Stadiums & Arenas of Canada, Part 3

[EpicPonyTime]

Originally Posted by thewave46

Gritty is sort of a fun term that has a wide degree of latitude.

If you listed half of the cities with WHL teams, I'm sure "gritty" could be applied to most of them by someone.

[craner]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Oshawa is considered one of the stronger markets in the OHL and one of its 'legacy' markets. Others would be London, Kitchener, Soo, Ottawa, etc.

Peterborough Petes ?

[JHikka]

Woodbine Entertainment Prepared to Designate Land at 684-Acre Woodbine Racetrack Site for High Performance Soccer Training Facility and Community Stadium

https://woodbine.com/woodbine-news/w...unity-stadium/

New West Toronto development could feature a 38,000 square foot soccer training facility and 8,000-seat soccer-specific stadium

Toronto, ON – March 23, 2022 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that it is prepared to designate a portion of its 684-acre land at Woodbine Racetrack for the development of a new high-performance training centre and stadium for women’s and men’s soccer in the heart of Toronto’s Rexdale community.

In working with private investors and various stakeholders, the soccer project would feature an 8,000-seat soccer specific stadium and a 38,000 square foot training facility with a world-class grass pitch that meets FIFA professional standards. The venue would be a destination for national soccer training, hosting international federations preparing for major international events and potentially be a groundbreaking opportunity for the further development of women’s soccer in this country, from grassroots to the highest levels of competition.







The new stadium and performance centre could be a permanent home for a potential domestic professional women’s soccer league. It would also be a key training base and stadium for Canadian Premier League clubs including York United FC.

The stadium and performance centre would also be one of the most accessible through public transportation with the proposed new GO Station. The addition of a stadium would be another key driver of annual visits to a developed community at Woodbine Racetrack that is expected to exceed more than 16 million visitors annually.

[megadude]

Always happy to see less desirable areas be improved by projects like this. But for some people who are not a part of that community, it feels like a shame when you host national or international events in areas that don't come to mind as places you want to show off on that kind of stage. I sometimes feel like that. Now, if I lived there, like my cousin, then I'd be very happy. If I were him, I'd go to the track quite a bit, but even though he's five minutes away, he virtually never goes. Not his thing. And he doesn't gamble on slots either.

Land in nice and/or dense areas is just too valuable so you can understand why you can't just plop down a minor stadium like this on say the waterfront. Plus, Woodbine has all that acreage just sitting there, so might as well fill it out. They're already going to put a whole new residential community within the bounds of the racetrack lands. And horse racing is a dying industry, so if things like this can keep that sport afloat, please, by all means.

Anything at Downsview is the same thing. It would be preferable if the SARS concert or papal visits were in nicer areas, but you use what you got that can accommodate the masses for the event itself and how to get them there.

For comparison sakes to Woodbine, Santa Anita is always going to be nicer given the mountain backdrop in the LA area. Churchill Downs is in a residential community giving that Ivor Wynn/TH Field vibes. Belmont Park outside NYC is in a nicer area. Pimlico in Baltimore, I have no idea about. That covers the Breeders Stake and Triple Crown race tracks. Of course, if TO's racing industry was still at Greenwood, in The Beaches neighbourhood, it would be much nicer, but probably not realistic.

What are some other iconic venues that are held in high regard, but are actually in kind of shitty areas. I heard Wimbledon and Augusta National are.

The Rogers Cup, the TO version, at the national tennis stadium, is kind of the same. Immediately north of the infamous Jane and Finch.

The Canadian Open courses are at courses that I assume are in nice areas. Glen Abbey and Hamilton G&CC are in nice spots. St. George's in Etobicoke I can't recall. Very wooded residential area but can't recall if it's particularly nice. It's not shitty though. What about Royal Montreal?

There are arenas that are Downtown or Downtown adjacent where the immediate neighbourhood is run down, but at least the surrounding area is Downtown and has nice amenities/attractions at least around the corner. Woodbine is not Downtown adjacent, but at least it's only a few minutes up the 427 from the airport.

