Halifax Stadium Discussion

[Waye Mason]

I've been invited to an industry session on May 31 to talk about the stadium from an entertainment/music point of view.

Should be interesting.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Waye Mason

I've been invited to an industry session on May 31 to talk about the stadium from an entertainment/music point of view.

Should be interesting.

Congratulations Waye. My hope is that Halifax can build an economical stadium that will not require a spectacular leap of faith to justify.

[q12]

Empire Theatres Announces New Complex for Ottawa's Lansdowne Park



New theatre to present a premium VIP guest experience

HALIFAX, May 26, 2011 /CNW/ - Empire Theatres, a Canada-wide film exhibition company, will open a state-of the-art 10-screen theatre complex at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, ON in 2013.

Empire Theatres Lansdowne Park will be located in the iconic landmark, Lansdowne Park on Bank St, and will be part of the major revitalization project. The new theatre will blend entertainment and comfort with technology in a contemporary and unique design.

"Our Lansdowne Park Theatre will provide a state-of-the-art, premium movie experience and we're thrilled to bring it to historic Lansdowne Park," said Dean Leland, Vice President of Studio & Media Relations, Empire Theatres. "This Theatre was uniquely designed to deliver the ultimate movie-going experience and we look forward to opening its doors to the Ottawa community in 2013."

The new theatre will back on to Holmwood Avenue and will be part of the historic Lansdowne Park revitalization effort. The Park will cater to foot-traffic on the Boulevard and will also feature restaurants, shops, Aberdeen Pavilion, a Farmer's Market, seating areas, and a rejuvenated Stadium with an upgraded arena.

"The new Lansdowne Park is going to create a unique retail experience for Ottawa and we are excited to have Empire Theatres be a part of that experience. Empire Theatres' selection of Lansdowne as the first theatre in its chain to have a specially-designed premium guest experience supports their commitment to this development and to the people of Ottawa," says John Ruddy, President and CEO of Trinity Developments and O.S.E.G. partner.

At Empire Theatres Lansdowne Park, the ten auditoriums will feature curved screens for that perfect picture; Dolby Digital Surround Sound for optimum sound; stadium-style seating for unobstructed viewing; and comfortable, wide, rocker-style seats with lots of leg room. Each auditorium will have 100% integrated DLP Digital Cinema Projection providing crystal clear images, as well as RealD 3D capability in seven auditoriums.

In addition, Empire Theatres Lansdowne Park will feature Empire Theatres' very own "Empire Extra" in one of its auditoriums. Empire Extra provides guests with a heightened sensory experience in a special auditorium designed to offer dynamic sound, screen and seat quality. Empire Extra boasts custom-designed multi-channel sound system for the ultimate audio experience; stunning digital presentation on a massive, wrap-around screen; and reserved seating in comfy, high back rockers.

The theatre will include an expansive main lobby including a lounge area; an expanded refreshments area and offering; and large rooms that will be used for community and corporate use. Guests will also be able to purchase their tickets at refreshments for one-stop shopping, as well as online and via a mobile device.

The opening of Empire Theatres Lansdowne Park will provide both full time and part time employment opportunities to Ottawa area residents.

Empire Theatres also has three neighboring theatres in the Ottawa area, including Empire Theatres Orleans, Empire Ottawa 7 and Empire Rideau Centre Cinemas.

About Empire Theatres Limited:
Empire Theatres Limited is a Canada-wide film exhibition company providing an exciting out-of-home entertainment experience including traditional film exhibition as well as other content using its digital and satellite capabilities.

Empire Theatres Limited is a 100% owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited that owns and operates 50 theatres across Canada with 386 screens, including one IMAX theatre in Halifax, NS.

