In the case of McMahon, the local group that was looking at getting a fieldhouse built, themselves pegged that cost at $200 million.
The fieldhouse (according to the city) is on their wishlist for infrastructure to be built. So whatever fault there was with the Flames group proposal, the idea of combining with the fieldhouse was likely a correct one, just the execution left people cold (pardon the expression)
Background:
Stampeders chief says 50-year-old McMahon needs a facelift
Calgary Herald October 17, 2011
CALGARY - Consider it Lyle Bauer's official call to action.
The president and chief operating officer of the Calgary Stampeders held a news conference on Monday afternoon to stress that McMahon Stadium is in need of a serious facelift and that it's also time for interested stakeholders to step up.
"I'm sure the people are aware," he said. "Especially our fans, our sponsors, and everyone else that it's critical for the Stampeders and this franchise and, I believe, this city for us to address a 50-year-old facility."
Also well aware this fact was not breaking news, Bauer noted every Canadian Football League team in need either has completed the construction of a new stadium, are planning to build a new stadium, or are in the process of improving their stadium.
Next year, a new stadium in Winnipeg is projected to replace the previous home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Canad Inns Stadium. Meanwhile, Empire Field had been the temporary of the B.C. Lions while significant improvements were made to B.C. Place Stadium.
Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium will be gutted and rebuilt in time for the 2014 season while Saskatchewan has started a push for a new downtown stadium. Massive renovations are planned to get Lansdowne Park up to standards in time for Ottawa's re-entry to CFL in 2014. And, finally, up north, the Edmonton Eskimos recently received a massive renovation at Commonwealth Stadium which included the addition of an indoor practice facility.
Now, Bauer feels it's their turn.
"It's difficult to watch Calgary fall behind the other cities," he said. "That's what's happening. Some may not want to hear that. But it's also very timely.
"It's something our fans deserve."
Bauer said concessions, washrooms, and general concourse amenities need to be improved for the comfort of their fans.
"It's important to us," he said. "The Stampeders, as you well know, are committed to the community. We believe that in order for us to keep going forward, we need to address the concerns of our fans and private partners."
The facility, which opened in 1960, is well utilized.
In addition to four Grey Cup games (1975, 1993, 2000, and 2009), it has hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, various concerts, and the 2011 Heritage Classic between the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadians.
The building is owned by the University of Calgary and operated by the McMahon Stadium society. It seats 35,650 for a football game while temporary stands add another 5,000 seats.
Bauer declined to reveal any budgets or costs - yet. Instead, he utilized Monday's press conference as a way of continuing the discussion.
"You have to understand that this is going to take a multi-party arrangement," he said. "That is one piece of it. We are waiting to hear from the University as far as that process goes ... it's time for many of us to step up.
"Every team in the CFL that has had a need, is addressing it in some way, shape, or form. The city is vibrant and pro-active and progressive and Calgary and southern Alberta need to step up and get after it."
Bauer is aware these things don't happen over night.
Prior to joining the Stamps in 2010, he was the president and chief executive officer of the Blue Bombers. He helped revive the struggling Winnipeg franchise by developing a sound internal business plan and restoring the relationship between the fans and the business community. He was also involved in Winnipeg's movement toward a new stadium.
"It took many, many years, but it is happening," Bauer said. "It goes through many twists and turns ... but it's also important to let our fans know that we have to be their voice."
Stamps want in
THE Canadian Press October 17, 2011
If money is being tossed at stadium building or renovations, the Calgary Stampeders want a piece of the action.
Team president Lyle Bauer said Monday the Stampeders are looking to upgrade 35,650-seat McMahon Stadium to make it a more comfortable, modern and profitable home for the CFL club.
Or if a new stadium is built, the Stampeders would be happy to play in it.
Amid talk of new NHL arenas in Edmonton and Calgary, and with CFL teams across the country either building or having just completed new facilities or major refits, he doesn't want his club overlooked.
"We want to make sure we're out there and make a point that we're the only club in the country with a 50-year-old stadium without plans for either a new one or a refurbished one," Bauer said in a telephone interview.
McMahon Stadium was built in 1960 for $1.05 million and is owned by the University of Calgary and run by a non-profit organization. It has expanded over the years, and had renovations in 2001 and 2005 mainly to add corporate boxes, but Bauer said more work is needed.
He hopes at least to improve the washrooms and concession areas, and add modern infrastructure such as a digital scoreboard and advertising bands that enhance the show for the fans and bring in more sponsorship and advertising revenue.
Bauer said extra revenue would help the Stampeders keep pace with other CFL clubs and fund the team's community projects.
He said there have been casual talks with various levels of government, but so far no formal plans for the stadium have been made. The club is looking at ways the work could be funded, including guaranteed loans and public-private partnerships.
And no time frame has been set for a project that would likely take several years. Until then, they'll make do at McMahon.
"I wouldn't say it's dire, but (the stadium) is very old," he said.
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