[Djeffery]

Originally Posted by megadude

What are some other iconic venues that are held in high regard, but are actually in kind of shitty areas. I heard Wimbledon and Augusta National are.

I looked up Augusta National on Google Earth once and I was shocked at its location. Always pictured it being out in the middle of nowhere. Nope, busy run down city street right out front. TV does a great job at building up the mystique. Kind of like Graceland. I've never been there but family has and they weren't impressed with the surrounding area at all. Another spot that came t mind when you mentioned arenas was Camden Yards in Baltimore (although it's a couple of stadiums, not an arena). We did a ballpark tour before a cruise 10 or 12 years ago, and we went and strolled the area after the tour. We were immediately stopped by a cop less than a block from the ballpark and asked where we were going. I said we had just toured the ballpark and were exploring the area for a bit before heading to the cruise port. He said he strongly recommended we turned around and headed back to the stadium area or we might not get to our cruise. I've heard the same about the area around the hockey arena in Chicago. Once the game is over, get out of the area fast.

[megadude]

I went to a Blackhawks game. I assumed it was Downtown, but as I was preparing the day before I realized that I would have to bus it there. After I did the Willis Tower I met an Aussie doing the solo thing too so we took the bus together. We were both surprised. It wasn't the worst area, but it wasn't what we were expecting.

I also went to the Whitesox game at night by myself. Subway there and back, but I only did 6 innings so I was walking Southside Chicago on my own, using a printed map until I got to the subway. However, whatever route it was that I took wasn't bad at all. I was actually impressed. It reminded me of neighbourhoods I saw in Chicago set shows and movies. I always pictured that being more the north side and close to Wrigleyville. I also discovered that there's a school there, which is Illinois Tech.

Comerica in Detroit was also very suspect looking at night and I was kind of worried about the meter I parked at. It was so close to the stadium, but then I noticed the people loitering. This was at night. A few cops walking the beat though.

Originally Posted by Djeffery

I looked up Augusta National on Google Earth once and I was shocked at its location. Always pictured it being out in the middle of nowhere. Nope, busy run down city street right out front. TV does a great job at building up the mystique. Kind of like Graceland. I've never been there but family has and they weren't impressed with the surrounding area at all. Another spot that came t mind when you mentioned arenas was Camden Yards in Baltimore (although it's a couple of stadiums, not an arena). We did a ballpark tour before a cruise 10 or 12 years ago, and we went and strolled the area after the tour. We were immediately stopped by a cop less than a block from the ballpark and asked where we were going. I said we had just toured the ballpark and were exploring the area for a bit before heading to the cruise port. He said he strongly recommended we turned around and headed back to the stadium area or we might not get to our cruise. I've heard the same about the area around the hockey arena in Chicago. Once the game is over, get out of the area fast.

[megadude]

I also wonder where athletes stay for individual sports when the venue isn't Downtown. If you're a fringe player, do you stay in a budget friendly hotel and take a shuttle? If you're rich and famous, do you stay at a 5 star Downtown and get chauffered, but waste time on that drive, or do you stay in the most decent hotel closest to the venue so you stay laser focused with no Downtown distractions?

At least now you can do Air BnB with the nicest house or condo close by and have your entourage take care of things. Augusta National I'm sure has always had short term rentals to rely on beyond limited hotel options.

When the Canadian GP was at Mosport decades ago, which was all farmland, similar to Silverstone, home of the British GP now, I would imagine drivers would stay in campers. If they're doing that now at Silverstone, they must be luxurious houses on wheels. When the Canadian GP was at Mt. Tremblant, they had the ski village down the road with plenty of vacancy in the summer. Mosport is nothing like that. It's all empty land.