Empire Theatres Limited's corporate headquarters are located in Stellarton, NS, with regional offices in Halifax, NS; Toronto, ON; and Calgary, AB. With approximately 2,500 employees, Empire Theatres provides excellent employment opportunities for the youth of Canada in an exciting and energetic industry.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2011/26/c7825.html

WOW! This would be an awesome idea for a Stadium in Dartmouth Crossing. Integrate Empire theatres into the stadium stands, call it Empire Field or Sobeys Stadium. It certainly would help with the construction costs.

[RyeJay]

I completely agree.

[Waye Mason]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

Congratulations Waye. My hope is that Halifax can build an economical stadium that will not require a spectacular leap of faith to justify.

I'll give a full report. I hope the same thing, but HRM seems to be all about leaps of faith these days.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Waye Mason

I'll give a full report. I hope the same thing, but HRM seems to be all about leaps of faith these days.

But I am hoping for 25,000 seats - just more like a scaled-down Stanford Stadium (or other economical university-type stadium) as opposed to something extravagant that will create opposition and in the end not be built.

Hopefully, if Halifax is not prepared to build a stadium next year (which would be an exciting prospect - i.e. building next year) then at least it will do the necessary work to prepare a plan and select a location for sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Please, just remember Waye, not all 25,000 seat stadiums cost $200 million dollars .

[wespidel]

1: To build a small stadium like Moncton`s Stade stadium, cost around 30 million which will accommodate university soccer and Soccer NS and will basicly give Saint Mary`s a stadium they don`t have that will bring back the Uteck Bowl and perchaps be big enough to stage a Vanier Cup.

2: To build a major modestly priced two tier, 100 million dollar stadium with 25,000 plus permanent seats, with a partial roof and an open tier below the partial roof and the last permanent upper seat tier row, for permanent expansion with open endzones to double the capacity for larger events, like the first Grey Cup game in Atlantic Canada and major concerts and with the latest most modern amenities needed in a stadium today to be profitable, like 30 to 40 luxury boxes, restaurants, VIP lounges and club seats, etc.


3: To build a 65 million dollar 20 thousand permanent seat bowled stadium like BMO field which eliminates the open endzone concept to expand with temporary seats to double your capacity for larger events and lacks the minimum total permanent seat capacity needed today to attract a professional sports franchise.

4: To build the Halifax 145 plus million dollar CommonWealth stadium model which the city already had designed and were planning to build.



PS> Trade- Off Proposal, that I believe the Dexter govt. should be presenting to Ottawa next week.

Guarantee Ottawa that the Dexter`s govt. would put in at least the equal amount of money for a major stadium in Halifax, if Harper`s govt. will support the new World Trade and Convention Centre. I believe Peter MacKay who wants a major stadium built on the Shannon Park site, could easily sell this to PM Harper. Dexter`s and HRM are looking for 57 million from Harper`s govt. to finalize the new convention centre deal and if Premier Dexter is prepared to do at least the same or more to help build a major stadium in Halifax to host the FIFA World Cup of Soccer which inturn will allow Halifax to land the 10th CFL franchise for Atlantic Canada, that will make the CFL truely Canadian coast to coast and as well allow Halifax to stage the first ever Grey Cup game in Atlantic Canada. I believe this can fly especially where Larry Smith and Harper were lifting the Grey Cup in Edmonton and Mr. Braley as well as Larry Smith are still part of Harper`s team and are huge CFL supporters and Mr. Braley owns two CFL teams. This can only be a win, win situation for all! Remember that Peter MacKay said he would support a major stadium for Shannon Park, and made sure he highlighted the word major because I don`t believe realistically that Peter MacKay is interested in an eyesore or a small inadequate 30 million dollar or even 60 million dollar stadium on the Shannon Park site over- looking Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada but would support a 145 million dlloar plus or a 90 to 100 million plus modestly priced major stadium for Halifax.


Personally a 145 million dollar plus stadium for Halifax is the way to go, but if not, the second choice which I believe is the only another choice, is number two!

