Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[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.

[blueandgoldguy]

Is the Olympic Pool at the Olympic Stadium used pretty much year-round by the public? People seem to forget that is also part of the structure.

Is it used for any regional or provincial swimming/diving competitions that can draw small crowds of 1000 - 2000? The stands are still there, are they not?

Looks great to my eye.

https://sports.mtl.org/en/plan/sports-facilities/olympic-park-sports-centre-montreal

[WhipperSnapper]

They have global events there. There was a world cup a few months ago.

[Oilkountry]

Demolish the lower stands and expand the concourses by bringing the new stands closer to the field, Leave 5 rows on the upper level on each side build a wall with patios behind those upper level seats so they can be utilized on big events (or dont).That stadium would feel great at 35-40K and would be highly expandable in the endzones and upper level for grey cups ect.

[thurmas]

Even 35 k is way too big for Alouettes and CF Montreal most nights. Montreal fans are some of the most fickle on the planet things that do do well there are always downtown be it jazz fest f1 races just for laughs when the Alouettes were winning with Calvillo could sell out Molson. The big o is much much harder.

[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.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by thurmas

Even 35 k is way too big for Alouettes and CF Montreal most nights.

I think you have to leave a little room for big events. 20k in a 30-35k stadium is a big difference compared to a 50-60k stadium.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Oilkountry

Demolish the lower stands and expand the concourses by bringing the new stands closer to the field, Leave 5 rows on the upper level on each side build a wall with patios behind those upper level seats so they can be utilized on big events (or dont).That stadium would feel great at 35-40K and would be highly expandable in the endzones and upper level for grey cups ect.

That's kinda along the lines I am thinking. It would be interesting to hear what the story below (posted here previously) was all about.

An ultra-modern stadium?
A virtual tour of the new Olympic Stadium gets people talking!
Jeremy Filosa 98.5 Sports March 20, 2023

The Olympic Stadium will experience major changes over the next few years. Originally planned, among other things, to host the 2026 World Cup, the stadium will undergo a major transformation.

[elly63]

• Video Link

As an aside, I used to work with the reporter from CNN. I think she was from Burlington originally.

[craner]

This talk of the Expos and the recent Blue Jays games in Seattle, with all the Canadians that made the trip, got me thinking. Perhaps the next Canadian MLB team should be in Vancouver (not Montreal).
That said, I’m sure there are numerous US cities that would be considered for expansion well ahead of another Canadian team.

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by craner

This talk of the Expos and the recent Blue Jays games in Seattle, with all the Canadians that made the trip, got me thinking. Perhaps the next Canadian MLB team should be in Vancouver (not Montreal).
That said, I’m sure there are numerous US cities that would be considered for expansion well ahead of another Canadian team.

Nashville is pretty much a lock for a team. Then you have Portland, Charlotte, Salt Lake City being talked about. Whether any of them are better than Montreal, who knows. Someone in Montreal has to step up with a big fat checkbook though. It always struck me as obvious that Bell would see what Rogers has done with the Jays and try to do the same in Montreal, but Rogers also bought in at fire sale prices. Is Bell going to write a check for 3-4B for a team and stadium? Doubtful. But then again, they might end up with a wad of sports ownership cash available in the coming rumoured MLSE fight.

None of this happens until Tampa is sorted out and when a firm deal is in place for the A's to move to Vegas. When all the Tampa to Montreal talk started, it was all hypothetical because of how far down the road their lease at Tropicana extended. 4 or 5 years later now, that 2027 lease expiry isn't so far away. They have to get their shit together soon or maybe they make a deal in Nashville or elsewhere. But I've also heard it speculated in sports media that should Oakland and Tampa lose their teams, that they will end up top of the list for expansion teams because they figure those cities will taste that bitter pill and get the new stadiums developed. Whether there is anything to that though, who knows.

[thurmas]

Originally Posted by craner

This talk of the Expos and the recent Blue Jays games in Seattle, with all the Canadians that made the trip, got me thinking. Perhaps the next Canadian MLB team should be in Vancouver (not Montreal).
That said, I’m sure there are numerous US cities that would be considered for expansion well ahead of another Canadian team.

Canada will likely never get a team in one of the big 4 leagues again due to the absurd stadia costs weak cdn dollar and massive expansion fees now. Mlb will likely expand to Nashville and Charlotte

[esquire]

Originally Posted by thurmas

Canada will likely never get a team in one of the big 4 leagues again due to the absurd stadia costs weak cdn dollar and massive expansion fees now. Mlb will likely expand to Nashville and Charlotte

Never say never. Canada could easily accommodate another NHL team or two when circumstances improve. The CAD hit par with the USD and Winnipeg suddenly got a team.

The other 3 though are long shots, I'll agree with you there. Even the "NFL to Toronto" talk you used to hear about 15 years ago has been dead silent lately. No one takes MLB to Montreal or NBA to Vancouver talk very seriously right now either.

[thebasketballgeek]

Imo Montreal should go for the NBA team and Vancouver should try for the MLB.

Vancouver has better weather and with its natural beauty could be a legitimate free agent destination for baseball players. The lack of ballpark and land would be the biggest hindrance, but would be very interesting.

While Montreal has developed more NBA talent recently. Bell wouldn't even need a new arena for the NBA team because Bell Centre for sure fits the specs. Montreal also can be a draw for players who want world-class nightlife and vibrancy that is really unmatched outside of NYC in NA.

With with the way Canada's population is growing and talent is developing, more teams in the big 4 seems like an inevitability rather then a distant dream.

[Djeffery]

I think the Habs ownership owns the arena so you would need them involved in ownership of the NBA team to have it make sense. I can't see anyone paying NBA expansion prices and being a tenant in their arena. I don't know if Geoff Molson has the pockets to buy an NBA team himself.

[thurmas]

You have to follow sports business news there is zero push in the local business communities in Montreal or Vancouver to land teams. Compared to the efforts in markets like Charlotte and Nashville that are pushing hard for teams and willing to build facilities.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

I think the Habs ownership owns the arena so you would need them involved in ownership of the NBA team to have it make sense. I can't see anyone paying NBA expansion prices and being a tenant in their arena. I don't know if Geoff Molson has the pockets to buy an NBA team himself.

And Molson might be $200 million+ poorer once he buys Andlauer's shares in the Canadians.

Fascinating how sports team owners nowadays want to own or have full control of their arena/stadium without paying for it.