Halifax Stadium Discussion

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by -Harlington-

Peter kelly changed his status to where should the stadium be built?
and thank go he did because the comments on the last one were really starting to piss me off because of the stupidity of some people in this city, at least this time we are getting more positive comments most of which say build it far from the city or shannon park
but hey, at least were getting somewhere
i hope we can get some more positive comments on there to show that halifax really wants this!

Do you have to be "friends" with him to comment?
I would love to add something positive but respectful, but to be honest I am not sure I want to be listed as a "friend" LOL

[-Harlington-]

it depends on his privacy settings if you can comment or not but i added him, he accepted pretty quick to and im sure its not that bad to be ''friends'' ahaha,

[terrynorthend]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

What ticks me off is that there are a lot of Haligonian participants on this forum who constantly come up with reasons why they think the CFL wouldn't work in Moncton rather than listing the reasons why they think the CFL would work in Halifax.

Stop crapping on Moncton and I'll play nice too!

Ha ha, in my case at least, its because I don't necessarily think the CFL would work in Halifax either I'm an equal opportunity crapper!

[terrynorthend]

Originally Posted by someone123

My opinion is still that the stadium issue in Halifax was set back mainly by the Commonwealth Games bid. That was 5 years ago now so we might start to see some renewed interest from governments once the current round of capital projects is done.

This is spot on Someone123. The lack of impetus to "step-up" in Halifax as of late is more a function of the Commonwealth Games bid fallout. For a couple of years following the bid collapse, the stadium discussion was a politically radioactive football (pun intended). Lets hope that enough time has passed to allow for constructive discourse at the local government levels to begin again in Halifax.

[halifaxboyns]

This was posted on the opinion's section of the Herald; I thought it was interesting:

Nice call, Moncton!


I congratulate the City of Moncton, which Brian Williams on TSN called the "heart of the Maritimes," for their successful presentation of a CFL league game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Edmonton Eskimos.

I have long wished that a CFL team would launch in Halifax, for I am a CFL fan. I think our game is actually better than the NFL variety, with better rules that yield a more exciting game. And it’s Canadian — the only professional sport which engenders competition between different parts of the country and where the championship game is always in a Canadian city. What our league has always lacked in order to be truly national is a team some place in Atlantic Canada.

For years, it was only logical that when the CFL expanded to the east, it would expand to Halifax. Halifax is the largest city in the region. It has the best air travel connections. It is a city with a great history and is recognizable in most places of the world. It is long assumed, especially by Haligonians, that Halifax is the regional capital.

Moncton? Who has heard of it? It must have startled people in western Canada to learn that the game was in Moncton when they would have assumed Halifax.

In fact, Halifax was so logical a place to expand to that, perhaps, we kept it in our hip pocket and never actually tried to make it happen. Or maybe we have no energy, or vision? Or maybe we don’t have the right political processes in our municipal government to make anything big and meaningful happen? Whatever the reason, Moncton is now the most logical place in our region to have a CFL team. And I congratulate them!

I promise the Moncton city fathers that I will travel to Moncton to attend some league and playoff games if they get a team. But if Halifax had a team, I would buy season tickets.

Senator Stephen Greene, Ottawa

(from the Chronicle Herald website).

[MaritimeCFLFan]

I was at the game in Moncton, also took part in several of the pre-game activities. I really have to hand it to Moncton as they have done a Great Job! The stadium didn't look too bad, but it is a little too small for a CFL team and there would need to be a massive upgrade in permanent seating. All in all the stadium is pretty good to continue hosting these once a year games but in order to get a CFL franchise alot needs to be done. Halifax may be behind Moncton as it stands now but if Halifax builds a proper stadium I guarantee the CFL will be knocking at the door to get us in.

As for Peter Kelley now making posts on his Facebook about a possible stadium for Halifax I say this seems to be a step in the right direction. I plan to post comments on his Facebook just as soon as he accepts me as a friend.

So far I'd say Shannon Park has the majority of support for the site of a new stadium and I'd have to agree thats an area which can work.

This is just the beginning, now is the time to really make yourselves heard, not only on Peter Kelly's Facebook but by sending Mr. Dexter an e-mail as well. It's time to get the ball rolling on this, it's long, long over due.

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by ATL Stadium

Jack, a novel idea but then we would all need a stadium.....!!!

Actually we here in Saint John have the Canada Games Stadium that was just refurbished for the Acadian Games. Not to mention a couple exhibition games were played there back in the 80s with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Alouettes with 11,463 attending. Not bad for so long ago and for a stadium only holding 8000.

Heres a blurb from the news the other day.

Now that the smoke has cleared from yesterday's CFL game in Moncton, the Chair of the City's Recreation and Leisure Committee wants officials to keep Saint John in mind.

Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News, why couldn't we host a game at the refurbished Canada Games Stadium. Ogden believes the artificial turf the Canada Games Stadium has gives us the advantage to hold all of the celebration in the same spot where Moncton has had to spread things around the hub city

A letter has been sent with the proposal to Mayor and Councillors along with the Destination and Marketing Board.

[halifaxboyns]

I already have Peter Kelly on my facebook and I posted my two personal preferences (not to say other's aren't bad; just my preferences): Shannon Park (as part of a redevelopment project) and the Forum site (noting potential costs) (yes fenwick; that's for you).

The overwhelming response based on people who have posted to his facebook (I'd guess 2 or even 3 to 1) is Shannon Park. Taking up a close second is Exhibition Park, followed by Hammons Plains (RIM area), Dartmouth Crossing and out near the Airport.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

My brother in law happens to be a corporate lawyer in Halifax - he just doesn't happen to live in the south end.

He must not be very good, then.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

I already have Peter Kelly on my facebook and I posted my two personal preferences (not to say other's aren't bad; just my preferences): Shannon Park (as part of a redevelopment project) and the Forum site (noting potential costs) (yes fenwick; that's for you).

The overwhelming response based on people who have posted to his facebook (I'd guess 2 or even 3 to 1) is Shannon Park. Taking up a close second is Exhibition Park, followed by Hammons Plains (RIM area), Dartmouth Crossing and out near the Airport.

Thank you halifaxboyns. I wanted to post my opinion but I don't use facebook at all (even though I have an account). I might still post a comment but have to wait to see if I get affirmed.

I have a question about Shannon Park - how many bus routes go there? I wonder if so many people think of Shannon Park because very few other sites have been mentioned in the past other than Shannon Park. It would be a great location if there was good mass transit going to it.

Still I can't see SMU wanting to hold the Vanier Cup at Shannon Park (maybe I am wrong). Having a stadium on the peninsula might also encourage Dalhousie University to obtain a CIAU team again. I actually like the West Mall area as much as the Halifax Forum area since it has good transit connections and seems to be a central location. The West Mall would also be close to Dalhousie if they get back into CIAU football.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by beyeas

My problem with Kelly is that, yes he is now mentioning a stadium etc, but he is doing in reaction to what is going on. The knock on him is not that he is a bad guy (in fact he seems like a genuinely nice person and I am sure he truly does care about the city) but rather than he blows in the wind rather than leads. He is now mentioning a stadium only after having been shocked that the lack of a stadium was an issue. Why was he not out in front on this, rather than reacting afterwards? I want a Mayor who will take the reins and lead the city forward, not be reactive after the fact and making a FB post about a stadium. This is where Moncton has been able to lead Halifax, because they are not simply reacting to what Halifax is done but moving ahead with plans on their own.

Exactly correct. Well said.

[Keith P.]

Forget about Shannon Park for the moment. Forget about Willow Park and the Forum, even though it might be the optimal spot. Forget about Gorsebrook.

I was recently at Exhibition Park. It is an abomination. From the weed-infested, totally neglected parking lots, to the mud and potholes, the the ultra-cheap metal buildings that appear as though they might fall down if you lean on them, to the total lack of amenities, it is a complete embarrassment. It must go, and soon.

Now, this is not all bad news. It is owned and operated by Trade Center Ltd, a provincial Crown corp. It is therefore completely available for redevelopment with the stroke of a pen, without having to deal with DND or Canada Lands or any outside group. In essence, it is free. It is close to major highways, yet far enough away from anything that there would be no NIMBY opposition. To me, it is the only logical spot -- if you want to move on this quickly.

You could demo what's there in about a week. You have potential for plenty of parking. For about the same price as our library you could have a 20,000+ seat facility according to most estimates I have read. It seems eminently do-able. Let's do it.

[someone123]

You'll notice that he's even asking people about where the stadium should be built. Those are things that should be determined by people who know what the land costs, development, and transportation situation are really like, who will be using the stadium, etc. What he's getting right now are people who think they want an airport stadium because they are scared of traffic (which is always bad at stadiums) and paying for parking downtown.

I think it was a big failure that the CWG resulted in a total meltdown and the stadium was completely dropped post-bid. Had the city presented a reasonable bid it would have been fine. Either the bid would have been approved and the games would have been worth it or the bid would have been rejected and people like Kelly could have reasonably pointed fingers at the CWGs. It also should have been possible afterward to pare down the development to some stadium funding and make concrete plans for a CFL team.

As it is my guess is that there will be a motion in council to study a stadium. Something will probably be built in 5-10 years.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

He must not be very good, then.