[c-way-dude]

I think the idea of incorporating movie theatres into a stadium is a good idea depending on the stadiums location. If the stadium were to be built in an out-of-the-way location, it would probably be difficult to get people to come out on a regular basis for something like movie theatres.
Just out of curiousity, what about the idea of incorporating a shopping mall into a stadium complex?

[Urban_Genius]

Originally Posted by wespidel

1: To build a small stadium like Moncton`s Stade stadium, cost around 30 million which will accommodate university soccer and Soccer NS and will basicly give Saint Mary`s a stadium they don`t have that will bring back the Uteck Bowl and perchaps be big enough to stage a Vanier Cup.

2: To build a major modestly priced two tier, 100 million dollar stadium with 25,000 plus permanent seats, with a partial roof and an open tier below the partial roof and the last permanent upper seat tier row, for permanent expansion with open endzones to double the capacity for larger events, like the first Grey Cup game in Atlantic Canada and major concerts and with the latest most modern amenities needed in a stadium today to be profitable, like 30 to 40 luxury boxes, restaurants, VIP lounges and club seats, etc.


3: To build a 65 million dollar 20 thousand permanent seat bowled stadium like BMO field which eliminates the open endzone concept to expand with temporary seats to double your capacity for larger events and lacks the minimum total permanent seat capacity needed today to attract a professional sports franchise.

4: To build the Halifax 145 plus million dollar CommonWealth stadium model which the city already had designed and were planning to build.



PS> Trade- Off Proposal, that I believe the Dexter govt. should be presenting to Ottawa next week.

Guarantee Ottawa that the Dexter`s govt. would put in at least the equal amount of money for a major stadium in Halifax, if Harper`s govt. will support the new World Trade and Convention Centre. I believe Peter MacKay who wants a major stadium built on the Shannon Park site, could easily sell this to PM Harper. Dexter`s and HRM are looking for 57 million from Harper`s govt. to finalize the new convention centre deal and if Premier Dexter is prepared to do at least the same or more to help build a major stadium in Halifax to host the FIFA World Cup of Soccer which inturn will allow Halifax to land the 10th CFL franchise for Atlantic Canada, that will make the CFL truely Canadian coast to coast and as well allow Halifax to stage the first ever Grey Cup game in Atlantic Canada. I believe this can fly especially where Larry Smith and Harper were lifting the Grey Cup in Edmonton and Mr. Braley as well as Larry Smith are still part of Harper`s team and are huge CFL supporters and Mr. Braley owns two CFL teams. This can only be a win, win situation for all! Remember that Peter MacKay said he would support a major stadium for Shannon Park, and made sure he highlighted the word major because I don`t believe realistically that Peter MacKay is interested in an eyesore or a small inadequate 30 million dollar or even 60 million dollar stadium on the Shannon Park site over- looking Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada but would support a 145 million dlloar plus or a 90 to 100 million plus modestly priced major stadium for Halifax.


Personally a 145 million dollar plus stadium for Halifax is the way to go, but if not, the second choice which I believe is the only another choice, is number two!

I know you have receive some flack previously, but personally I agree with you. Honestly, please don't build another BMO field. That whole fiasco is an embarrassment and such a shame that it's our national soccer stadium. Halifax can do better than that. It's time to step up to the plate...

I think Halifax should be looking to build a nice functional 30000 seat stadium for around 100-115 million dollars. I think 25000 is too small. I know some other CFL markets have done smaller stadiums, but Montreal and Halifax are two totally different markets. Montreal have by far the most expensive tickets in the CFL and cater to a more corporate crowd. I don't think this would work int Halifax.

Like you said wes, there's some pretty influential people in the Prime Ministers ears who are big CFL boosters. Peter McKay is a huge football fan. He was at touchdown atlantic, Grey Cup and have previously stated he'd like to see a CFL team in Atlantic Canada. This is one of the most influential ministers and he's obviously pushing for your stadium. Senator David Braley is obviously a huge CFL backer and so is Senator Larry Smith (former president of the Alouettes as well as CFL commissioner). These two guys love the CFL and were hand chosen by the PM. All this bodes well for a stadium in Halifax.

