Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Acajack

I believe BMO Field in Toronto is technically Canada's national stadium, or at least Canada's national *soccer* stadium. That was the justification used to get federal money for it.

Indeed, but I am referring to the possibility of a national track & field stadium. A track & field stadium would have to have natural turf on the infield, which in turn would justify a retractable roof.

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Some countries have "national track & field stadiums." Maybe we should designate Olympic Stadium as Canada's national stadium and throw some federal money at it for upkeep. I would actually be cool with this.

It would at least give the "Big Owe" a reason for existence.

It has always struck me that role would fall to Edmonton, at least unofficially. I was surprised to see its been over 20 years since they had the IAAF Worlds there as they seem more recent than that to me, but I'm sure in the intervening years there have been lower tier track events there, like World and Olympics trials and such. They've taken the track out but I'm sure it can (maybe even has) be put in place again since I don't think they've changed the structure of the stadium at field level.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Some countries have "national track & field stadiums." Maybe we should designate Olympic Stadium as Canada's national stadium and throw some federal money at it for upkeep. I would actually be cool with this.

It would at least give the "Big Owe" a reason for existence.

That's probably the best idea I've heard yet for Olympic Stadium. I get the impression that it's something Montreal would get behind too... having one or two somewhat glamourous IAAF event a year like the Diamond League or whatever (plus some smaller regional athletics events) would suit the sporting tastes of Montreal's citizens, and it would give Canada a proper top-tier athletics facility with an Olympic pedigree.

I assume that this would still leave the door open to hosting major football and soccer games, concerts, and of course, the all important boat and home shows.

Obviously it would cost a fortune but at least once the money is spent, Olympic Stadium would be fulfilling a useful role.

[thurmas]

That might be the best role for it actually if it can join the European track circuit of cities host the odd rugby or soccer tournament ect.. and one big cf montreal or alouettes game a year.

[Airboy]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

It has always struck me that role would fall to Edmonton, at least unofficially. I was surprised to see its been over 20 years since they had the IAAF Worlds there as they seem more recent than that to me, but I'm sure in the intervening years there have been lower tier track events there, like World and Olympics trials and such. They've taken the track out but I'm sure it can (maybe even has) be put in place again since I don't think they've changed the structure of the stadium at field level.

Lar event there I believe was the World Master Games in 2005 ish. Was also the Last Large Multi Sport Games here. And we did get at least one new facility out of in. (The Teford Lake Rowing and Canoeing Location in Leduc.) Now the Leduc Boat club.

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by elly63

How about Alberta throwing that $300 million to Calgary and get a new stadium there. Please note the proper use of the quote function.

Nah, the GOA is already gifting that much in new arena funding, so it's only fair Commonwealth gets that much for upgrades as well.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Harrison

Nah, the GOA is already gifting that much in new arena funding, so it's only fair Commonwealth gets that much for upgrades as well.

Too many Dippers in Edmonton.

[esquire]

There have never to my knowledge been any structural alterations to Commonwealth that would prevent track events from being held there. They'd just have to spend some money putting the track back in. I guess grass would need to be put in as well. It wouldn't be cheap, but it could be done.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by Acajack

I believe BMO Field in Toronto is technically Canada's national stadium, or at least Canada's national *soccer* stadium. That was the justification used to get federal money for it.

Sorry but you'll find out it's BC Place when we get the only Top 16 game in Canada of the FIFA 2026 tournament.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Acajack

I believe BMO Field in Toronto is technically Canada's national stadium, or at least Canada's national *soccer* stadium. That was the justification used to get federal money for it.

Yeah, I'm sorry but BMO is one of the most boring major league stadium in Canada. Saputo is the only one uglier, and Tim Hortons is the only one possibly more boring.

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Sorry but you'll find out it's BC Place when we get the only Top 16 game in Canada of the FIFA 2026 tournament.

Yeah, BC Place I would be proud to have as our National Stadium if the Big "O" is out of the running. Commonwealth would be my number 2 choice, followed by Mosaic (if we're talking generally, not soccer necessarily), which has the most NFL vibe.

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by Airboy

Lar event there I believe was the World Master Games in 2005 ish. Was also the Last Large Multi Sport Games here. And we did get at least one new facility out of in. (The Teford Lake Rowing and Canoeing Location in Leduc.) Now the Leduc Boat club.

Well colour me shocked lol, but 2001 only seems like 5 years ago sometimes too lol. Commonwealth still strikes me as the place to put an event in Canada if you want a crowd. Why Edmonton isn't part of FIFA 2026 mystifies me, especially after Nov 2021.

