Calgary to launch bid for NASL team

[shermanator]

Calgary Foothills has purchased some land just outside the city (near Heather Glen). This is where they are building their indoor / outdoor training centre and offices. IMO, if Calgary Foothills chooses to build a stadium, it will be on the land they own, nowhere else.

Not saying that's anywhere near the best location for a soccer specific stadium in the city, but odds are that's where it will be.

[MillerTime GFG]

I doubt U of C would have any interest in doing a joint venture for the purpose of soccer, as I know a few years back they completely cut funding for the men's soccer program, which I assume is still the case.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by MillerTime GFG

I doubt U of C would have any interest in doing a joint venture for the purpose of soccer, as I know a few years back they completely cut funding for the men's soccer program, which I assume is still the case.

I havent been at the UofC for a long time, but I remember when I was there what a grim atmosphere it was when I tried out for the Dinos, 'low-rent' was putting it mildly.

I made the first round of cuts and then just didnt go back for the second tryouts. In retrospect I probably should have but there just wasnt anything in it for me.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by shermanator

Calgary Foothills has purchased some land just outside the city (near Heather Glen).

Have we learned nothing from Ottawa?

Originally Posted by MillerTime GFG

as I know a few years back they completely cut funding for the men's soccer program, which I assume is still the case.

I thought this was the case but I took a look on their website and they still field a Men's team. Unless the team has found an alternative source of funding, I'd think the Uni still supporting them.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Addick

Have we learned nothing from Ottawa?

I thought this was the case but I took a look on their website and they still field a Men's team. Unless the team has found an alternative source of funding, I'd think the Uni still supporting them.

Yeah, but they arent the flagship sports team, they were always at the low end of the funding chart which is why the SAIT and MRU teams and facilities tend to be nicer and more successful.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by shermanator

Calgary Foothills has purchased some land just outside the city (near Heather Glen). This is where they are building their indoor / outdoor training centre and offices. IMO, if Calgary Foothills chooses to build a stadium, it will be on the land they own, nowhere else.

Not saying that's anywhere near the best location for a soccer specific stadium in the city, but odds are that's where it will be.

That would be a huge mistake. I can understand building a training facility there, but a stadium (even a small one) needs to actually be near people. I like how Foothills have taken the bull by the horns with their push for pro soccer in Calgary, but surely they realize that their attendance would take a major hit if they build there.

There has to be a way to partner with the city on a site that is actually near the people who will be supporting the team. Perhaps a long-term, sweetheart lease in exchange for some investment into the pitch and stands. When we say "stadium" as it relates to soccer in Calgary, this doesn't have to be elaborate and probably never will be. Some stands that are close to the pitch, some minimal/essential facilities, and a pitch that doesn't have football lines on it.

As much as Calgary needs a nice place to watch soccer, it needs to be easy to access. I think that a stadium in the middle of nowhere would be a huge obstacle for supporters, especially the younger and more casual variety - the exact kind of supporter that are needed to make it a successful venture. I know that there are some that will drive 40 minutes from the NW to stand in the rain on a cold May day to watch lower-division pro soccer, and I commend that. Many, and I'd argue the majority, need it to be easy and accessible.

[Ozy_Flame]

There's no way Foothills SC will cannibalize the growth of a pro team by putting it outside the city. That's business suicide for a fledgling franchise. It has to be done in a partnership within city borders, and hopefully in a transit-friendly spot. The Foothills grounds would be ideal if there is no partnership with the City or Flames group.

Foothills SC would need a stadium that is in the 1000-5000 seat range, at least initially. Can't any existing fields be converted with bleacher seating or anything?

[MillerTime GFG]

Originally Posted by Addick

Have we learned nothing from Ottawa?




I thought this was the case but I took a look on their website and they still field a Men's team. Unless the team has found an alternative source of funding, I'd think the Uni still supporting them.

They do still field a team, but there is no funding from the University. The players and coaches do a TON of fundraising, cabarets etc. There are no scholarships available outside of the Jimmy Condon from the gov. of AB. Funny thing is that the women's team is still funded.

