Stadiums and Arenas of Canada part 2

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by Riise

Oddly enough, I use to think they had a top dressing room but after seeing the ones in Buffalo, Vancouver and Pittsburgh I'm no longer impressed.

Some of those don't look like a hockey dressing room. Kinda reminds me of a fancy ballroom in a hotel!!!

[osmo]

Originally Posted by esquire

Nice digs. Barclays is the nicest pro arena I have ever been to (The NCAA's Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks being the nicest arena, period). It's unfortunate that the seating layout is so terrible for hockey, otherwise it could have been a great home for the Isles.

Interesting to hear this. I have always heard and read that this Arena was sellar.

But when you think about it, almost $150 million for a 11K seat arena. This is basically the "Jerryworld" AKA Cowboys Stadium of minor level arenas. It is impossible to not make something extremely nice for that cost. I know The Soiux is a big time hockey program in America so I am wondering what other motivations lead to such a large price tag being perused.

[Oilkountry]

Originally Posted by esquire

^ MTS Centre was fairly barebones on the inside for the first 7 years before the NHL came back. Now whenever TNSE adds/upgrades something it's always top notch, but the original fit and finish was very 90s-basic (even though it opened in 2004). The fan experience is pretty good, but no one would ever be impressed by the MTS Centre's level of luxury. Even the suites are pretty basic... they look more like what you'd see at the minor league ballpark in town than what you'd see in a typical American NHL/NBA venue.

Keep in mind that after the upgrades this summer they will be less than 20 Million into a 40 Million planned investment. I would have to believe that if 10 million of that remaining budget was designated for concourse upgrades that would go extremely far and probably put MTSC up with some of the newer flashier arenas in the league. I hope that's the plan.

Does anyone know if the Arena itself has player amenities? lounge/ice baths/gym (ping pong table's/tvs/hot tubs ect) Or is this more located at the ice plex?

I remember watching something on YouTube a few years ago. MTV crib themed video on NHL arenas. I know the oilers were one but their were a few more teams as well. they were treated unbelievably well. I heard the ACC is the king of this. I know True north created a "family room" but that's not what im talking about

[FrankieFlowerpot]

Originally Posted by osmo

Interesting to hear this. I have always heard and read that this Arena was sellar.

But when you think about it, almost $150 million for a 11K seat arena. This is basically the "Jerryworld" AKA Cowboys Stadium of minor level arenas. It is impossible to not make something extremely nice for that cost. I know The Soiux is a big time hockey program in America so I am wondering what other motivations lead to such a large price tag being perused.

I think it was "only" $100million when it was built.

Notre Dame Hockey locker room is right up there too

[esquire]

Originally Posted by osmo

Interesting to hear this. I have always heard and read that this Arena was sellar.

But when you think about it, almost $150 million for a 11K seat arena. This is basically the "Jerryworld" AKA Cowboys Stadium of minor level arenas. It is impossible to not make something extremely nice for that cost. I know The Soiux is a big time hockey program in America so I am wondering what other motivations lead to such a large price tag being perused.

According to Wikipedia, it was $104 million. Considering the low exchange rate at the time (2000/01), that would have been close to $150 million Canadian... the MTS Centre cost $133.5 million Canadian.

MTS Centre is actually quite comparable in many ways to REA, with the REA basically having nicer everything.

The REA came about through unusual circumstances... an extremely wealthy and extremely eccentric UND grad who became a casino mogul built and paid for the whole arena, as well as other athletic facilities next door. It's legitimately world class in that any city or university would be very lucky to have it.

[SHOFEAR]

Rogers place from my Balcony for a different perspective....

[Oilkountry]

Originally Posted by esquire

^ MTS Centre was fairly barebones on the inside for the first 7 years before the NHL came back. Now whenever TNSE adds/upgrades something it's always top notch, but the original fit and finish was very 90s-basic (even though it opened in 2004). The fan experience is pretty good, but no one would ever be impressed by the MTS Centre's level of luxury. Even the suites are pretty basic... they look more like what you'd see at the minor league ballpark in town than what you'd see in a typical American NHL/NBA venue.

obviously 2011-12 was the ice plant,press box expansion, and the transition of moose to jets

they did this for the 13-14 season
• Video Link

and this was for the 2014-2015 season
• Video Link

And then the announcements for this off season. Gotta say I'm impressed with how true north has responded to the obvious need for upgrading the AHL to NHL building

[Denscity]

AFAIK it was the Canucks that were the first to come out with the oval modern dressing room and then Buffalo and Pittsburgh took notes and duplicated it.

