Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanator
Thinking about this after a night's sleep.
I think it's understood why the game can't be played at Spruce Meadows. But given the fact that the club President was adamant in the fall that the game would be at Spruce Meadows, and that the club was all over the media this week hyping up CONCACAF games at Spruce Meadows, and that the club put out a quick statement with no reasoning behind it as the announcement, the response by supporters is completely justified. And outside of Danny Austin at the Sun, there really hasn't been a lot of push back from anyone.
But what is the long term solution to playing games in this tournament? It sounds like the club doesn't have a plan, and is at best waiting for McMahon to reinstall their turf and hope it will work for soccer. But that's not a reliable solution. Neither is playing these games in Edmonton.
I think the proper solution is to either install undersoil heating or install turf at Spruce Meadows. I think we all know Spruce Meadows would rather burn down the stadium then install turf.
It's time to see how serious Cavalry are about their soccer club.
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Good take. Now that some anger and disappointment have subsided, I agree with everything you said, and think this is a wake up call on a few levels.
You're right that there is zero chance that we see artificial turf at Spruce Meadows. I think there's also zero chance of undersoil heating, especially if they plan to upgrade in 5-30 years, and since the league doesn't care if the ground freezes for CanPL matches. They say they did everything possible, but I suspect the truth is everything within a very tight budget.
I think you're bang on that they are hoping for McMahon/UofC/CSEC to do them a solid and get FIFA approved turf. I question why they would do this unless the City or Province offer funding, or in CSEC's case, unless they want into soccer (which I doubt).
Ultimately, we have cheap owners who do bare minimum upgrades (obstructed roof beams to save a buck on a grandstand, basic flood lights only after they nearly get disqualified during the Impact match, Lake Escalante...), make every decision with soccer as a distant second to equestrian, and this proves they just aren't willing to invest and maybe they aren't in it to actually grow into a team that can actually compete at the CCC level. They may be just fine with a middling summer league soccer team that breaks even and allows them more usage of Spruce Meadows.
One of the main benefits of being a season ticket holder is priority for big games. If there will never be a big game here against top teams, why invest? There's always tickets available to buy for one off games.
A lot of us are super excited for pro soccer in Calgary, really care for the players and growth, and are willing to ante up, even more than they currently charge for a superior product to what we have now. But they have to be willing too. I just don't see it, and that's sad.