Halifax Stadium Discussion - Page 89

someone123 · #**1761** Posted **Dec 3, 2010, 8:18 PM**

The NIMBYism is disappointing but definitely on the decline in Halifax. The Trillium for example and Armoury Square were built without incident.

The regulatory system has also changed somewhat from past years when the PCC was responsible for all projects on the peninsula (which is why the Alexander was torpedoed - 2 votes were enough to turn down any project).

I think it's easy to exaggerate how much of an impact these people have, and it would be really unfortunate to rule out good possibilities for a stadium just because we are afraid of some NIMBY appeals. I don't think it's true that South Enders have the court system in their palm. I think they have to appeal like everybody else, and to do this they need standing and they need a credible argument. Usually the appeal is exhausted in a year or two if it doesn't go through.

As far as HRM regional council, will the majority of suburban councillors be upset about putting it in Gorsebrook and upsetting people on Oakland Road? I doubt it.

Waye Mason · #**1762** Posted **Dec 3, 2010, 10:11 PM**

Steve Proctor from SMU Sports is on CBC TV right now saying "we need a partner or partners to build a new stadium".

Waye Mason · #**1763** Posted **Dec 3, 2010, 10:39 PM**

http://www.cbc.ca/ns/features/question/2...-stadium-should-be-built-in-halifax.html

fenwick16 · #**1764** Posted **Dec 3, 2010, 11:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waye Mason

Steve Proctor from SMU Sports is on CBC TV right now saying "we need a partner or partners to build a new stadium".

Could you fill us in on some details after the interview. I don't know if their show is on-line or not? Is he advocating a larger stadium at SMU or a municipal stadium close-by? Or just in the 4,000 - 5,000 seat range?

Waye Mason · #**1765** Posted **Dec 4, 2010, 12:15 AM**

Steve Proctor is their spokesman, and all I saw was a short story about how Olands Husky Stadium is getting more and more dilapidated, cutting from pigeons to broken concrete to leaking overhand to moldy press box. Then Steve comes on saying "we are looking for a partner or partners to help us replace this stadium, because it is too expensive for us to do it alone." or words to that effect. He seemed to be indicating that SMU wants to build a new stadium on the existing site.

http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Local_News/NS/1317909223/ID=1681453661

Here, at 11 minutes.

fenwick16 · #**1766** Posted **Dec 4, 2010, 1:09 AM**

Thanks for the link Waye Mason. It would be interesting to know what size of stadium would be permitted at the SMU Huskies Stadium. It certainly is sad to see the state that it is in. However, looking at the way that it is constructed, it almost looks like a bunch of people could go over with a bunch of shovels and small bobcat and just start fixing it up - if all they want is to restore it to the condition that it was in 40 years ago.

There are companies around that provide precast stadium components (I just quickly looked it up through Goggle). There is an image below from one such company. I wonder how much it would cost to to dig up all the old sections of Huskies Stadium and just replace the sections with some precast sections? This is an interesting link since it gives a description of the Princeton Stadium construction method and at the end of the article it gives a long list of stadiums and which companies supplied the precast components - http://www.pci.org/pdf/publications/ascent/1999/Summer/AS-99SU-2.pdf. This might also be a quick and inexpensive method of building a larger Halifax area municipal stadium for the FIFA Women's World Cup. It would be somewhat like a giant Lego project.

(source: http://www.bethlehemconstruction.com/sw/concrete/stadium/ )

Here is a link showing images of the Princeton Stadium being built with precast sections - http://www.princeton.edu/~puband/old/photo-album/stadium-construction/3.html

Keith P. · #**1767** Posted **Dec 4, 2010, 1:19 AM**

I saw that item when it aired. I found the spokesman, Procter, to have a very odd attitude. It was like they weren't actively looking at anything, but if some angel organization came along they would certainly consider taking their largesse.

SMU is too busy doing other things to worry about Huskies Stadium right now and, quite frankly, the people of Halifax should not need to rely on SMU to satisfy the city's need for a stadium.

fenwick16 · #**1768** Posted **Dec 4, 2010, 5:25 AM**

In order to build an inexpensive stadium, how about a modular precast design somewhat similar to the Montreal AutoStade (it was demolished in the late 1970's after the Olympic Stadium was built). This would be a very sturdy design. The AutoStade was 19 identical large section that were repeated in a bowl formation to form 25,000 seats. Based on the following article, it could be taken down and reassembled at a different location - http://expolounge.blogspot.com/2008/04/automotive-stadium.html . That might be useful; if one location wasn't suitable, then it could be taken down and assembled somewhere else (I hope that no one will say in Moncton). These identical sections could also be put at the top of a lower sunken bowl (or partial horseshoe). A roof could also be added (something like the Cardiff City cantilever type roof) around the perimeter of the stadium. After 10 - 20 years if Halifax wants a bigger stadium, just take it down and build a new stadium; or initially have the sections at ground level and then when Halifax needs a larger stadium take down the sections, build a sunken bowl and then re-assemble the sections at the top of the bowl. The possibilities are endless - if only Halifax can get some federal funding to get started.

