Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
It's crazy...we have private owners to build a stadium on their land, who run a world class facility and already host international competitions but people are complaining that the location isn't downtown.
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There is a lot to like about the private ownership aspect. The location is a fair concern though. It isn't like Calgary has a great track record at maintaining professional soccer, so everything needs to be damn near perfect for this to work.
Atmosphere, ownership, marketing, good leadership from the league, television, merchandise, etc. And yes, location. Downtown is unrealistic, but somewhere a little closer to the centre would have made it easier to get people to the games - that's not a complaint, but just a fact. Where? I have no idea. So many variables: land owners, team owners, the city, etc. So here we are - the private ownership, existing facilities, etc. do a lot to offset the distance. (Or in other words, "if I'm going to drive this far, at least it is awesome when I get there.")
As long as the league and club have all of the other important areas sorted, this stands a chance. But if it fails, I hope that nobody points the fingers at "apathetic NW dad and his two kids" for not driving 80k / 80-90 mins round trip every other week throughout the summer.
The location is valid concern. But I'm also really excited to see what Spruce Meadows pulls off, and the also what the club and the league start to look like as they take shape.