Here is a question. If the Flames do go on a crazy run, would The Red Mile be as peaceful as it was in '04?
Dynamics have changed. A new crop of 18-25 year olds, who were only 9-14 in 04. Also a population growth of probably 250k (guessing here), who the majority are transplants. Thoughts?
I could see them try to contain things closer to the grounds in the future. They could do like they did in Toronto during the Raptors playoffs last year with "Jurassic Park" in front of the ACC.
Use the area behind the casino and BMO Centre, set up some big screens, and encourage people to gather there. After the games, as the crowds grow, there will be lots of room on the grounds for the crowd to grow once the parking lots empty out (people would just need to make sure they move their vehicles if they parked in the lots and decide to stick around "Red Square" after the game).
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Turn up the good, turn down the suck!
The City Police will never let it happen that way again. They will force people to remain on the sidewalks and minimize crowds. Too much concern about riots, public urinating, crowd control. Was there in 04 and it was a blast. But I don't think it is going to happen again.
If it's 30,000+ fans on the street, the police will be unable force them to the sidewalks. Like the final few games of 04, they will shut down 17th to motorized traffic.
Believe it or not, the CP are already looking at plans to control or contain. Everything depends on the crowd attitude. If it's anything like 04 (min damage caused and a generally happy crowd) then restrictions will be at the minimum but presence will be geared up. But if turns out to be Canuck or Leafs happy... well let's hope that doesn't happen..
I just cross my fingers that we get a chance to recreate 04.
No kidding. No idea how I kept working, showing up a bit hungover and with no voice for weeks. Time of my life.
Not on the scale of the Red Mile, but the tailgating was pretty good in '04. We had great weather and would set up the BBQ and a cooler, play a little road hockey in the parking lot before the game. CPS was great, no problems with beers if you had a can or a cup - they just wanted no bottles. That changed in '06, they shut everything down to push everyone into the beer garden the Flames set up. Just wasn't the same, but hey the team made more $$.
On a side note, I've been to a few NHL games in different buildings this season and it is very hard not to yell out "C"! and "Red"! during the anthems.
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