[ZeDgE]

The walk to the press box at the Saddledome..

https://twitter.com/Sheng_Peng/statu...37359092523010

[elly63]

• Video Link

[bridgeoftea]

Originally Posted by ZeDgE

The walk to the press box at the Saddledome..

https://twitter.com/Sheng_Peng/statu...37359092523010

Reminds me of Goodison Park where Everton play. The commentators need to walk on the roof and drop down a ladder to the commentary box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtB3_R4UL8A

[JHikka]

"We have been approved for a significant renovation of Rogers Centre," says Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro.

Budgeting, planning, & design currently ongoing. Work is expected to begin next off-season with a target completion date of 2024. Plans expected to be unveiled by May.

Majority of renovation will focus on Rogers Centre’s lower bowl and concourses; won’t be much done to exterior of building.

Modernizing player facilities and fan experience are biggest priorities, per Shapiro.

The renovation is intended to buy the Blue Jays 10-15 years to continue devising a longer-term stadium solution, per Shapiro.

Ultimately, club will need to build a new ballpark, either in current location or elsewhere in the city.

Total cost of the privately-funded renovation project is expected to be announced in a couple months when plans are unveiled.

Expectation today is that around 30 per cent of the work will be completed next off-season, with final 70 per cent occurring in winter of 2023-24.

https://twitter.com/ArdenZwelling/st...56181257498631

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by megadude

I also wonder where athletes stay for individual sports when the venue isn't Downtown. If you're a fringe player, do you stay in a budget friendly hotel and take a shuttle? If you're rich and famous, do you stay at a 5 star Downtown and get chauffered, but waste time on that drive, or do you stay in the most decent hotel closest to the venue so you stay laser focused with no Downtown distractions?

I know the union dictates which hotel and the daily per diem the teams pay in major league sports. The stars probably have upgrades written in their contracts however, the minimal standard is high; doubtful anyone is staying in a budget hotel. The teams fly first class. Fringe players salaries are also above the top 1%.

[Djeffery]

Scotiabank Arena in Toronto had to be evacuated during the Raptors game tonight due to a fire in a bank of speakers suspended from the ceiling. The game will apparently resume once the fire department clears them, but the fans won't be back in.

[JHikka]

Canada asked to host 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship
Sportsnet
March 26, 2022

Canada has been asked by the IIHF to host the 2023 World Junior Championship after it was stripped away from Russia for attacking Ukraine.

"The IIHF, as they try to find a new home for the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2023, which were taken away from Russia, have asked Canada if they can host the tournament," Sportsnet's Jeff Marek said during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.

"Now, I believe they're also talking to other countries, but I believe Canada is a preferred destination. Hockey Canada meets about this next week. The IIHF will expect some type of decision by the end of April. If Hockey Canada does say OK, look for them to look at the destination in either Ontario or somewhere a little bit more east, maybe in the Maritimes."

https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/art...-championship/

Emphasis added mine. If it lands in the Maritimes expect a combination of two of Halifax, Moncton, or Saint John as the destinations. If it's Ontario I keep hearing Ottawa as a rumour...so Ottawa/Gatineau, most likely.

[GreatTallNorth2]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Canada asked to host 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship
Sportsnet
March 26, 2022

Canada has been asked by the IIHF to host the 2023 World Junior Championship after it was stripped away from Russia for attacking Ukraine.

"The IIHF, as they try to find a new home for the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2023, which were taken away from Russia, have asked Canada if they can host the tournament," Sportsnet's Jeff Marek said during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.

"Now, I believe they're also talking to other countries, but I believe Canada is a preferred destination. Hockey Canada meets about this next week. The IIHF will expect some type of decision by the end of April. If Hockey Canada does say OK, look for them to look at the destination in either Ontario or somewhere a little bit more east, maybe in the Maritimes."

https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/art...-championship/

Emphasis added mine. If it lands in the Maritimes expect a combination of two of Halifax, Moncton, or Saint John as the destinations. If it's Ontario I keep hearing Ottawa as a rumour...so Ottawa/Gatineau, most likely.