With the feds support and your provincial government support, it shouldn't be too big of a burden on the municipality. Add is private sector money and you should be good to go.

[icetea93]

Originally Posted by Urban_Genius

I know you have receive some flack previously, but personally I agree with you. Honestly, please don't build another BMO field. That whole fiasco is an embarrassment and such a shame that it's our national soccer stadium. Halifax can do better than that. It's time to step up to the plate...

I think Halifax should be looking to build a nice functional 30000 seat stadium for around 100-115 million dollars. I think 25000 is too small. I know some other CFL markets have done smaller stadiums, but Montreal and Halifax are two totally different markets. Montreal have by far the most expensive tickets in the CFL and cater to a more corporate crowd. I don't think this would work int Halifax.

Like you said wes, there's some pretty influential people in the Prime Ministers ears who are big CFL boosters. Peter McKay is a huge football fan. He was at touchdown atlantic, Grey Cup and have previously stated he'd like to see a CFL team in Atlantic Canada. This is one of the most influential ministers and he's obviously pushing for your stadium. Senator David Braley is obviously a huge CFL backer and so is Senator Larry Smith (former president of the Alouettes as well as CFL commissioner). These two guys love the CFL and were hand chosen by the PM. All this bodes well for a stadium in Halifax.

With the feds support and your provincial government support, it shouldn't be too big of a burden on the municipality. Add is private sector money and you should be good to go.

I agree with everything you said

[wespidel]

Urban Genius I hope you are at the public stadium meeting on June 6th in Halifax. I woud like to meet you and shake your hand. Thank-you for being in agreement and for the kind words. I really appreciate it!

Urban Genius I just would like to say as well that I emailed Premier Dexter and Mr. Eskabrooks my Trade-Off Proposal and sugggested Mr. Dexter take it to Ottawa on Monday, May 30th. Urban G. I also emailed Mayor Kelly the same email and suggested he forward it to Peter MacKay! That`s how strongly I feel about my Trade -Off Proposal, that I believe will definitely work to finalize the new Convention Centre project and the major multi purpose modestly priced 100 million plus stadium for Shannon Park and win the FIFA host bid and bring the tenth CFL franchise to Halifax.


Thanks again for supporting my Trade- Off Proposal!

WS

[fenwick16]

(source: http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/comment/article/874515--the-future-is-now-for-the-premier). I had never heard Premier Dexter say anything in favour of a stadium, so I was surprised to see the comment below in today's MetroNews story.

The future is now for the Premier

Urban Compass by Stephen Kimber
METRO HALIFAX
Published: May 30, 2011 12:00 a.m.
Last modified: May 29, 2011 11:47 p.m.

.
.
.

Today, Dexter leads a high-level, high-profile delegation of business and government leaders to Toryland. Its goal: To browbeat, sweet talk and cajole Stephen Harper’s newly re-elected, no-reason-to-like Nova Scotia majority government into spreading some largesse our way.

The stakes are billions of dollars high.

Halifax’s Irving Shipbuilding, for example, wants a sweet piece of the navy’s upcoming shipbuilding program. At a Ships Start Here kickoff pep rally Friday, Dexter touted consultants’ reports claiming the project could generate 11,500 spinoff jobs and inject more than $800 million per year into the provincial economy.

“Winning this bid,” Dexter declared, “would equate to hosting the Olympics each year for 30 years.”

And then, of course, there’s the Lower Churchill, a $6.2-billion Newfoundland-Nova Scotia power-generating and transmission project Dexter has grandly called “our Canadian Pacific Railway.” Dexter is fond of metaphor and simile.

If Lower Churchill happens — and Harper promised to make it happen during the federal campaign — Nova Scotia workers would be in line for a chunk of its 45,000 person-years worth of work. And the Lower Churchill itself would become a stable source of forever energy for Nova Scotians — and for future industrial development.

