Stadiums and Arenas of Canada

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Migs

It's fascinating to think that some still think it will be ready.

And your qualifications are?

[Airboy]

It looks like the press boxes are barely roughed in.

[matt602]

I walk by the Hamilton stadium every day. There's still quite a bit of mortar and block placing being done on the West stands and the interior details in a lot of places (drywall, electrical, finishing work) looks like it hasn't been done yet.

I think it's plausible that they could have the stadium "finished" in 2 months but it will definitely be a playing field with seats and thats about it. There's no way all of the press boxes and other fan amenities will be finished.

[cjones2451]

Originally Posted by Airboy

I’ve worked in construction related areas for over 30 years and I have to agree, the field preparation is only starting, the seats haven’t been started yet. Plus there is substantial finish work to complete. Ottawa is more likely to be ready for the start.

Baring weather delays THF may be ready mid-season.

There are seats going in, east side stands

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Airboy

the field preparation is only starting

According to FieldTurf, it takes about 53 days to prep/install the field.

[Berklon]

A few weeks ago there were complaints from people living in the area that there was noise from late night construction - and possibly very early morning as well. I don't know if the complaints led to anything - but it could play a factor if they're down to crunch time and have to work around the clock to get it done in time.

[osmo]

Hamilton may bring in those Tim Horton trailers to act as concessions if the actual kitchens and food-stands won't be done on time.

"Can I get a hot dog?"

.."No, but would you like some timbits?"

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by osmo

Hamilton may bring in those Tim Horton trailers to act as concessions if the actual kitchens and food-stands won't be done on time.

"Can I get a hot dog?"

.."No, but would you like some timbits?"

Joking aside, that's likely what will happen if some or all of the concession areas are not operational.

In Guelph last year, they had a barbecue tent and other food/drink/beer vendors just outside the stadium, and food trucks as well. It would have to be scaled up substantially at THF, but there are plenty of food trucks in town and I could see Hortons setting up one of their portable units too.

Hopefully it won't come to that. Or that at least the washrooms will be good to go (pun intended )

[matt602]

There will definitely be food trucks at least, seeing as Hamilton is basically food truck capital of Ontario.

[Berklon]

Originally Posted by osmo

Hamilton may bring in those Tim Horton trailers to act as concessions if the actual kitchens and food-stands won't be done on time.

"Can I get a hot dog?"

.."No, but would you like some timbits?"

This is Hamilton... Tim Hortons coffee/timbits are a VERY easy sell.

[Migs]

Originally Posted by elly63

And your qualifications are?

20-20 vision

Have you noticed that the story continues to change, heck even they are now admitting that some seats might not be ready. Who opens up a stadium without the seating complete?

[Danny D Oh]

They'd have to start installing the field immediately to even have it reasonably playable for a pro football game on July 26.

Based on those pictures and the amount of structural work still happening, could be a 2015 opening. Looks like they've followed the Bombers lead, deny deny deny until it is abundantly obvious that games won't be played in the new stadium. The best reporter/blogger on the Ticat beat suggests the stadium could be ready but "could be missing concessions, a community scoreboard, broadcast cables and some seating." That's quoted from the builders letter to Hamilton City Council. If they can't broadcast games from the stadium, it might as well still be a hole in the ground, no chance they'll play games there unless it is ready for TSN.

The city also owes the Ticats $1 million per missed home game.

What is their backup plan? Thought I heard that Guelph was not available this year.

[The Fisher Account]

Originally Posted by Danny D Oh

What is their backup plan? Thought I heard that Guelph was not available this year.

Pray for a strike.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Migs

Have you noticed that the story continues to change, heck even they are now admitting that some seats might not be ready. Who opens up a stadium without the seating complete?

They're selling tickets so that tells me that one way or another they're going to play at THF on July 26.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Danny D Oh

If they can't broadcast games from the stadium, it might as well still be a hole in the ground, no chance they'll play games there unless it is ready for TSN.

I assume they're talking about built in cable infrastructure. I've lugged many a cable from the truck, including TSN, trust me, they can bring their own cables, generators and production facilities.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

So the Argos WON'T be going into BMO

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/fo...-and-federal-government/article18862832/

MLSE had planned a phased, two-year renovation costing $120-million. They had hoped for financial help from all levels of government. That was to include a $10-million loan from the city, and $10-million grants from each of the provincial and federal governments.

As part of that agreement, room would be made to accommodate the larger dimensions of the CFL playing surface, as well as a promise to buy the flagging football team.

However, long after public announcements were made, Ottawa has yet to sign off on its part of the expenditure. Their apparent problem – the optics of funding sports stadiums.

MLSE provided several fig leaves to give the government cover – including parceling the money into grants for expected big events like the Winter Classic and the Grey Cup, planned for BMO Field.

MLSE argued that the construction taxes alone – an anticipated $18-million – made the deal watertight politically. The feds thought otherwise, and continued to delay.

As Ottawa dithered, MLSE lost patience. They will now go ahead without the federal money and, as a direct result, without the Argos.

There is an added element of urgency, as BMO Field must be ready to host rugby matches for next summer’s Pan-Am Games.

New architectural plans have been drawn. A $120-million reno becomes a $100-million one. The arena will be rebuilt to its current dimensions, meaning there will be no north-south extension and no room for football end zones. Ground will be broken in September.

The city is expected to sign off on the revised, soccer-only plan. MLSE has received assurances that the province will do likewise if the Liberal government of Kathleen Wynne survives a June 12th election. Wynne currently leads in the polls.

[esquire]

Not necessarily the worst news in the world given that BMO is not really an ideal venue for football, even after a renovation. But now the pressure's on Braley... he basically has two years to do a deal to get a new stadium built somewhere in Toronto, or the Argos are going to be homeless.

Although, given Braley's supposed influence with the Harper government (I mean, he was a senator up until very recently), it is a little surprising that he couldn't get the feds on board for this.

[LeftCoaster]

Been away for a week or so but just wanted to chime in that Mosiac looks fantastic!

[Danny D Oh]

Originally Posted by elly63

They're selling tickets so that tells me that one way or another they're going to play at THF on July 26.

So? The Bombers sold tickets too, scheduled their first 4 games on the road, and then proceeded to play an entire season at the old stadium.

Site supervisor told reporters today that field installation will begin at the end of June.

By the most liberal estimate of time needed to install and prep the synthetic turf they are laying down, the stadium will be playable by the end of August.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

Originally Posted by Danny D Oh

Site supervisor told reporters today that field installation will begin at the end of June.

By the most liberal estimate of time needed to install and prep the synthetic turf they are laying down, the stadium will be playable by the end of August.

They need 27 days to install the turf

http://www.fieldturf.com/en/artificial-turf/construction-and-installation

Next up is the turf installation. In less than 30 days you’ll go from an empty base to a lush playing field. Here’s how we do it.
◦Off-load Turf Rolls and Place Turf (3 Days)
◦Sew Turf Panels (8 Days)
◦Install Field Markings and Decorative Markings (8 Days)
◦Install Infill (5 Days)
◦Remove Construction Entrance/Clean Up/Demobilize/Test Field (3 Days)

"@scratchingpost: BREAKING: Gareth Barkey, site supervisor says stadium on track for #Ticats July 26 home opener. #CFL"

Drew Edwards ✔ @scratchingpost
Site supervisor Barkey on #HamOnt stadium: "We have seen some significant progress in the last month." #CFL

Drew Edwards ✔ @scratchingpost
Site supervisor Gareth Barkey says the field installation at #HamOnt stadium is slated to begin at the end of June. #Ticats #CFL