Halifax Stadium Discussion

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

I wouldn't take it personally - I agree with Fenwick; a number of councillor's are sticking their necks out in an atmosphere where 'tightening spending' is rampant. So I'm sure many members of council are getting pressure from both sides to either go forward or not - so I don't envy them. But so long as we keep things respectful - that's what helps.

I'd have to agree with Empire's comment about Shannon Park - any stadium would look incredible coming up the harbour. That reminds me of the footage from the full opening and closing cerimonies for the Vancouver 2010 games and how they had a helicopter travel up the harbour right over the convention centre to the stadium. So if we ever had something like FIFA or a commonwealth games (or heaven forbid I say it an Olympics - yes I know, snowballs chance in h*ll on that one, but still I like to think big!) - it would look awesome.

For those who don't know what I'm talking about - watch the first 10 minutes of this.

I guess I will be the one receiving all the flak from now on if someone123 is going to take a break from this thread. All I have to say is - the DND site northeast of the Halifax Forum is the best location and then watch the negative comments roll in (I still like that location).

I think the FIFA World Men's Cup receives more viewers than the Olympics. The FIFA Men`s Cup is a possibility for Halifax sometime in the future (maybe 2034), especially if the HRM moves forward with the stadium plans. Usually about 8 host cities are required. However, for now we should hope for the FIFA Women`s Cup since that will be a top notch event that will attract many visitors to Halifax.

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

I guess I will be the one receiving all the flak from now on if someone123 is going to take a break from this thread. All I have to say is - the DND site northeast of the Halifax Forum is the best location and then watch the negative comments roll in (I still like that location).

I think the FIFA World Men's Cup receives more viewers than the Olympics. The FIFA Men`s Cup is a possibility for Halifax sometime in the future (maybe 2034), especially if the HRM moves forward with the stadium plans. Usually about 8 host cities are required. However, for now we should hope for the FIFA Women`s Cup since that will be a top notch event that will attract many visitors to Halifax.

Well - I will take a shot that I disagree in the sense of really watching a camera pan up the harbour over downtown, over the MacDonald bridge and then to the stadium. But, I can also see the merit of doing the same and into some urban areas onto an urban stadium on the DND site by the forum.

I guess for me, my only issue with Windsor Park is what is the likelyhood that the land would become available anytime soon? And, what is the likelyhood that loblaws would sell their land if the stadium needed more room? It doesn't hurt to ask - but that would add to the cost because they will give the land away and I don't think you could expropriate federal land. Plus either way, you still pay for it.

I would say that's why Dartmouth Crossing and Shannon Park are probably front runner sites - because the ease of getting the land is there, thus if a decision was made quickly - getting the shovels into the ground wouldn't take a long time. Granted I'm making an assumption on Shannon Park, which may not have any real foundation since Canada Lands may have bigger plans for the site and not be willing to sell it, which would then put DC to the front of the list.

But if timing wasn't an issue, I'd be right with you Fenwick on the forum site.

[hfx_chris]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

I'd have to agree with Empire's comment about Shannon Park - any stadium would look incredible coming up the harbour.

Definitely! The only visual drawbacks in that area would be NSPI Tufts Cove and the high tension lines (and rusted towers) running next to the MacKay Bridge.

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by hfx_chris

Definitely! The only visual drawbacks in that area would be NSPI Tufts Cove and the high tension lines (and rusted towers) running next to the MacKay Bridge.

I'm sure that if Shannon Park was redeveloped, work could be done to put the lines underground and then dedicate a right-of-way or easement for the lines from Shannon to the power plant.

Not sure if there would be an effort as new power systems come online, that this plant could be decommissioned (much like the one near the Farmers Market)? Except in this case - I'd say just get rid of it.

[hfx_chris]

Originally Posted by someone123

From this point on I think I'll mostly avoid this thread. It is interesting now that there is some news but people are getting a little too worked up. At the end of the day please remember that this is a discussion forum and a place for opinions.

I took a break from this thread in January for exactly the same reason. Some people on here get way too emotionally involved in this...

