Flames to announce plans to announce arena plans in the... future...

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by valo403

As discussed earlier, the Saddledome isn't what people are talkign about with the western theme, it's the rest of the Stampitecture that has popped up around the city. I agree that more faux-historic buildings would be a terrible idea. It worked in Baltimore with Camden Yards and then everyone jumped on board, only to realize that for the most part it winds up looking pretty average.

As for London, I don't believe any of the many venues built for the Olympics were Victorian in style, as that would have been ridiculous. London milks it's actual history, it doesn't build new buildings and pretend they're historic.

I agree that would have been rediculous. Can someone explain to me though, how the Saddledome was built in a "Western" style? It's not a fircken log cabin or chuck wagon tarp? It's a weird shape, and someone decided to NAME it, the Saddledome, but even back in they, no one was constructing a historic western building, nothing in or outside the Saddledome looks remotely western.

[Senator Clay Davis]

The fact is whether the new arena has a traditional roof or the stupid cowboy hat roof will be dependant on one thing: money. If the roof is indeed the reason (and it is, we know this) so many concerts avoid Calgary, building a new arena in the mold of the same arena that is costing you money is...######ed, and will not happen. Any new building will be built to attract more events, not the same or fewer.

So I'd be stunned and incredibly disappointed if they built the same arena with basically more luxury boxes. The fans would be such big losers in that scenario, I mean we'll get the same events, in a lower capacity building, with higher ticket prices. Freaking brutal.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I agree that would have been rediculous. Can someone explain to me though, how the Saddledome was built in a "Western" style? It's not a fircken log cabin or chuck wagon tarp? It's a weird shape, and someone decided to NAME it, the Saddledome, but even back in they, no one was constructing a historic western building, nothing in or outside the Saddledome looks remotely western.

Nobody is saying the Saddledome is western in style. We are discussing a new arena.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by polak

We have the stampede.

Aslong as that keeps going, that is more then enough "cowboy" culture for this city to maintain it's label as a distinctly redneck town.

Nice glass and materials please. PLEASE.

What if they make it with nice glass then name it the "Glass Ranch"?

[polak]

I actually don't have any issues with the shape or general arcitechture of the Saddledome. I mean, it was built in the 80's so it's aged look is forgivable.

My main worry is that -like with a lot of projects at the Stampede grounds and surrounding area- the new arena will fall in line with the rest of the crap being built there.

Hopefully the news that it might be built on the other side of downtown will allow them to escape that curse.

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

What if they make it with nice glass then name it the "Glass Ranch"?

Have you ever played those "Rampage" video games? That will happen.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

The 'Dome is more Western shaped than any other arena in the league. I get there are other arenas around the world that are shaped like the Saddledome, but it exhibits more of the city/area's Western heritage than, say, Staple's Centre or MTS.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by valo403

Nobody is saying the Saddledome is western in style. We are discussing a new arena.

I know, but where is the fear coming from that they are going to try and make it look like a log cabin or fort? Who's even suggesting that, maybe I missed it?

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I know, but where is the fear coming from that they are going to try and make it look like a log cabin or fort? Who's even suggesting that, maybe I missed it?

I think it's based on the recent developments in that area, which largely seem to follow that theme. I'd say based on the tone of the posters who appear to have some sort of inside scoop that there's little to no chance of that fear becoming reality.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

If Calgary moves away from their Western heritage, they risk becoming just another bland vague city with little to no culture.

Let's face it, it's Calgary identity whether Calgarians like it or not.

Vancouver is an artsy city. Toronto is a business city. Montreal is sort of an old world artsy city. Edmonton is... a toilet.

I get the problems with the Saddledome's roof, but it's just so distinctly Southern Alberta. As a person who has been to Calgary once in my life, I love it.

Why not make every single building in Calgary with Stampitecture then? It's part of our culture.

The new arena shouldn't have Stampitecutre forced. The only way Stampitecture or anything western theme should be present on the new arena is if it ADDS to it. If you can do a comparison with it, and without it, and the former looks better, than you add it in. Otherwise you go for the best looking venue you can pull off. This is going to be one of Calgary's most iconic buildings for the next 30 or so years, so build something that will stand the test of time, rather than cheapen it out just to add a little bit of 'west' to it when it provides nothing.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by polak

I actually don't have any issues with the shape or general arcitechture of the Saddledome. I mean, it was built in the 80's so it's aged look is forgivable.

My main worry is that -like with a lot of projects at the Stampede grounds and surrounding area- the new arena will fall in line with the rest of the crap being built there.

Hopefully the news that it might be built on the other side of downtown will allow them to escape that curse.



Have you ever played those "Rampage" video games? That will happen.