A shame if it goes to Ontario and cities like London/Kitchener/Windsor don't get it. These cities are the heart and soul of Junior Hockey in Ontario.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Canada asked to host 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship
Sportsnet
March 26, 2022

Canada has been asked by the IIHF to host the 2023 World Junior Championship after it was stripped away from Russia for attacking Ukraine.

"The IIHF, as they try to find a new home for the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2023, which were taken away from Russia, have asked Canada if they can host the tournament," Sportsnet's Jeff Marek said during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.

"Now, I believe they're also talking to other countries, but I believe Canada is a preferred destination. Hockey Canada meets about this next week. The IIHF will expect some type of decision by the end of April. If Hockey Canada does say OK, look for them to look at the destination in either Ontario or somewhere a little bit more east, maybe in the Maritimes."

https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/art...-championship/

Emphasis added mine. If it lands in the Maritimes expect a combination of two of Halifax, Moncton, or Saint John as the destinations. If it's Ontario I keep hearing Ottawa as a rumour...so Ottawa/Gatineau, most likely.

Would they use the Civic Centre (Lansdowne) or is it slated for reno or demo? Centre Slush Puppie woud be a shoo-in if more than one venue is used, but the question is what the Ottawa rink would be.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Acajack

Would they use the Civic Centre (Lansdowne) or is it slated for reno or demo? Centre Slush Puppie woud be a shoo-in if more than one venue is used, but the question is what the Ottawa rink would be.

Kanata. Melnyk is interested.

Originally Posted by GreatTallNorth2

A shame if it goes to Ontario and cities like London/Kitchener/Windsor don't get it. These cities are the heart and soul of Junior Hockey in Ontario.

Problem is that the event generally relies/can fetch one larger NHL arena and one smaller CHL arena. Going to two CHL arenas for one event is usually only done in a region where they have to (Maritimes). Doing so in Ontario would be throwing away potential revenue. It's possible that a Toronto bid could be supported by London, or a Hamilton bid supported by Guelph/Niagara. Don't think Kitchener's arena is up to hosting standards, especially based on Top Prospects this past week.

Hosting comes down to money for TSN, HC, and IIHF, of course. If it were just about junior hockey it would be in all sorts of different small towns every other year. I think a London/Kitchener/Guelph/Windsor U20s would be really fun but not at all likely if HC thinks they can sell tickets in nearby Toronto.

[EpicPonyTime]

If they go to the Maritimes this year, I imagine Saskatchewan will be up again soonish. Would be nice if they could coincide it with Saskatoon's new arena... whenever that will be.

[bridgeoftea]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Canada asked to host 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship
Sportsnet
March 26, 2022

Canada has been asked by the IIHF to host the 2023 World Junior Championship after it was stripped away from Russia for attacking Ukraine.

"The IIHF, as they try to find a new home for the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2023, which were taken away from Russia, have asked Canada if they can host the tournament," Sportsnet's Jeff Marek said during the 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.

"Now, I believe they're also talking to other countries, but I believe Canada is a preferred destination. Hockey Canada meets about this next week. The IIHF will expect some type of decision by the end of April. If Hockey Canada does say OK, look for them to look at the destination in either Ontario or somewhere a little bit more east, maybe in the Maritimes."

https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/art...-championship/

Emphasis added mine. If it lands in the Maritimes expect a combination of two of Halifax, Moncton, or Saint John as the destinations. If it's Ontario I keep hearing Ottawa as a rumour...so Ottawa/Gatineau, most likely.

My guess would be Moncton > Saint John. As the Memorial Cup and the Canada/Russia series have been in Saint john more recently than Moncton.
They also have the newer arena which they'd want to show off.

Would probably be all Canada group games in Halifax. Second group games all in Moncton. Then obviously the medal games in Halifax.

[thurmas]

Not sure what happens to the senators arena plans and ownership with melnyk's passing today?