Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[thurmas]

I have real reservations an updated big o would not kill the Alouettes. A run down molson still seems a better option being downtown in the summer

[elly63]

Originally Posted by thurmas

I have real reservations an updated big o would not kill the Alouettes. A run down molson still seems a better option being downtown in the summer

To me the only acceptable internal renovation would be to gut much of the interior and lower capacity to 30-35k which of course would be an outrageous cost. I think if they can get the roof done, have a year round facility and save it for special CFL/MLS games and then see what happens. And then they could see if they wanted to go full hog on the interior.

[WhipperSnapper]

Special CFL and MLS games. Sounds like a worst deal than spending $2 billion for 8 NFL games.

[thurmas]

Can probably spend 300 million on molson renovation and kick the can on big o and get more out of it if molson could host mls after a reno

[elly63]

Originally Posted by thurmas

Can probably spend 300 million on molson renovation and kick the can on big o and get more out of it if molson could host mls after a reno

I don't think there is much you can do to Molson. I'm not even sure if the benches can be replaced (similar to Ivor Wynne) And even though Bob Wetenhall put money into it, the university owns (and controls) it so why would Peladeau bother with that as he wants out (as does Saputo) Frankly I don't see why they can't combine to build a 30-35 k dome stadium. Molson stays as the university facility, make Saputo a public for rent field (with a winter bubble) and let the Big O do what it has been doing.

[WhipperSnapper]

What has the Big O been doing since the Expos left? A return of the Expos will include the provision for a new stadium alongside a restored Olympic sized stadium and a new 35,000 seat domed soccer/football stadium.

[Djeffery]

As someone else said, you can gut the interior and cut the seating capacity, but you still have that massive structure. I've never been inside BC Place with the curtains, but when I see it on TV, it still looks like a massive stadium with curtains. I can't imagine the Big O would have the feel of a 35k seat stadium inside no matter how much money you throw at it.

I think they need to figure out what it's going to be used for. If big concerts, monster truck and trade shows are its future, then do the roof and leave the rest as is. I'm assuming from other comments that the tower isn't viable without the stadium under it?

[thurmas]

Its a poison pill Legault will have to decide on either option is terrible. With him cutting the third line project a few months ago to Quebec City due to cost overruns my instinct is its unlikely he will be willing to spend more on the big o and agree to the massive new roof overhaul.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by thurmas

Its a poison pill Legault will have to decide on either option is terrible.

While I agree with this, even if they spend big money, and like BC Place, it is done well, I don't think people will complain. People are basing the future on a past of failures so they have to get it right and everybody knows that. To pull it off would be a real shot in the arm and boost of confidence. I saw more naysayers at these sites when we went on that stadium construction boom, and little Regina (and Winnipeg) thinking big. Was that regrettable, I think not.