[Coldrsx]

from rogersplace.com

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Wow, that's fast!

[Klazu]

BC Place in Vancouver.

[drummer_god]

Where did you find these pictures? I'd like to buy a print of one.

[king10]

Those are beauty shots of BC Place and Vancouver

[Klazu]

Originally Posted by drummer_god

Where did you find these pictures? I'd like to buy a print of one.

Taken by me few weeks ago. PM me if you are indeed interested.

[FrankieFlowerpot]

The end is in sight for BMO - just over 2 weeks to go - by GabrielHurl at the RPB forum

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread...ruction&p=1735609&viewfull=1#post1735609

[thurmas]

http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2015/04/24/argos-fate-rests-on-talks-with-mystery-group.html



Hope for the Argos? get this BMO deal done boys and quick!

[elly63]

Jenny Yuen@SunReporterYuen
10:39 AM yesterday
Leiweke going to speak now, asks for "any good luck charms, we need them."

10:40 AM yesterday
"It's complicated, lots of parties involved," he tells the board. "As of today, we haven't been able to do that yet."

10:40 AM yesterday
Leiweke said they have been doing drawings to revamp the end zones for potential CFL at BMO. Needs $20M to do this.

10:40 AM yesterday
Leiweke said there is a "potential new ownership group" willing to foot $10M and manage the Argos team. Still negotiating.

10:40 AM yesterday
Negotiating a minimum number of Grey Cups to be played at BMO.

10:40 AM yesterday
"Our board has a focus to get this resolved in the near future," Leiweke said. If drawings aren't done and implemented in 10 days, no 2016.

10:41 AM yesterday
"I'm optimistic we will get this done, but we have 10 days or we're going to miss that window," Leiweke said.

10:42 AM yesterday
$20M would the required to expand field for CFL - $10M from MLSE and needs $10M from this mystery third party. "We have found a formula."

10:42 AM yesterday
That "formula" is hosting two Grey Cups, Leiweke said.

10:44 AM yesterday
Clr. Mark Grimes asks how phase 1 of BMO Reno is going. Leiweke said they expect 30,000 people for TFC home opener on May 10.

10:45 AM yesterday
October - "we need to be in the ground" for CFL if they expect to play in 2016, Grimes said.
by Craig Robertson 10:45 AM yesterday

10:53 AM yesterday
Leiweke's deputation over. Clr. Mike Layton said after the fact, he would like to see the Argos at #BMO, just from a fan perspective.

10:56 AM yesterday
"It's a good match," said Layton. "I don't claim to understand the politics that are going on behind closed doors btwn MLSE & purchasers."

11:48 AM yesterday
More from Clr Grimes in a bit...

11:52 AM yesterday
Grimes on why Argos at BMO Field is a good fit: "It's their home. I'd like to get them back...bring it back outdoors, which I love."

11:53 AM yesterday
Grimes said he feels the #CFL is looking for a solution as well. "I think they're very anxious in finding a solution," he said.

11:55 AM yesterday
If new owner(s) strike deal with MLSE to host two Grey Cup games at #BMO: "Having Grey Cup, what happens here...phenomenal for the city."

11:56 AM yesterday
Grimes: "I asked (Leiweke) to come down because time is ticking, I didn't know it was 10 days, but I was reading between the lines..."

11:56 AM yesterday
Grimes: "I think there's something coming up in the horizon and I'd love that be announced in the next 10 days."

11:58 AM yesterday
Funding: Grimes said EP put in its $10M for expansion, province $10M, the fed movie never came through, he said.

11:59 AM yesterday
Grimes said it's up to new owners to effectively, pull the trigger on the deal. Once that is sorted, the EP board will vote on it.

