Stadiums and Arenas of Canada part 2

[dancinb]

As a teenager who was very into technology in the mid-90s, I remember how amazing it was.

As for the old scoreboard's displays: my memories around them is fading now, but I believe they kept the old displays and put them up in the corners of the upper bowl. They kept the same great animations for a while (because they couldn't do real video), but eventually just used them for advertising.

Originally Posted by esquire

You may not believe this, but when it was installed in the mid 90s it was actually considered pretty impressive and quite an upgrade over the previous one that was incapable of showing replays.

[stefanYEG]

Originally Posted by dancinb

As a teenager who was very into technology in the mid-90s, I remember how amazing it was.

As for the old scoreboard's displays: my memories around them is fading now, but I believe they kept the old displays and put them up in the corners of the upper bowl. They kept the same great animations for a while (because they couldn't do real video), but eventually just used them for advertising.

The animation I remember the most vividly from those old displays is the no smoking one where scissors cut a cigarette but also gets the guy's nose.

[TorontoDrew]

How it might look with a new roof material.

[IMG]Future Toronto II by Mathew Borrett, on Flickr[/IMG]

[Calgarian]

Wow, that's kinda cool.

[TorontoDrew]

Heating and A/C would be the main issue with a replacement like that however.

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by TorontoDrew

I wonder if the plans to replace the roof panels with something translucent are still in the works along with real grass. Also the exterior grounds need a good makeover. Also if they could improve crowd control of people entering the dome for games that would be great as well. It can take 20 minutes to get through security meanwhile at stadiums like Fenway Park the wait time is only about 5 minutes.

You or I are confused. The roof's membrane is end of life. I don't recall any real plan that included chopping up the steel structure. That was probably someone's vision or a mistaken interpretation of "roof replacement"

[EpicPonyTime]

I thought one of the major obstacles to putting real grass into the SkyDome was that the moisture would completely wreck the interior since it doesn't have drainage or a way to handle an irrigation system? I recall someone on this board saying that last time the SkyDome renos came up (man do we recycle topics here).

[TorontoDrew]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper

You or I are confused. The roof's membrane is end of life. I don't recall any real plan that included chopping up the steel structure. That was probably someone's vision or a mistaken interpretation of "roof replacement"

No they mentioned they are looking into a translucent option for the shell as they need to replace the PVC"membrane" anyway. Nothing has ever been said about chopping up the steal framework no would that ever be floated.


From: http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/mlb/...-many-upgrades-planned-for-aging-stadium
-The entire PVC membrane over the stadium roof is worn out and must be replaced. As part of that project, the club will investigate the possibility of using material that will allow diffused sunlight to shine through and help nurture the grass.

[Coldrsx]

https://twitter.com/IanOyeg

[Bandage]

^ drove by for the first time the other day and cripes it's gonna be a bitch trynna keep that thing clean

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Originally Posted by TorontoDrew

I wonder if the plans to replace the roof panels with something translucent are still in the works along with real grass. Also the exterior grounds need a good makeover. Also if they could improve crowd control of people entering the dome for games that would be great as well. It can take 20 minutes to get through security meanwhile at stadiums like Fenway Park the wait time is only about 5 minutes.

Yeah, I don't think grass was ever really a possibility. I understand that they commissioned a study with the U of Guelph but I suspect that Beeston was just trying to distract a disgruntled fan base i.e. I know the team is $h!t but, hey, wouldn't you like a little grass in here?! That would be pretty good, eh?

Several experts have pointed out that in order to grow grass in the dome they would need, not only sunlight, but air circulation. Ensuring both of these elements would necessitate an astronomical feat of engineering. So artificial turf it is.

You're right about the exterior - pretty bloody awful. Not sure anything can be done with security, though.

In terms of the interior, it's pretty simple for me:
*Lower the outfield walls slightly - maybe not as low as Camden but close.
*Bring seats right down to the outfield wall so HRs don't disappear into that black abyss.
*Dirt warning track - spray painted turf is pointless and embarrassing.
*More standing room/ social areas.

There are likely dozens of other improvements that could be made that I haven't even considered yet.