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by hfx_chris

I took a break from this thread in January for exactly the same reason. Some people on here get way too emotionally involved in this...

Excluding this post I've been taking a break from this thread for 2 years and counting!

I'm all for the stadium and everything if the case can be made. However I am like my councillor counter-part, Tim Outhit, and have ideas for what that large amount of money can be spent on.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Excluding this post I've been taking a break from this thread for 2 years and counting!

I'm all for the stadium and everything if the case can be made. However I am like my councillor counter-part, Tim Outhit, and have ideas for what that large amount of money can be spent on.

Not quite, this thread has only existed for a bit over a year. But isn't your "break" because you have other stronger interests? Obviously that is Tim Outhit's viewpoint - he has a stronger interest in community rail to Bedford than a stadium.

I keep taking a break from the Active Transportation thread - some people on that thread get too emotional over the right of bicyclists to have bike paths in the middle of busy city streets. I don't get it - why don't those people just buy cars and ride their bicycles on bike paths in parks? In any case, I might post on that thread once in a while just to show that "I am all for active transportation".

In any case, I humbly apologize for my irrational interest in a stadium and for all the others on this thread who share my irrational interest in a stadium and post on this thread on a regular basis when they could be posting on more important issues. (excuse my sarcasm)

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

Not quite, this thread has only existed for a bit over a year. But isn't your "break" because you have other stronger interests? Obviously that is Tim Outhit's viewpoint - he has a stronger interest in community rail to Bedford than a stadium.

Maybe there was a predecessor to this thread I was reading before ... oh well it doesn't really matter anyways.

You are bang on with mine and Tim's thoughts though. Just like everybody we look out onto the state of the municipality and see problems. The difference is we see the problems clearly in Bedford and unlike a lot of HRM citizens we realize the money being spent on this could be used as the start-up for rail transit. I can understand why South-Enders don't care for money spent in Bedford just like we don't care about the new sidewalk in Sheet Harbour.

Anyways my point is I'd rather see the rail be built right now and have the stadium wait a few years (just build it by the time we hit half a million).

I keep taking a break from the Active Transportation thread - some people on that thread get too emotional over the right of bicyclists to have bike paths in the middle of busy city streets. I don't get it - why don't those people just buy cars and ride their bicycles on bike paths in parks? In any case, I might post on that thread once in a while just to show that "I am all for active transportation".

I'll admit I do get a little overly involved in the Active Transportation thread but bicycle advocating is engulfing my life right now so its hard to avoid posting my thoughts from time to time. I don't think you and I will ever see eye to eye on respects to transportation and I'm fine with that but without posting an essay here are the reasons I bike instead of drive; it's better for the environment, it keeps me in good physical shape, in Bedford its almost as efficient as driving, it can be relaxing off of main roads, little to no chance of causing bodily harm to others, and bicycle ownership costs nothing just initial purchase and an annual checkup.

In any case, I humbly apologize for my irrational interest in a stadium and for all the others on this thread who share my irrational interest in a stadium and post on this thread on a regular basis when they could be posting on more important issues. (excuse my sarcasm)

I wouldn't apologize for being passionate about something. I love advocating for my fellow cyclists. I gives me a sense of belonging and venting on this forum is a good way to let steam out when things aren't working out well.

If building a stadium is your passion then keep fighting for it. Just don't stoop to the level of lieing like the Heritage Trust and everyone will respect your opinion.

BTW if any of this post doesn't make sense it's becuase its 2am and my caffeine wore off hours ago.

[hfx_chris]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

In any case, I humbly apologize for my irrational interest in a stadium and for all the others on this thread who share my irrational interest in a stadium and post on this thread on a regular basis when they could be posting on more important issues. (excuse my sarcasm)

Sarcastic apology accepted. Interest in a stadium is not irrational, and you're certainly allowed to be interested. I just wish you wouldn't be such a dick about it sometimes.

[wespidel]

My concern, is that CTV local news had to recieve these drawings from the city and I know the better 60 million drawing was not posted, but it`s not in the league of the stadium above the was just posted which I like a lot, especially the design with open endzones! It would look good on the Shannon Park site, sort of looks like the CommonWealth stadium Halifax was going to build!