While Dexter will remind Ottawa of the prime minister’s Lower Churchill pledge, he will stickhandle more delicately past Harper’s seeming reluctance to cough up $47 million to help finance Halifax’s infamous downtown convention centre. Please!

And, among those many other supplications, Dexter will also pitch yet another provincial capital project: A new stadium.

If Dexter can convince Ottawa to fund any or all of the above, it will mean construction boots on the ground in time for the next provincial election.

Which could make Dexter’s hopes for re-election more likely.

Which, of course, is the idea.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

(source: http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/comment/article/874515--the-future-is-now-for-the-premier). I had never heard Premier Dexter say anything in favour of a stadium, so I was surprised to see the comment below in today's MetroNews story.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
If Dexter can convince Ottawa to fund any or all of the above, it will mean construction boots on the ground in time for the next provincial election.

Which could make Dexter’s hopes for re-election more likely.

Which, of course, is the idea.

I wonder if Dexter knows that Harper knows he is NDP?

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Empire

---------------------------------------------------------------------
If Dexter can convince Ottawa to fund any or all of the above, it will mean construction boots on the ground in time for the next provincial election.

Which could make Dexter’s hopes for re-election more likely.

Which, of course, is the idea.

I wonder if Dexter knows that Harper knows he is NDP?

This is certainly a catch 22 situation. If the Tories want to increase their support in the HRM then they should support these projects but then that will increase the number of jobs in the province which will also increase the chances of the provincial NDP being re-elected. If the Dexter government can achieve all of these goals and get the HST back to 13% then I think they will gain a lot of provincial NDP support and the Tories will gain support at a federal level by funding these projects. It seems as though many people vote differently at the provincial and federal level.

In any case, I hope that politics will be forgotten and the two sides will do what is best for the province.

PS: As it turned out, Prime Minister Harper and MP Peter MacKay are in Afghanistan so Premier Dexter won't be able to meet with them - story link. Also, according to the allnovascotia.com, PM MacKay sent a message out to the media stating that he won't be strong-armed with regard to the naval contract.

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

This is certainly a catch 22 situation. If the Tories want to increase their support in the HRM then they should support these projects but then that will increase the number of jobs in the province which will also increase the chances of the provincial NDP being re-elected. If the Dexter government can achieve all of these goals and get the HST back to 13% then I think they will gain a lot of provincial NDP support and the Tories will gain support at a federal level by funding these projects. It seems as though many people vote differently at the provincial and federal level.

In any case, I hope that politics will be forgotten and the two sides will do what is best for the province.

PS: As it turned out, Prime Minister Harper and MP Peter MacKay are in Afghanistan so Premier Dexter won't be able to meet with them - story link. Also, according to the allnovascotia.com, PM MacKay sent a message out to the media stating that he won't be strong-armed with regard to the naval contract.

yeah Dexter isn't playing this one smartly. It is one thing to make a public case locally, and play to your own constituents (since they are the ones you need to have vote for you). It is another thing entirely to wander into someone else's patch and start trying to pressure them. The Irving yard has a very strong case all on its own, and there is nothing Dexter can do in Ottawa to help it, but he can certainly poison the political waters. The Halifax yard will be far better off letting Mackay internally champion it, rather than having the NS NDP try and force their hand.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by beyeas

yeah Dexter isn't playing this one smartly. It is one thing to make a public case locally, and play to your own constituents (since they are the ones you need to have vote for you). It is another thing entirely to wander into someone else's patch and start trying to pressure them. The Irving yard has a very strong case all on its own, and there is nothing Dexter can do in Ottawa to help it, but he can certainly poison the political waters. The Halifax yard will be far better off letting Mackay internally champion it, rather than having the NS NDP try and force their hand.