[SteelTown]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Making Hamilton's FirstOntario Centre 'NHL-ready' would cost $250M
City staff recommend against large-scale renovation to the city's signature events venue

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/m...ntre-nhl-ready-would-cost-250m-1.4046406

A new study pegs the cost of renovating the FirstOntario Centre to an "NHL-ready" point at $252 million, but city staff say there are other much more urgent budget issues to deal with instead.
....


This re-imagination of the exterior of First Ontario Centre that is part of a consultants report on how to upgrade the aging arena. (BBB Architects)

City won't pay to upgrade FirstOntario Centre but will consider anyone who will
A motion carried late Wednesday afternoon left the door open to outside investors

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/c...-will-consider-anyone-who-will-1.4057596

FirstOntario Centre might, some day, get the upgrades it needs, but if it does, the city of Hamilton won't be paying for it.

Councillors decided Wednesday they won't fund upgrades to FirstOntario Center, but if someone else wants to foot the bill, the door is wide open.

According to the results of a consultant's study, it would take $252 million to make the arena ready for an NHL team. $68 million would be good enough for a partial upgrade.

The NHL-ready option would have meant a "complete transformation" of the 32-year-old, 17,000-seat building.

The partial upgrade would add modern boxes and concessions to the lower bowl.

After reviewing the study, city staff recommended against spending the money on upgrades. On Wednesday, councillors passed a motion directing staff to "manage the lifecycle" of FirstOntario Center with funds in the existing capital budget. In addition, staff will be keeping open communication with community stakeholders and industry experts to ensure its stewardship of the stadium is where it ought to be. Lastly, city staff will be "conduct appropriate due diligence" when it comes to any incoming offer of private investment.

City finance staff wrote in a report that "Based on the cost of the proposed renovations and the uncertainty of whether Hamilton could attract a tenant that could fully utilize a modern 18,000 seat arena, staff recommends that the city does not move forward with either renovation option at this point in time,"

The city already sets aside $800,000 a year for upgrades to the arena, the convention centre and the concert hall — "prioritizing capital needs that relate to health and safety and legislative compliance."

Before even seeing the report, Coun. Sam Merulla said earlier this month the issue "shouldn't even be on the back burner."

"You know that drawer at the bottom of the stove that nobody uses? That's where it belongs."

[esquire]

^ Line forms to the right!

[HomeInMyShoes]

What, I use that draw on my stove all the time. Baking sheets and pans are always there.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Skydome roof refurb done.

I'm guessing there's been a lot of anxiety revolving around the roof over the years. Seems they'll now be able to open it and close it with confidence.

[caltrane74]

Canada, USA, and Mexico joint bid World Cup 2026?

I wonder if this is a chance for a better stadium here. Lol!

[mistercorporate]

Originally Posted by caltrane74

Canada, USA, and Mexico joint bid World Cup 2026?

I wonder if this is a chance for a better stadium here. Lol!

BMO Field expansion to 40-45,000 most likely. Skydome will increasingly become a baseball stadium.

[Rico Rommheim]

The world cup? You mean the sporting event run by that mafia organization called FIFA, which takes in loads of monies but leaves the host cities with a plethora of social and economic problems behind? You guys are seriously wanting to have this nightmare?

[esquire]

Originally Posted by Rico Rommheim

The world cup? You mean the sporting event run by that mafia organization called FIFA, which takes in loads of monies but leaves the host cities with a plethora of social and economic problems behind? You guys are seriously wanting to have this nightmare?

I think the idea of Canada hosting the WC on its own is absurd for that reason, but assuming it can be done relatively inexpensively with only 3 host sites using existing venues... well, that's much more palatable.

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by TorontoDrew

No they mentioned they are looking into a translucent option for the shell as they need to replace the PVC"membrane" anyway. Nothing has ever been said about chopping up the steal framework no would that ever be floated.


From: http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/mlb/...-many-upgrades-planned-for-aging-stadium
-The entire PVC membrane over the stadium roof is worn out and must be replaced. As part of that project, the club will investigate the possibility of using material that will allow diffused sunlight to shine through and help nurture the grass.

Sorry for the confusion. The waterproof membrane sits on top of steel plate sheathing that is supported by the steel trusses. You basically would be replacing the entire roof.