Something like this might also be good for SMU. The dirt berm could be removed and then the space under the stands would be open for people to walk under.

(source: http://expolounge.blogspot.com/2008/04/automotive-stadium.html )

halifaxboyns · #**1769** Posted **Dec 4, 2010, 6:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by someone123

The NIMBYism is disappointing but definitely on the decline in Halifax. The Trillium for example and Armoury Square were built without incident.

The regulatory system has also changed somewhat from past years when the PCC was responsible for all projects on the peninsula (which is why the Alexander was torpedoed - 2 votes were enough to turn down any project).

I think it's easy to exaggerate how much of an impact these people have, and it would be really unfortunate to rule out good possibilities for a stadium just because we are afraid of some NIMBY appeals. I don't think it's true that South Enders have the court system in their palm. I think they have to appeal like everybody else, and to do this they need standing and they need a credible argument. Usually the appeal is exhausted in a year or two if it doesn't go through.

As far as HRM regional council, will the majority of suburban councillors be upset about putting it in Gorsebrook and upsetting people on Oakland Road? I doubt it.

I think you may be right to a certain extent. I'm sure that some projects can go through without any fear - but others; you would be better off not bothering. I also think to some extent that staff with HRM (to a degree) need to get more agressive when it comes to densification and support of projects and we saw that with trillium (the report showing the context of tall buildings). That sometimes is lacking it seems in reports and 10 stories isn't out of character when you have buildings that are 7 stories.

I am also getting the impression that groups like STV and the HT are really being seen for what they are which is NIMBY pure and simple because they are challenged on their views and then asked what compromises were they willing to put forward and then it's realized they didn't put any. My view of these groups would change significantly if on even one occasion they'd put forward a compromise, rather than simply oppose a project flat out. At least if they made the effort to compromise and gave up things in their position to come out with something that all side could agree on; I'd change my mind.

The decision council made to put downtown developments before regional council was the smartest thing regional council has done. It is an area that affects all of HRM.

If this does go forward; I'd really be happy with any location. While I still have a personal desire to see it near the forum because of the possibility to share parking facilities; anywhere will do for me. Just get it built!

hfx_chris · #**1770** Posted **Dec 5, 2010, 1:06 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith P.

I saw that item when it aired. I found the spokesman, Procter, to have a very odd attitude. It was like they weren't actively looking at anything, but if some angel organization came along they would certainly consider taking their largesse.

I caught that too.. it was very bizarre. Whether it's CFL-sized or not, Huskies Stadium is beyond the point of critical, and for the SMU football program to continue that stadium needs to be replaced...so I find the university's attitude of "if a stadium falls in our lap we'll be happy" to be extremely distressing...
Hopefully something in the 15k capacity area will be done to meet the current needs..

fenwick16 · #**1771** Posted **Dec 5, 2010, 5:23 AM**

Maybe they would be interested in building a large 20,000 seat stadium on campus if someone would come along with the funds to do so. If that were that case, then SMU wouldn't be able to do it alone. Being interviewed on TV might be just one avenue that they are taking in finding partners to do so. Hopefully they are also contacting various people about making contributions. I wonder if they have contacted the Trade Centre Inc. since that is the organization that is looking into the feasibility of hosting the FIFA Women's Cup. SMU has an available stadium that can be expanded; if Halifax gets to host the FIFA Cup then there would be funding available from the 3 levels of government (hopefully) and also private contributions might be available.

Of course this is all speculation. I just wonder what their response would be if someone proposed a 20,000 seat stadium for SMU? It could then also be used for the Vanier Cup, FIFA Women's Cup and CFL. Having a CFL team on campus would help SMU attract students - it would be great publicity.

David1gray · #**1772** Posted **Dec 5, 2010, 7:16 PM**

Quote:

SMU seeks help with aging stadium
Last Updated: Sunday, December 5, 2010 | 2:09 PM AT
CBC News
Saint Mary's University is looking for help with Huskies Stadium.

The 40-year-old stadium is showing its age and the Halifax university is looking for partners to help spruce it up or replace it.

Concrete has crumbled away, creating uneven steps that are a danger to any one walking up or down them.

Mould is in the press box area and is now off limits.

Saint Mary's knows repairs need to be made or a new stadium built, but the university can't afford to do it alone.