I'm sure U of C's coach would LOVE the joint venture, as he is going to be the goalie/assistant coach for Foothills FC as well.

[MillerTime GFG]

In related news...I just watched highlights from FC Edmonton vs. Carolina, in the Carolina Panther's stadium. Pretty sure there were no more than 200 people there, in a stadium that must fit 50k +.

[Jimmy Stang]

Just a thought, but perhaps we should change the thread title to something all-encompassing for pro soccer in Calgary. I'm not sure what the NASL situation is looking like these days, but the conversation has very much evolved into a general local pro soccer thread.

[shermanator]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

That would be a huge mistake. I can understand building a training facility there, but a stadium (even a small one) needs to actually be near people. I like how Foothills have taken the bull by the horns with their push for pro soccer in Calgary, but surely they realize that their attendance would take a major hit if they build there.

There has to be a way to partner with the city on a site that is actually near the people who will be supporting the team. Perhaps a long-term, sweetheart lease in exchange for some investment into the pitch and stands. When we say "stadium" as it relates to soccer in Calgary, this doesn't have to be elaborate and probably never will be. Some stands that are close to the pitch, some minimal/essential facilities, and a pitch that doesn't have football lines on it.

As much as Calgary needs a nice place to watch soccer, it needs to be easy to access. I think that a stadium in the middle of nowhere would be a huge obstacle for supporters, especially the younger and more casual variety - the exact kind of supporter that are needed to make it a successful venture. I know that there are some that will drive 40 minutes from the NW to stand in the rain on a cold May day to watch lower-division pro soccer, and I commend that. Many, and I'd argue the majority, need it to be easy and accessible.

I agree with everything you say, I'm just going with my gut here.

For the record, I'm not saying that I want Calgary Foothills to build a stadium outside of the city. I just think that's what they will do as it will ensure that they control everything about the stadium, to make sure it fills their needs without them having to give a damn about anyone else. The club doesn't have the money to build one on their own inside the city, and if they partner with another group (ie. the city or those building a new football stadium), they won't be the prime tenant.

The only location I've heard where a partnership MAY work is if they build up some bleachers at Mount Royal's number 1 field. Foothills or Glenmore Athletic parks have too small pitches, and they won't be the prime tenant. Calgary Rugby Park is in just as poor a location as the land they purchased. SAIT can't fit any more stands in. Where else in the city are there big swaths of land available for cheap to build a 5000 seat stadium?

Of course, anything is better than staying at Hellard, with the exception of cost. I went over there last week to take a look at the pitch and the football lines will detract immensely from the viewing. And this is from someone who can walk to Hellard if he had to.

[shermanator]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

Just a thought, but perhaps we should change the thread title to something all-encompassing for pro soccer in Calgary. I'm not sure what the NASL situation is looking like these days, but the conversation has very much evolved into a general local pro soccer thread.

I've tried to change the thread title a few times. Doesn't seem to be going through. Perhaps the mods can give this an update?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by MillerTime GFG

In related news...I just watched highlights from FC Edmonton vs. Carolina, in the Carolina Panther's stadium. Pretty sure there were no more than 200 people there, in a stadium that must fit 50k +.

Haha! I'm always reminded about the time I played in McMahon stadium for a Tournament final once and everyone thinks its awesome until you get into the reality of playing in a huge stadium that has a grand total of like 30 people in it.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

That would be a huge mistake. I can understand building a training facility there, but a stadium (even a small one) needs to actually be near people. I like how Foothills have taken the bull by the horns with their push for pro soccer in Calgary, but surely they realize that their attendance would take a major hit if they build there.

There has to be a way to partner with the city on a site that is actually near the people who will be supporting the team. Perhaps a long-term, sweetheart lease in exchange for some investment into the pitch and stands. When we say "stadium" as it relates to soccer in Calgary, this doesn't have to be elaborate and probably never will be. Some stands that are close to the pitch, some minimal/essential facilities, and a pitch that doesn't have football lines on it.

