This all sounds very promising, except for the suggestion that McMahon would be where they would play. As a CFL football stadium, McMahon is adequate, although a little tired. The seats are quite far from the field, higher up, and it is has a capacity that is suited for the CFL.
It is the exact opposite of what a NASL team needs to thrive. I will support the team no matter what, but I really do fear that McMahon, especially in the first few years, would be a huge mistake. Hellard Field and Foothills address the capacity/atmosphere questions a little, but they're still miles from the pitch. But even they would be better options than McMahon. Not to mention that CFL football lines are very distracting to watch (and play) a game on. The NASL streams a lot of their games online, so even in a grassroots "television" sense, this is bad. Have you ever tried watching a FC Edmonton game online? Headache inducing.
Heck, even a temporary 3000 seat stadium with seats right up to the pitch would be better than playing at McMahon.
I wonder if SAIT would consider adding some seating along the Western edge of their pitch? Great location, ample parking (if the games were scheduled properly).
I hate to be a downer, but using McMahon would be a massive mistake and I couldn't see fans putting up with watching games in a 1/10 full stadium, miles from the pitch for very long. The fan experience is what is going to make or break this, and I really hope that any suggestion of using McMahon is quickly vetoed.
|