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Thunderball · 04-20-2016, 05:02 PM

A few things that are particularly troubling:

A six year wait to commence construction is a total game changer and a project killer. No way they can proceed if it means Calgary may not be in a position to bid for the Olympics or World Cup 2026. The Saddledome would need tens of millions in upgrades and fixes to last that long too.

If the project is estimated at $1.8 billion, ignoring the facility, the necessary remediation, utilities upgrading and infrastructure updating for West Village in general seems to be in the $550 million range (plus interest for financing), which would be needed for any large scale re-purposing, not counting the public money that would be going into a required public amenity (or amenities) in the area to attract residents. Its a billion + dollar sink hole any way you cut it, and that is pretty disappointing.

The thought that McMahon is viable to any extent is alarming. I'd be very curious to see what $80-90 million can actually buy, because the deficiencies in the stadium are significant. $80-90 million buys a lot of lipstick for a pig, but its a 60 year old facility that was out of date when we hosted the Olympics. Its unsuitable for soccer, and unsuitable for evening events by virtue of location and field design. Its cavernous for university football, and far too spartan for any professional sport.

Would be shocked if Ken King survives this though.

04-20-2016, 05:02 PM	#1210
Thunderball Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Exp:	A few things that are particularly troubling: A six year wait to commence construction is a total game changer and a project killer. No way they can proceed if it means Calgary may not be in a position to bid for the Olympics or World Cup 2026. The Saddledome would need tens of millions in upgrades and fixes to last that long too. If the project is estimated at $1.8 billion, ignoring the facility, the necessary remediation, utilities upgrading and infrastructure updating for West Village in general seems to be in the $550 million range (plus interest for financing), which would be needed for any large scale re-purposing, not counting the public money that would be going into a required public amenity (or amenities) in the area to attract residents. Its a billion + dollar sink hole any way you cut it, and that is pretty disappointing. The thought that McMahon is viable to any extent is alarming. I'd be very curious to see what $80-90 million can actually buy, because the deficiencies in the stadium are significant. $80-90 million buys a lot of lipstick for a pig, but its a 60 year old facility that was out of date when we hosted the Olympics. Its unsuitable for soccer, and unsuitable for evening events by virtue of location and field design. Its cavernous for university football, and far too spartan for any professional sport. Would be shocked if Ken King survives this though. Last edited by Thunderball; 04-20-2016 at 05:10 PM.