12:00 PM yesterday
Grimes: "I don't know who the new owners are, I can maybe guess, but I wouldn't mention it today. I think it's a pretty complicated deal."

12:01 PM yesterday
Grimes said Argos would play next year at Rogers Centre whilst they get this field ready, if new owners agree to deal.

12:02 PM yesterday
So, basically the 10 day deadline is so they can incorporate the end zone revamp for Phase 2 of construction instead of...

12:03 PM yesterday
...potentially costing much more if a deal is struck later. If they're doing construction now, might as well work these new plans in.

12:04 PM yesterday
What happens if the 10 day deadline passes? Is it demise of Argos? "That's very concerning. I will be exploring my options after." : Grimes.

12:05 PM yesterday
The city would directly deal with any potential new owners if deadline passes, Grimes said.

[elly63]

New owner could help Argos land new home
Jenny Yuen, Toronto Sun April 24, 2015

TORONTO - Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is hinting that a new owner of the Toronto Argonauts will throw a Hail Mary pass in order to land the historic football team a new home.

On Friday — 10 days before the Argos need to decide whether they want to strike a deal with MLSE to play at BMO Field next year, outgoing MLSE president and CEO Tim Leiweke told the Exhibition Place board there is a “potential new ownership group” willing to foot half of the $20 million required to expand the field for the Canadian Football League.

“I’m optimistic we will get this done, but we have 10 days or we’re going to miss that window,” Leiweke said. “I believe there is a potential new ownership group that is not only prepared to step up and put in that additional $10 million, but handle the operation of the team long-term once they would move into BMO Field.”

Part of the potential deal involving the unnamed interested new owner would also involve a minimum of two Grey Cups to be hosted at BMO Field. Leiweke said design drawings have been completed to modify end zones for increased field size for the Argos in order to prepare for a last-minute deal and to get the plans in on time for Phase Two of renovations, slated for completion in May 2016. Shovels need to be in the ground for October to accommodate the CFL.

The Argos are seeking new digs as Rogers Centre plans modifications, including grass, to make the stadium more baseball friendly for the Blue Jays.

Two weeks ago, Leiweke toured the BMO grounds with Mayor John Tory to see the progress on the $120-million renovations, which include 8,400 additional seats.

“We are at the critical moment in time,” he said at the meeting. “Although I wish I were here to announce we have a deal, we are one of the parties at the table and we need additional time and consideration to finalize the deal.”

Exhibition Place board chairman Mark Grimes, who is rooting for the Argos to “come home” to BMO Field, said it’s effectively up to the new potential owners to pull the trigger on the deal. Once that is sorted, the board will vote on it.

“I don’t know who the new owners are, I can maybe guess, but I wouldn’t mention it today. I think it’s a pretty complicated deal,” he said. If there is still no resolution after the 10-day deadline, the city would directly deal with any potential new owners, he added.

A few months ago, sources told the Toronto Sun that former Argonauts owner David Cynamon and former Boatmen star Mike (Pinball) Clemons are heading up an ownership group attempting to purchase the CFL franchise from current owner David Braley.

Tory said he has tried to help make the deal happen.

“I’ve spoken to various people I was asked to speak to that are involved in all of this,” Tory said. “I can only say that I’m told that those discussions are going along reasonably well, notwithstanding the short timeframe, and that I’m very hopeful obviously that they will conclude an agreement that they need to conclude in the time available.”

Councillor Mike Layton, who also sits on the Exhibition Place board, said BMO Field suits the Argos because it’s further west from downtown with less gridlock and has accessibility to GO Transit trains right at the stadium.

“It’s a good match,” said Layton. “I don’t claim to understand the politics that are going on behind closed doors between MLSE and the purchasers and the CFL. I just really like to watch an Argos game outside, freezing as it may be, it will be an exciting place to watch the game.”

— With files from Don Peat

[blueandgoldguy]

Great news for the Argos and the CFl if this comes to pass. Hear Cynamon and Pinball are one of the prospective ownership groups.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by blueandgoldguy

Great news for the Argos and the CFl if this comes to pass. Hear Cynamon and Pinball are one of the prospective ownership groups.

If as quoted MLSE is willing to put up 10 million it could be Tannenbaum and Bell buying the Argos.