The new BMO centre and what is now Cowboys casino looks good for what they are. If the new rink is build down on the grounds, it should likely match the surroundings versus stick out like a sore thumb for what is around it. Not saying it needs to imitate the new BMO centre, but if that's what people are worried about and are calling "Cowboy", this is much about nothing.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

The 'Dome is more Western shaped than any other arena in the league. I get there are other arenas around the world that are shaped like the Saddledome, but it exhibits more of the city/area's Western heritage than, say, Staple's Centre or MTS.

If it wasn't named the saddledome people would barely equate it with any sort of western ideal. Do you think people in Sweden or Russia think their stadiums, with near identical roofs, represent some sort of cowboy image?

Calgary has some cowboy heritage, and that's great, but it's far more than that. Refusing to acknowledge that is a great way to leave the city with a reputation as some goofball cowtown, which it really doesn't deserve.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I know, but where is the fear coming from that they are going to try and make it look like a log cabin or fort? Who's even suggesting that, maybe I missed it?

The pictures that were posted earlier of Nationwide Arena and the UND rink are what sparked my fear.

Those are EXACTLY the style I think we will end up with if we go with the Stampede-grounds theme.

Gross:

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

The new BMO centre and what is now Cowboys casino looks good for what they are. If the new rink is build down on the grounds, it should likely match the surroundings versus stick out like a sore thumb for what is around it. Not saying it needs to imitate the new BMO centre, but if that's what people are worried about and are calling "Cowboy", this is much about nothing.

That building is awful

[polak]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

The new BMO centre and what is now Cowboys casino looks good for what they are. If the new rink is build down on the grounds, it should likely match the surroundings versus stick out like a sore thumb for what is around it. Not saying it needs to imitate the new BMO centre, but if that's what people are worried about and are calling "Cowboy", this is much about nothing.

Yeah... Why build something that stands out

My fear exactly.

[SuperMatt18]

I always liked the Sprint Center in Kansas City



Surprised nobody has taken a chance on moving a team there (NBA or NHL) considering they were offering a free lease if I am not mistaken.

I thought the NHL should move the Coyotes there temporarily until the Quebec/Seattle rink is ready. Kind of a test market to see if something may work in Kansas.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by valo403

That building is awful

Well now we are into opinion territory. Polak just posted some pictures of Nationwide, and I can see the correlation he's making to the new structures down on the Stampede ground. For the record, I do not like the UND rink, but that likely has nothing to do with the type of "brick" used to be honest, because I think Nationwide looks pretty good using the same brick, it has to do with a lot more architecturally than the brick.

But fair, if you don't like that brick, and they go with that, entitled not to like it, I couldn't care less, and I don't for a second think that brick is "western" themed. Stick Nationwide arean in Toronto and no one calls it western themed, stick it here, and I guess folks will say it's a "western them rink" but it really isn't. Don't care much what brick they sue on the outside, some will like it, some won't, more concerned with the overall shape, design, layout, glass ratio etc....

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I always liked the Sprint Center in Kansas City



Surprised nobody has taken a chance on moving a team there (NBA or NHL) considering they were offering a free lease if I am not mistaken.

I thought the NHL should move the Coyotes there temporarily until the Quebec/Seattle rink is ready. Kind of a test market to see if something may work in Kansas.

Stick some Nationwide coloured brick on that sprint entrance way and people will tell you thats a "Cowboy" rink

That rink looks slick though, really like it.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by valo403

If it wasn't named the saddledome people would barely equate it with any sort of western ideal. Do you think people in Sweden or Russia think their stadiums, with near identical roofs, represent some sort of cowboy image?

Calgary has some cowboy heritage, and that's great, but it's far more than that. Refusing to acknowledge that is a great way to leave the city with a reputation as some goofball cowtown, which it really doesn't deserve.

Fair enough.

I still think it's cool to have a saddle-shaped building in a western heritage city. That's all I'm saying. As Joborule posted earlier, I'd like to see another western theme if it adds to the new building.

But people have brought up good reasons not to go with the saddle shape again. Roof issues, monotony of building the exact same thing, having a unique arena for the next 30+ years that will stand the test of time.

I guess as an 'outsider' who has lived in BC for my whole life, I see the 'Dome and its shape (regardless of the name) as a unique identifier of the city and its heritage. There are so many plain looking arenas around the league and I just don't want to see Calgary turn into a plain bland vague city without an idiosyncratic feature to it.

For example, can you tell me what St. Louis' unique feature is? Phoenix? Minneapolis? Again, I just want to see Calgary keep it's heritage and all I see is Calgarians getting sick of the 'cowtown' stigma.

[polak]

As much as it pains me to say it, the Oilers NAILED their arena design.

Modern and Sleek.

I'd love something that rivals that... A lot of the European rinks have some interesting designs that I wouldn't mind seeing blown up to NHL size...

[SuperMatt18]

Just to add to that picture is a set of the opening from Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrism7...detail/?page=2