Quote:
Originally Posted by Joborule
I'm not sure why those seating diagrams all of the sudden gets some people more warm to the project. It gives a little bit more of an outlook on the configuration, but that's it. We could have assumed how it would look already. It's not detailed renderings of how it would actually look like on the field/rink, and in the concourse. I thought the biggest issue was with the location and feasibility? (Public use with event use at same time and such) That hasn't changed with those diagrams.
I'm not that warm to the fieldhouse/CFL stadium combo since I think it would be the less of both worlds, but the configuration does indicate that given more detailed design, perhaps it won't compromise the fieldhouse component as much, and won't feel cheap for CFL games.
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I agree insofar as to suggest that the newer configuration diagrams don't really change how I view the projects scope, location issues, or fuding mechanisms. As a tax payer I still feel very pissed off that my favourite franchises thought they could propose something like this and take me for a fool.
However, they do and I agree with you make the stadium portion seem more like a CFL compatible stadium and less "Cheap" then the first designs did.
I think the issue most people have is with the way in which the pitch was done and how amateurish it was presented from the outset. Yes, while I agree that this is just the beginning of negotiations and that is obvious. KK is pushing this thing from a PR standpoint as a public-private parntership. SO if I am as a taxpayer/event goer a partner in this thing, i'd expect to see the designs, the plans and the layouts for it in full detail at the outset. You're asking me as an event goer and as a taxpayer of the city of calgary esssentially for 440million plus a loan for an additional 250 million that is expected to be paid back over 20 years from the tax revenues generated by the area (that's not getting into the specifics that all the studies on the WV area show that sticking this megaplex on that site will take away that revenue making it hard for the city to recuperate any of the CRL tax costs). I expect to be given all the inside information, the full detail of the plans and costs to me, etc. I want to see what I am buying essentially. I'm not putting my money on a hope and a dream here. I don't build my house on the word of the sales guy that it will be spectacular. I see the plans, i goto the spec house so i can see what it might be able to look like, etc. I get all the information.
In any other facet of life if you came to me asking for 250m dollar loan and to stake you 440million in a partnership while you only put up a 200 million contribution and offer up no profits in the share of the company i would laugh you out of my office. Moreover, to do so without even presenting the full scope of the plan, or without considering the huge risks and costs with traffic egress and ingress to the project is entirely disengenous.
I support CSEC and all it's teams and I support them getting new facilities. I actually find these new graphics on the designs of the stadium to be exciting and uplifting. I do think that this would be a truly good and magnificent venue for Calgary to have. Being able to host more international events, whether that be track and field, soccer/soccer world cup at least at the womens level, rugby world cup, etc is a huge benefit to the city and it's event goers. It also opens the door for a wider more affordable range of events for people who maybe can't goto a flames or stamps game because the costs is too prohibitive.
It just would have been nice if CSEC had all their ducks in a row from the ouset. If they truly aren't trying to come in here and walk out a bunch of bandits with a bag full fo cash then prove it to us. Put forward honestly everything upfront. Let us have a conversation and then go from there. That's, however, not what they have done.