Quote:
Originally Posted by esquire
^ Is a replacement for the MTS Centre really in the cards? Part of TNSE's supposed genius on their approach to bringing the NHL back to Winnipeg is having a smaller arena that sells out constantly with a long waiting list for tickets. Even in other cities like Edmonton the increase in seating in the new building is fairly marginal. But that said, if it actually happens I'd imagine the wheels won't start turning for at least another decade, and then it's probably at least another 5 years for design and construction.
In theory I'm OK with using the Portage Place site for a new arena if that's what it came to, but would it even fit on that site? And if it fits, aren't there an awful lot of going concerns standing in the way that would need to be purchased and closed to make way for an arena? Between the mall, the offices, the parkade, the several apartment blocks, Prairie Theatre Exchange, the Y and whatever else, that's an awful lot standing in the way. I'm not sure that it would be viable.
As for The Bay, isn't it just as narrow as the MTS Centre's site? In other words, it confers no real advantage over the existing arena site. I'm not sure that it would work there either.
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I'm just saying that at some point, the arena will need to be replaced...or not? But it seems all arenas (except maybe MSG) have a shelf life and get replaced with a more modernized building. I'm sure we're 15 - 20+ years from that, but something to have some fun with.
Having said that, if a new state of the art 16,000 seat arena could fit on The Bay site, that'd be pretty sweet with all that's happening with the Graham strip...
Anyway, back to PP. Realistically, putting some mixed use on top of it would be perfect. See what happens with the Wpg Sq. apartment and model after that.