Stadiums and Arenas of Canada part 2

[Riise]

Originally Posted by esquire

^ Soccer fans? They're probably either busy playing in their rec league games or watching EPL games on TV.

I don't see how a passion for soccer really translates into interest in football.

Not footy fans, people who didn’t follow the European leagues closely but started to follow their local MLS team once their city received one. While it may be easier for MLS teams as they are something new and different, the Stamps/CFL can promote themselves as something else to do. It doesn’t need to be about flash either, coercion isn’t always shiny.

Originally Posted by tomthumb2

Why bother? You'd have to completely gut the structure then basically rebuild it. Plus, the bowl design sucks - higher up seats are so far way from the field. Location isnt that great either. Super far away for those in the south, plus not many bars or restaurants around for pre or post game. And don't get me started on that ridiculous set up for the LRT station. What an abomination that is!

Convenience
The real estate and structural framework already exists, it provides a head start and removes uncertainties.

History & Nostalgia
McMahon has been the Stamps' home for ages, it would be nice to stay close to that rather than quickly ditching it as per usual. There is so much plastic and fake stuff these days, a renovation of McMahon could become a selling point for the Stamps. While I enjoying watching Arsenal matches at Arsenal’s new ground, I do envy how Liverpool supporters will get to enjoy the built-in ambiance and atmosphere at a refurbished Anfield.

Ambition
A massive renovation will have it complications but that’s what helps make it worth it. Anyone can take the easy path, champions put in the extra effort. Doesn’t Mr. King keep referring to World Class?

[realcity]

http://i.cbc.ca/1.1691167.1401029334!/ht...rivatives/16x9_620/tim-hortons-field.jpg

It kinda sucks but it's a new stadium. even though smaller than the former Ivor Wynne.

[cjones2451]

Originally Posted by realcity

http://i.cbc.ca/1.1691167.1401029334!/ht...rivatives/16x9_620/tim-hortons-field.jpg

It kinda sucks but it's a new stadium. even though smaller than the former Ivor Wynne.

Yes, but it generates way more revenue for the team and has created a buzz and demand for tickets so they sell out every game.

[tomthumb2]

Originally Posted by Riise

Ambition
A massive renovation will have it complications but that’s what helps make it worth it. Anyone can take the easy path, champions put in the extra effort. Doesn’t Mr. King keep referring to World Class?

It would take a superhuman effort to make McMahon World Class. Probably not worth debating though as its probably not gonna happen. CalgaryNext will become CalgaryNever and we'll probably end up with either cheap renos at McMahon or some cheap facsimile of a stadium somewhere out in the boonies.

[Jay in Cowtown]

Originally Posted by tomthumb2

It would take a superhuman effort to make McMahon World Class. Probably not worth debating though as its probably not gonna happen. CalgaryNext will become CalgaryNever and we'll probably end up with either cheap renos at McMahon or some cheap facsimile of a stadium somewhere out in the boonies.

Oh Calgary Next will definitely happen... it wouldn't have ever been presented to us if there hadn't already been a behind closed doors hand shake from the city to the Flames probably 2 years ago. Everything involved with government and big business is smokescreen bullshit!

And I really don't care personally... I just don't want that particular project and it's proposed location. But I guess beggers can't be choosers. lol

[Nicko999]

Originally Posted by EpicPonyTime

When did they add the new lights? Now ff only they could do something for the exterior during the day.

They were installed last year if I remember correctly.

Before

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/39/files/2013/09/7304718.jpg


http://photo.sylvainletellier.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/montreal-31.jpg

After




from twitter

[Nicko999]

And speaking of the big O, there will be offices in the tower in 2018.

MONTREAL – The city’s Olympic Stadium, The Big O – or what some have dubbed The Big Owe – is getting a facelift.

The government has approved $166 million to renovate the facility.

Of that financial injection, $43 million will go towards the tower where workers for Desjardins will have their offices in 2018.

The park’s facilities will also benefit from the cash; $98 million will be spent on the surrounding installations.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2316888/the-olympic-stadium-to-get-166m-renovation/

[GernB]

It's such a shame that Olympic Park was never utilized the way initially intended. IIRC the COA and other sports groups were to occupy the tower offices and the national cycling and swim teams were to be headquartered in the complex. Twenty years were lost before we decided to get serious about international athletics again.

[Riise]

Originally Posted by tomthumb2

It would take a superhuman effort to make McMahon World Class.

I was bringing up World Class as Ken King is saying CalgaryNext will be World Class and if they are willing to put in the effort to build a World Class development, they can put in the extra effort required in a renovation project. While McMahon may never be World Class, it could be turned into a decent venue. I'd love to see an architecture firm draw up proposal just for fun.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by GernB

It's such a shame that Olympic Park was never utilized the way initially intended. IIRC the COA and other sports groups were to occupy the tower offices and the national cycling and swim teams were to be headquartered in the complex. Twenty years were lost before we decided to get serious about international athletics again.

I'm amazed that the office space in the tower was always vacant. I assumed that it was at least partially occupied.

