[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by getbak

The new arena will likely have many different configurations available for smaller concerts and stage shows. Most of the new arenas that have been built since the mid-90s have that capability.

Here's the Bell Centre's different configurations: http://www.centrebell.ca/en/page/venue_specifications

It can handle everything from 2,000 seat intimate shows to 20,000 seat concerts.

I read an article a few years ago about the profitability of the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, and it said the key to its success was the ability to host those 3-5000 seat shows. They don't bring in the same size crowds, but there's a lot more tours in that range than there are of the big arena tours.



As for the design, I've thought an homage of sorts to the old #1 Fire Hall would be an interesting look: http://maps.google.ca/?ll=51.047477,...308.09,,0,2.99

I like the arched doorways and the big sandstone keystones. They could also have a big bell tower out front.

Which will invariably cheapen the value of both the new building and that which it is replicating - in whole or part.