I agree, the best way to make this happen is let MacKay take the credit and then it may squeak through. Dexter is riding on MacKay's dime and as a result putting massive jobs at risk just to claim a bit of political glory. As if being NDP isn't enough risk for our province, we don't need it advertised.

[Urban_Genius]

Thanks icetea93 and wespidel for your kind comments.
Wes, unfortunately I don't live in Halifax so I won't be attending.

[c-way-dude]

Originally Posted by wespidel

1: To build a small stadium like Moncton`s Stade stadium, cost around 30 million which will accommodate university soccer and Soccer NS and will basicly give Saint Mary`s a stadium they don`t have that will bring back the Uteck Bowl and perchaps be big enough to stage a Vanier Cup.

2: To build a major modestly priced two tier, 100 million dollar stadium with 25,000 plus permanent seats, with a partial roof and an open tier below the partial roof and the last permanent upper seat tier row, for permanent expansion with open endzones to double the capacity for larger events, like the first Grey Cup game in Atlantic Canada and major concerts and with the latest most modern amenities needed in a stadium today to be profitable, like 30 to 40 luxury boxes, restaurants, VIP lounges and club seats, etc.


3: To build a 65 million dollar 20 thousand permanent seat bowled stadium like BMO field which eliminates the open endzone concept to expand with temporary seats to double your capacity for larger events and lacks the minimum total permanent seat capacity needed today to attract a professional sports franchise.

4: To build the Halifax 145 plus million dollar CommonWealth stadium model which the city already had designed and were planning to build.



PS> Trade- Off Proposal, that I believe the Dexter govt. should be presenting to Ottawa next week.

Guarantee Ottawa that the Dexter`s govt. would put in at least the equal amount of money for a major stadium in Halifax, if Harper`s govt. will support the new World Trade and Convention Centre. I believe Peter MacKay who wants a major stadium built on the Shannon Park site, could easily sell this to PM Harper. Dexter`s and HRM are looking for 57 million from Harper`s govt. to finalize the new convention centre deal and if Premier Dexter is prepared to do at least the same or more to help build a major stadium in Halifax to host the FIFA World Cup of Soccer which inturn will allow Halifax to land the 10th CFL franchise for Atlantic Canada, that will make the CFL truely Canadian coast to coast and as well allow Halifax to stage the first ever Grey Cup game in Atlantic Canada. I believe this can fly especially where Larry Smith and Harper were lifting the Grey Cup in Edmonton and Mr. Braley as well as Larry Smith are still part of Harper`s team and are huge CFL supporters and Mr. Braley owns two CFL teams. This can only be a win, win situation for all! Remember that Peter MacKay said he would support a major stadium for Shannon Park, and made sure he highlighted the word major because I don`t believe realistically that Peter MacKay is interested in an eyesore or a small inadequate 30 million dollar or even 60 million dollar stadium on the Shannon Park site over- looking Halifax, the largest city in Atlantic Canada but would support a 145 million dlloar plus or a 90 to 100 million plus modestly priced major stadium for Halifax.


Personally a 145 million dollar plus stadium for Halifax is the way to go, but if not, the second choice which I believe is the only another choice, is number two!

Maybe the cost difference between a BMO Field/Empire Stadium and a stadium like the one you suggest could be made up by revenues generated from hosting a couple of Grey Cup games. The Grey Cup always brings in thousands of tourists, generating millions in economic activity. The CFL offered Hamilton the opportunity to host a guaranteed two Grey Cups in exchange for support for a new stadium for that city. Perhaps Halifax could make a similar deal.

[Waye Mason]

Based on the consultation I attended, there is no sign that the project will exceed the publicly announced price and scale. This project is not going to grow to $145 million. Beyond that, it is still very much up in the air.

[c-way-dude]

I don't expect that more than the $60 million publicly mentioned will be spent on the stadium. I certainly don't foresee the city spending $145 million on a stadium. My opinion is that the best we can hope for is something like a permanent version of Vancouver's temporary stadium.