues ever constructed

I live in Hamilton, am under 45 and I care about the big O so looks like your statement is wrong.

To be honest, it sounds like you’re really fired up and have it out for Quebec and France? Why so angry?

[Nashe]

Originally Posted by Oilkountry

The big O is not an important landmark in anyway. I would argue BC place isn't "iconic" but it is far more iconic that The big O. Its iconic to the people of Montreal and thats where it ends. The problem with Quebec is you guys like to beleive you're up there with France in terms of global notoriety, like Montreal is an extension of paris. Nobody and I mean nobody outside of Montreal gives a crap about the Big O and the ones that do understand its history think its an embarrassment as they should. It serves little to no purpose in your community. 2 Billion dollar boat show venue. Your stuck with it only because its too expensive to demolish. Pure plain and simple. Its a monstrosity that looks like it was built in the 30s.

I don't live in Quebec but whenever I think of an iconized Montreal skyline it has the Olympic Stadium "tower".

That doesn't mean it wasn't/isn't a money pit, but I think your rant was a bit emotional.

Heck, even Google's AI thinks it's iconic:

"What is the most famous stadium in Canada?"

The Olympic Stadium in Montreal is arguably Canada's most famous stadium due to its iconic architecture, hosting the 1976 Summer Olympics, and its historical association with major sporting events and teams. While its initial construction and subsequent costs led to the nickname "the Big Owe," the stadium's large capacity, including its status as the largest by seating capacity, and its place in Olympic history make it a uniquely famous Canadian venue.

Reasons for its fame:

Olympic Legacy:
The stadium was the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympics, a historic global event that put it on the international map.

Architectural Uniqueness:
Its distinctive shape, resembling a doughnut, gave it the nickname "the Big O" and makes it an easily recognizable landmark.

"The Big Owe":
The stadium's nickname also reflects the significant cost overruns associated with its construction and the broader cost of the Olympic Games.

Sporting History:
It has hosted major sporting events and was home to professional baseball and football teams in the past, contributing to its storied history.

Size and Versatility:
As the largest stadium by seating capacity, it can accommodate a significant number of spectators for various events, though its use has varied over the years.

So... I guess I'll give you... "arguably"?

[MonctonRad]

The "Big Owe" is a millstone around the neck of the taxpayers of Montreal, the province of Quebec and indeed all of Canada, no question.

Was it a boondoggle? Yes - absolutely.

But it is an important symbol for the city of Montreal, and arguably all of Quebec. It is the single most important vestige of the Montreal Olympic Games (which will likely be the only summer Olympics to be held in Canada for a very long time). The Olympic Stadium therefore is a future historic site of national importance, and should be preserved and supported.

In terms of architectural symbols of Canada, Stade Olympique is right up there with the CN Tower, the Parliament Buildings, the Chateau Frontenac and the Banff Springs Hotel.

[J.OT13]

Agreed. Olympic Stadium is an icon of Montreal. Ironic though that the tower wasn't even completed (no more than a stump) during the Olympic Games of 1976. It wasn't completed until 1987.

BC Place, though an iconic piece of the Vancouver skyline (and attractive piece since the renovations) would probably not be recognizable to 90% of Canadians.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Agreed. Olympic Stadium is an icon of Montreal. Ironic though that the tower wasn't even completed (no more than a stump) during the Olympic Games of 1976. It wasn't completed until 1987.

The tower itself is a popular tourist attraction and successful business complex.

The original post was some sort of bad attempt at... something

[logan5]

After it hosts a couple Team Canada matches at the World Cup, and a huge round of 16 match, BC Place will be etched into Canadian history.

Olympic Stadium hosted the Olympics 50 years ago, and went downhill from there.

BC Place will be on postage stamps probly. (joking).

[Denscity]

Originally Posted by elly63

Is that you Blackdog?

Ha ya definitely Alberta vibes.