"We're open to partners, federal, provincial, corporate, whatever it is," said university spokesman Steve Proctor. "If someone wants to approach us and has a vision for it, we can create a shared vision together. Let's do it."

While the university isn't tapped out, it has already invested in other projects, including almost $12 million in the 58-year-old McNally building retrofit.

Ground has been broken on the Homburg Health and Wellness Centre, an $8 million project, and another $4 million has been earmarked to replace the Saint Mary's Arena.

"Our current plan is to look and see what we can do to make it as workable as we can in the short term," Proctor said.

Finding government funding might be difficult because of competing efforts. Halifax, for instance, hopes to be a player in Canada's bid to host the 2015 Women's World Cup of Soccer. This could leverage federal dollars for a stadium on the Shannon Park waterfront site in Dartmouth.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/sto...tadium-needs-to-be-fixed-or-rebuilt.html

-Harlington- · #**1773** Posted **Dec 5, 2010, 8:57 PM**

At least there talking about it, its something

halifaxboyns · #**1774** Posted **Dec 6, 2010, 12:57 AM**

I was a little saddened to see how bad that stadium was (in shape). I remember going to a few games when I attended SMU and although I'm not a huge sports fan, it was fun.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this; but the naming rights for the saddledome were just settled here in Calgary recently - 10 years for 10 million dollars. It would seem to me that you could reduce some of the overall operating costs of any size stadium through naming rights, advertising opportunities and (depending on location) charging for parking during the weekdays (if it's located close to downtown). Even if you put it over in Burnside in the new portion; I could see a park and ride lot being workable if the transit terminal is moved.

If you look at many sized stadiums, advertisements are everywhere. There was one stadium in Atlanta a coworker went too that showed every seat and every drink holder had a Delta Airlines advertisement on it. Those rights are very lucrative. It's just like transit - city's are the exclusive owners of the public streets; so transit realized it could leverage that to make money by including advertising in stations, on and in buses, trains. Is it a good thing - probably not; but it puts money back into the public transit. The same thing could happen for a stadium. I don't know the #'s though; but depending on how it's done, I could see it earning a few million $ a year.

downtowndawn · #**1775** Posted **Dec 7, 2010, 3:46 PM**

Have submitted the model and requested a trust fund be setup

worldlyhaligonian · #**1776** Posted **Dec 7, 2010, 4:47 PM**

Nice...

Would the city be able to enter into a pre-construction agreement with major sponsors?

David1gray · #**1777** Posted **Dec 7, 2010, 4:52 PM**

Quote:

HRM mulls women's World Cup bid
Nova Scotia could join Canada's quest to host 2015 soccer tournament
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 | 10:24 AM AT Comments12Recommend1
CBC News

Halifax Regional Council will hear arguments for and against co-hosting a world soccer championship.

Canada is putting together a bid to host the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup. Nova Scotia could form part of the bid, but its lack of a stadium may hurt its chances.

The tournament will host 24 nations in 52 matches and supporters say a Halifax connection would let the province tap into the global market for the sport.

Ken MacLean, president of Soccer Nova Scotia and a board member of the Canadian Soccer Association, said it could also build on the North American fan base that grew during the 2010 men's World Cup in South Africa.

"With the size of this tournament, there'd be interest from around the world watching a lot of television. It would be nice to see Halifax and Nova Scotia very prominent in that," he said.

George Anathasiou of Soccer Nova Scotia said it would be a rare opportunity for local players to see world class action up close.

"It's great that young fans will get an opportunity to watch the game played at a high level, especially the young female segment of our soccer population," he said.

December deadline

MacLean said Halifax would have a strong chance of success if it submits a bid.

"Halifax certainly has a chance. There are eight cities in the running now and I'm pretty sure they'd pick at least six, if not the full eight, if they were interested," he said.

The deadline to join the national bid is Dec. 24. HRM would have to pay a deposit and promise to build a stadium that could hold 20,000 people. That number could be achieved with a temporary seating expansion.

Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly said he liked the idea of being a host city, but he said there might not be time to get provincial and private funding in place.

"That timeframe may pose some challenges to meet those deadlines and that may not enable us to move forward," he said.

FIFA is accepting bids from interested nations until Feb. 11.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/12/07/ns-hrm-considers-fifa-bid.html

JustinMacD · #**1778** Posted **Dec 7, 2010, 4:54 PM**

SMU's campus is undergoing an awesome transformation. They've already built a great new building in the Atrium, have completely redesigned the main quad area, and are now starting the new Homburg building.

A new stadium + the Homburg + the existing Tower (a great facility in its own right) would be amazing for the area. A great athletic compound.