[osmo]

Not sure if this has been posted. Not much info out of the last board meeting from Ex Place, they have another next month but its looking like its still on the drawing board what exactly will happen to the north end of BMO Field. So far the updated renderings stand with the north stand getting nuked out so they can fit the CFL field into the place.

What is left is a underwhelming north end for both set ups. For TFC way to much space will be left open and likley they will have food and whatever else there to fill up space but now you have a whole end exposed to wind and rain which leaves it less open to some different beer/drink and food options to make a field patio or something like that.

TFC season seat holders who have had seats in that north end have not been transitioned well into other options and many have complained. I have said for a while that Bell and Larry T will have a hard time making this scheme work. IT does not help that the Argos had only 14,000 show up for their home-ender a week ago. I can't see them getting more then 10,000 if you had that same match outside at BMO Field as TFC struggled with the weather (attendance some of those days was 14,000) and the Jays down the final stretch with many fans saving them selves for a playoff game that never materialized (game was projected to be sold out).

Here are some pics of what it will likely look like next year...

-MLSE WEBSITE/URBANTORONTO

[esquire]

^ TFC and Argo fans can console themselves by knowing that no matter how bad it gets, they'll never have it as bad as how Islanders fans have it:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-d...eats-meet-good-intentions-142752112.html

[tomthumb2]

Originally Posted by Riise

I was bringing up World Class as Ken King is saying CalgaryNext will be World Class and if they are willing to put in the effort to build a World Class development, they can put in the extra effort required in a renovation project. While McMahon may never be World Class, it could be turned into a decent venue. I'd love to see an architecture firm draw up proposal just for fun.

Now that would be interesting. I remember seeing drawings when they were going to add upper decks for the Olympics. Obviously you wouldn't want to expand it now - in fact it could probably stand to lose some seats. Not sure if you can add any sexiness to a bowl design like that.

[tomthumb2]

I've always loved the architecture of the Big O, especially now when its lit up like that. Too bad the inside is basically unusable (except for the pool at the base of the tower which is awesome IMO).

[tomthumb2]

Originally Posted by esquire

^ TFC and Argo fans can console themselves by knowing that no matter how bad it gets, they'll never have it as bad as how Islanders fans have it:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-d...eats-meet-good-intentions-142752112.html

I don't think BMO looks bad at all for soccer or football. Not that it will make any difference for the Argos. They might get 20k for a year or two before the novelty wears off.

As for the Islanders, I had seen some bad angles but not as bad as in that article. Wow, what a colossal disaster that is! How is that any better than Uniondale? They could be the Quebec Islanders in no time!

[king10]

jesus. that open end looks terrible.

really wish they had at least some sort of mini stand half the height of the east stand.

the north end is way too open. especially with all other 3 sides have stands AND a canopy

[king10]

Originally Posted by Nicko999

And speaking of the big O, there will be offices in the tower in 2018.



http://globalnews.ca/news/2316888/the-olympic-stadium-to-get-166m-renovation/

166 million. 141 of that being spent on the surrounding "park facilities" and the office tower.

That only leaves 25 mil for the stadium itself? That is not enough for a new roof.

The article title says the Big O is getting a reno but then the majority of funds go to "park facilities"

Im assuming that's not the stadium itself?

[Horus]

Originally Posted by king10

jesus. that open end looks terrible.

really wish they had at least some sort of mini stand half the height of the east stand.

the north end is way too open. especially with all other 3 sides have stands AND a canopy

Optimistically, I'm hoping that's just a stop-gap measure that they'll use next year while they figure out what to really do with the north end.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by SkahHigh

Fredericton should logically have a team. It's unfortunate they don't have a proper arena though.

Fredericton does have a suitable arena (The Aitken Centre) but it's owned and operated by UNB who are staunchly against any other hockey tenant in their building, and for good reason.

Fredericton had an opporunity 6/7 years ago to build a large multi-purpose facility which could have housed a Q team but they instead built two smaller ones (Grant-Harvey & Willie O'Ree) which are primarily used for High School and Local hockey (and STU, which uses the Grant-Harvey).

[Nicko999]

Originally Posted by king10

166 million. 141 of that being spent on the surrounding "park facilities" and the office tower.

That only leaves 25 mil for the stadium itself? That is not enough for a new roof.

The article title says the Big O is getting a reno but then the majority of funds go to "park facilities"

Im assuming that's not the stadium itself?

Many people include the whole Olympic park when they talk about the big O. When people say it did cost 1.5 billion, it's for the whole park not for the stadium by itself.

The RIO is smart here as there is no need to do anything major on the stadium as long as the roof question is not resolved (that will be a separate announcement). With this investment, there will receive fixed income for at least 15 years (with option at the end of those 15 years for another 15). Also the indirect benefits of having between 1300 to 1800 people work there every weekday is big. Who knows, maybe this income will help finance a new roof?
It's finally great that the new RIO president views the Olympic Park as an asset to exploit rather than a liability like the guy before.