He's a country boy made good..........not a member of the old south end establishment.

As far as the denizens of the deep south end are concerned, the known world ends at Quinpool Road.......beyond this there be monsters!

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Forget about Shannon Park for the moment. Forget about Willow Park and the Forum, even though it might be the optimal spot. Forget about Gorsebrook.

I was recently at Exhibition Park. It is an abomination. From the weed-infested, totally neglected parking lots, to the mud and potholes, the the ultra-cheap metal buildings that appear as though they might fall down if you lean on them, to the total lack of amenities, it is a complete embarrassment. It must go, and soon.

Now, this is not all bad news. It is owned and operated by Trade Center Ltd, a provincial Crown corp. It is therefore completely available for redevelopment with the stroke of a pen, without having to deal with DND or Canada Lands or any outside group. In essence, it is free. It is close to major highways, yet far enough away from anything that there would be no NIMBY opposition. To me, it is the only logical spot -- if you want to move on this quickly.

You could demo what's there in about a week. You have potential for plenty of parking. For about the same price as our library you could have a 20,000+ seat facility according to most estimates I have read. It seems eminently do-able. Let's do it.

I have a fear that the Exhibition Park looks the way that it does because of where it is located (I wonder why they put it so far away from the core?). My fear is that a stadium at that location would be out of sight and out of mind and would not be used as much as one that is closer to the core population. For example, if a large concert were to be held, the Halifax Commons might be used instead.

[MaritimeCFLFan]

I think Shannon Park would be the best choice now. As you said out of site out of mind is never good Fenwick. But a very visable stadium in that area, especially from the bridge would help. People traveling across the bridge would be able to see the stadium being used for football games, concerts, soccer and maybe even baseball. Hopefully the stadium could be viewed as the place to be and even the non sports or very casual sports fan may want to be a part of the atmosphere. This is afterall where the original stadium site was to be.

[Jack Doe]

Originally Posted by ATL Stadium

Jack, a novel idea but then we would all need a stadium.....!!!

I didn't see a smiley face so I'm going to assume you weren't being facetious.

I'll admit I don't know the status of stadium capacity in the Atlantic provinces. My thinking is if the Alouettes can move from the Olympic Stadium to Jarry Park and still be successful, then why can't places like Moncton and Halifax build a cheapo open-air stadium accommodating 25-30,000 fans? Sure, you're not gonna get the Grey Cup anytime soon, but you still get a CFL team.

Most American colleges have stadiums that can host a professional football team. You have colleges and universities down there, don't you? Apparently, some pretty good ones from what I've heard. Can they accommodate a CFL game?

I apologize for my ignorance. I live 2,000 miles and three time zones away and have never been east of the MB-ON border (except in overflight). I would like to see the Atlantic get a team. My team, the Riders, exists in a city of 250k in a province of 1M. I see no reason why football fans in the Maritimes can't support a team.

[fenwick16]

I think ATL Stadium is stating that both Halifax and Moncton would then require stadiums that meet CFL standards. However, each would only have half the number of games to support each.

I agree that the Maritimes should be able to support at least one team.

In the Halifax Regional Municipality, if people will start by supporting the idea of building a stadium at some location then a more detailed study could be done to find the best location

[hfx_chris]

I think the biggest problem with Exhibition Park...is that it's in the middle of the woods.

Re Fenwick's question on Shannon Park and transit, there is one bus route that goes there, however as somebody mentioned earlier (and I mentioned before that) there's always room for Metro Transit to step up with shuttle buses. They do it for the concerts on the Common, they do it for the air show, they do it for Exhibition Park. Plus with a site on the water, it always leaves open the possibility of some sort of water route.

And as for the Forum land... well, I think many people on the peninsula would literally shit a brick (painful I know) at the thought of demolishing the Forum to put up a football stadium.

[Jack Doe]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

I think ATL Stadium is stating that both Halifax and Moncton would then require stadiums that meet CFL standards. However, each would only have half the number of games to support each.

I agree that the Maritimes should be able to support at least one team.

In the Halifax Regional Municipality, if people will start by supporting the idea of building a stadium at some location then a more detailed study could be done to find the best location

Thanks for your response. It gives me a clearer understanding of the difficulties you people down river face in order to get a CFL franchise. I really hope the "Atlantic Schooners" or "Halifax Explosion" become a reality. The people from the Maritimes who I meet out here are some of the nicest people (and extreme sports fans) I've ever met. When Sidney Crosby "single-handily" won us the Olympic Gold I couldn't walk ten feet without some Nova Scotian expatriate telling me how he was Sid the Kids seventh cousin, thrice removed. I think if you get a CFL team you will be as loyal and rabid fans as I am towards by beloved Riders. I wish you all the best.