[wespidel]

I like the design myself and the look as well, love the open endzone concept, plenty of room to expand for major events, like a Grey Cup. I`m impressed with it, what would you change or add to it, Fenwick?

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by wespidel

I like the design myself and the look as well, love the open endzone concept, plenty of room to expand for major events, like a Grey Cup. I`m impressed with it, what would you change or add to it, Fenwick?

I really like it. However, it only has 14,000 along the sidelines. It would be great if about 20,000 - 25,000 could fit along the sidelines.

[halifaxboyns]

Very nice uniform - I agree with empire, I think Blue and white would be more workable for the ocean?

[Migs]

Very happy to see that there is some strong push for a stadium in Halifax. Rider Nation would love to invade your city and we here in Regina would be elated to have some of you folks make the trek out west for a game in the heartland of football.

Also, very cool looking uni's, not as nice as these though.


image from sportsnet.ca

image by moi

[fenwick16]

The Mosaic Stadium in Regina looks very impressive in that picture. It looks much better with people in the stands.

PS: Here is a good argument in favour of a stadium near the urban core (perhaps next to the Via Station). This is in reference to the Mosaic Stadium in Regina which was posted in this thread - http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...188287&page=12 :

Originally Posted by esquire

Sorry 1ajs, but I couldn't resist jumping in with my own two cents on this.

In theory, Mosaic Stadium shouldn't work, but it does. A 30,000 seat stadium in a residential area with hardly any parking, yet people manage to make it in without any problems. I don't see why moving the stadium 3/4 of a kilometre east would all of a sudden cause insurmountable problems.

Personally, on the rare occasions when I've attended football games in Regina, I have left the car behind downtown and walked the short distance to Mosaic. With a stadium that's even closer to downtown, I would think that all of downtown Regina and the warehouse area north of the tracks would be used for parking. And given that most games are played evenings and weekends - a time when downtown Regina is not normally bursting at the seams - I don't see capacity being an issue.

The arguments being marshalled against the Regina complex echo the ones used against the MTS Centre, and we all know how valid those turned out to be. I think the Regina stadium is a great idea, provided of course that the province can afford such an ambitious structure. I think Winnipeg could take a lesson from its western neighbours in thinking big. By contrast, our sports facilities are certainly passable places to watch a game, but were never (and won't be, in the case of the football stadium) particularly impressive places even on day one. Good on Regina, I say. I don't think it would hurt if Winnipeg were embarrassed a bit by Saskatchewan's can-do approach to this. Maybe we might step up our game a little in response.

[fenwick16]

Quebec City is going ahead with their new $400 million dollar arena (for hockey, not football). The Quebec government is funding 45% percent (they have more money to spend than Nova Scotia, I guess that is just the reality of the situation not a slight against Nova Scotia).

The federal government is saying that it will allow use of the gas tax revenues to cities and towns to help fund it by changing the federal rules that currently prohibit the use of these tax transfers in such a manner. Unfortunately, such a method of federal funding does little for a Halifax stadium since the money would be taken from other local infrastructure projects. Hopefully the federal government can do better for Halifax - http://www.montrealgazette.com/sport...837/story.html . It would be good to see some preferential treatment given to Halifax from the federal government for a change (although it is unlikely).

[isaidso]

Originally Posted by fenwick16

The Mosaic Stadium in Regina looks very impressive in that picture. It looks much better with people in the stands.

That giant lower tier is awesome. How many does it hold? 13,000?

[hfx_chris]

Originally Posted by Migs

Also, very cool looking uni's, not as nice as these though.

Sir, I believe you are mistaken.

[isaidso]

Originally Posted by hfx_chris

Sir, I believe you are mistaken.

Navy Blue, Burnt Orange, and White with a Burnt Orange chevron (nod to the military) on the helmet please!

[Halifax Privateer]

Check out Mean Green Stadium @ North Texas U and FAU Stadium @ Boca Raton, Fl. These are both 30,000 seaters and expandable. Also affordable @ $78m and $62m respectively.