As much as Calgary needs a nice place to watch soccer, it needs to be easy to access. I think that a stadium in the middle of nowhere would be a huge obstacle for supporters, especially the younger and more casual variety - the exact kind of supporter that are needed to make it a successful venture. I know that there are some that will drive 40 minutes from the NW to stand in the rain on a cold May day to watch lower-division pro soccer, and I commend that. Many, and I'd argue the majority, need it to be easy and accessible.

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

There's no way Foothills SC will cannibalize the growth of a pro team by putting it outside the city. That's business suicide for a fledgling franchise. It has to be done in a partnership within city borders, and hopefully in a transit-friendly spot. The Foothills grounds would be ideal if there is no partnership with the City or Flames group.

Foothills SC would need a stadium that is in the 1000-5000 seat range, at least initially. Can't any existing fields be converted with bleacher seating or anything?

They city should revamp Shouldice Park and build a small stadium in association with Foothills FC. They can easily dump those two or three ball diamonds on the western most side and put in a small stadium.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

They city should revamp Shouldice Park and build a small stadium in association with Foothills FC. They can easily dump those two or three ball diamonds on the western most side and put in a small stadium.

I could see the baseball folk being a tad upset with that. But is baseball even considered a sport anymore with all of that standing around?

Or what about the very SE corner of Shouldice. Use those 2 soccer fields to create the soccer version of Hellard. The loss of one pitch would be made up for by having a good artificial surface that can be utilized way more than a grass pitch (no need to rest the pitch for general fatigue, no rain cancellations, etc.). Expand that little parking lot at the bottom of Home Road as well.

I know that many despise plastic pitches, but it is a smart choice for this climate and would be well utilized. Of course, this couldn't happen overnight and would require the cooperation of the City, Foothills, etc.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

I could see the baseball folk being a tad upset with that. But is baseball even considered a sport anymore with all of that standing around?

Or what about the very SE corner of Shouldice. Use those 2 soccer fields to create the soccer version of Hellard. The loss of one pitch would be made up for by having a good artificial surface that can be utilized way more than a grass pitch (no need to rest the pitch for general fatigue, no rain cancellations, etc.). Expand that little parking lot at the bottom of Home Road as well.

I know that many despise plastic pitches, but it is a smart choice for this climate and would be well utilized. Of course, this couldn't happen overnight and would require the cooperation of the City, Foothills, etc.

I've never managed to get into baseball and never will so I don't know what the demand for diamonds is like in Calgary. I'm not big into soccer either but given the option I would more pitches to more diamonds.

[shermanator]

So, is anyone from CalgaryPuck going to the supporters group meeting (other than myself of course)?

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I've never managed to get into baseball and never will so I don't know what the demand for diamonds is like in Calgary. I'm not big into soccer either but given the option I would more pitches to more diamonds.

Another argument in favour of soccer fields is that they are truly multi-use. Soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, rugby, etc. can all be played on them with minimal extra markings, either permanent or temporary.

My biggest complaint about the Shouldice artificial fields is that the football lines are just so obscenely bright. I know that these fields were created with money from Hellard, the Stamps, etc. for the benefit of the football community, but more soccer games are probably played on them than football games over the course of a year.

In an ideal world, the lines would be painted and scrubbed off after football season. Even painted lines are way less bright than the stitched-in variety, and some professional venues do this (Commonwealth for one, I believe). So if it is good enough for the CFL and their TV viewers, I'm sure that high school football in Calgary will do just fine.

My sister works for the City and apparently those Shouldice fields are a nightmare and may need to be completely re-done in the near future. Sinking underneath, stitching coming un-done, etc.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by shermanator

So, is anyone from CalgaryPuck going to the supporters group meeting (other than myself of course)?

Not I. Its the middle of tax season, I rarely get out of my office.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Originally Posted by shermanator

So, is anyone from CalgaryPuck going to the supporters group meeting (other than myself of course)?

I'd love to, but I'm stuck at work tonight