Quote:
Originally Posted by RM14
I just rarely see things moving forward. Their Agrium events center is pretty nice I guess.
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* the Casino they were terrible at running
fair. that's why they sold it and got out of the casino business. I can't say for sure, but I'm pretty sure they came out ahead on that deal.
* Mainstreet, and thinking Margarita was a good anchor
fair. But, as they say with jazz, sometimes it's about the notes you don't play. The concept was sound. In the real-world it wasn't going to play out. It probably shouldn't have gotten to a public stage before it failed, but that was one of the only ways to really test the momentum. While it wasn't solely their decision, hitting pause on the project was the right move. Otherwise we would probably be looking at Eau Claire 2.0 (in concept there aren't many reasons that should be such a failure, etither).
The idea isn't dead. 17th avenue is coming through. Smart design around a new arena could be a catalyst. It's a great opportunity. Doesn't mean it's more worthy of tax dollars.
* BMO expansions taking decades
debatable. Still the best conference location in town, but it's not without its problems. Going too big before demand warrants gets a lot of businesses in trouble. Much like the concerts skipping town debate, it's a matter of how many lost opportunities they've had. I'd guess not very many.
* Their Hotel idea that never happened
see casino. They've realized the core competencies of their business. Running a hotel isn't one of them. Partnering with someone could make sense, but ironing out mutual benefit isn't a piece of cake. Hotelier would rather be a few blocks further away and have total control.
* Horse races at Stampede Park are long gone
good riddance. What public benefit did horse racing provide? Other than assembling some of society's grungiest people away much of the time?
* no plan for coke stage which is in a terrible spot
It delivers a poor concert experience. But it drives gate attendance. Enough people seem to think it's worth $18. A good problem to have. Rather than lipstick on a pig or make an expensive change that will only pay dividends for 10 days a year, why not wait and make the change properly when it fits into larger development plans? Between 17th ave and their Corral redevelopment, it would seem almost certain that it will happen soon.