[Oilkountry]

Originally Posted by elly63

How about Alberta throwing that $300 million to Calgary and get a new stadium there. Please note the proper use of the quote function.

First of all, I wasn't replying to anyone so no need to practice the "proper use of the quote function" (such a geeky statement) it was just a general comment.

Secondly why are you being so hostile over a stadium reno suggestion on an arena and stadium forum? Had a bad day?

Lastly, Because Alberta is already sinking 300+ million into an arena for the flames i think if anyone in Alberta deserves public funds for sports infrastructure its Edmonton

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Oilkountry

First of all, I wasn't replying to anyone so no need to practice the "proper use of the quote function" (such a geeky statement) it was just a general comment.

Secondly why are you being so hostile over a stadium reno suggestion on an arena and stadium forum? Had a bad day?

Lastly, Because Alberta is already sinking 300+ million into an arena for the flames i think if anyone in Alberta deserves public funds for sports infrastructure its Edmonton

Paranoid much? My quote comment wasn't directed at you, it was for the people who regularly don't edit their quotes and we get to see your oversized pictures four more times.

I also wasn't being hostile about your suggestion, I would rather see if their was $300 million to spend that it go into a new stadium for Calgary rather than Commonwealth which is holding up well.

And lastly I am fully aware Calgary is getting money for a new arena but actually needs money for a new stadium as well. There, all that said and without childish emoticons too.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

Well colour me shocked lol, but 2001 only seems like 5 years ago sometimes too lol. Commonwealth still strikes me as the place to put an event in Canada if you want a crowd. Why Edmonton isn't part of FIFA 2026 mystifies me, especially after Nov 2021.

Exposure vis a vis Van, lack of city sexiness, lack of top tier hotels, lack of airline connections, lack of stadium facilities/VIP spaces/boxes.

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by elly63

Paranoid much? My quote comment wasn't directed at you, it was for the people who regularly don't edit their quotes and we get to see your oversized pictures four more times.

Paranoid? You literally said that in a single line, 2 sentence reply quoting him. Why wouldn't he take it as directed at him?

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by Djeffery

Well colour me shocked lol, but 2001 only seems like 5 years ago sometimes too lol. Commonwealth still strikes me as the place to put an event in Canada if you want a crowd. Why Edmonton isn't part of FIFA 2026 mystifies me, especially after Nov 2021.

Don't disagree with the general point and I think Edmonton would have done great hosting some WC games, but attendance isn't really a concern for any WC games at this point, no matter where they're hosted. It'll be packed in Vancouver for sure.

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by esquire

That's probably the best idea I've heard yet for Olympic Stadium. I get the impression that it's something Montreal would get behind too... having one or two somewhat glamourous IAAF event a year like the Diamond League or whatever (plus some smaller regional athletics events) would suit the sporting tastes of Montreal's citizens, and it would give Canada a proper top-tier athletics facility with an Olympic pedigree.

I assume that this would still leave the door open to hosting major football and soccer games, concerts, and of course, the all important boat and home shows.

Obviously it would cost a fortune but at least once the money is spent, Olympic Stadium would be fulfilling a useful role.

I understand your love affair with stadiums and the exorbitant costs of them are seemingly arbitrary. Olympic Stadium is arguably the grandest stadium landmark in Canada. It's sad to see it in disuse. This is a new level of fandom saying turning Olympic Stadium into a federally funded track and field venue as the best idea. It's almost as bad as the fed program that pays wealthy employers half the foreign workers wages so that my kid will have no chance at a crappy retail job once she reaches age in a few years time.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper

I understand your love affair with stadiums and the exorbitant costs of them are seemingly arbitrary. Olympic Stadium is arguably the grandest stadium landmark in Canada. It's sad to see it in disuse. This is a new level of fandom saying turning Olympic Stadium into a federally funded track and field venue as the best idea. It's almost as bad as the fed program that pays wealthy employers half the foreign workers wages so that my kid will have no chance at a crappy retail job once she reaches age in a few years time.

So what do you propose as an alternative? Bearing in mind that Quebec seems 100% intent on keeping it standing. Expanded Biodome?

There is no cheap way out of this. As has been pointed out, even demolition will cost an exorbitant amount of money. All the options for it suck to some extent, but the one that MonctonRad proposed sucks the least out of any of the ones that I've heard.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by esquire

So what do you propose as an alternative? Bearing in mind that Quebec seems 100% intent on keeping it standing. Expanded Biodome?

Think of the awesome blue whale exhibit they could create by filling the stadium's bowl with water!

How come no one ever comes to us for our ideas?

[Coldrsx]

McMahon from afar.