NFL Regular Season game Broncos vs. Pats in Edm?

[browna]

Well before we put too much creedance into this blowhard who's got the same gig in the Chuk that Stampede Wrestling color guy Jim Davies once held, and the beloved Eric Francis graduated from here in the past, lets break this down.

a)Fairly certain there's been no official announcement that its Canada's turn in 2008.

b) Best looking stadium? Maybe of the 6 outdoor stadiums in this country, but the Skydome is still a landmark that's instantly more recgonizable, if thats what the writer is basing this argument on. In comparison to the stadiums that American viewers see week in and week out, Old Three Rivers/Riverfont/Veterans Stadium are about as attractive as Commenwealth...there's no TV factor at all here.

Add in the fact that temporary seats will likely have to be put in the 25 yard CFL odd shaped endzone in Commenwealth (and anywhere else) anyways to prevent the crowd in the endzone from being 40 yards away from the play, I really don't this aesthics on what the stadium form factor will look like from the Goodyear Blimp, are a big plus going for Edmonton. Unless the idea of having a IAAF legal track surrounding the field and changing sightlines for the crowd and more importantly the TV camera shots is what the NFL is looking for, again, not a big plus in Edmonton's favour.

c)The NFL would sell out anywhere in Canada..BC Place, Skydome, and generate just as much revenue. Plus, with the week long fanfest surely to follow, Vancouver and Toronto provide a more natural marketing environment for the NFL marketing machine.

d)As Ken said, there are much more "utilitarian" stadiums in Canada then McMahon. McMahon serves its purpose for an outdoor stadium in Canada. Its gets used what, a few days a week from June to November? Commenwealth gets the odd soccer game in the summer and maybe a bigger concert once every couple years, but otherwise, utilized the same amount. As for amenities/facilities its not that much better then McMahon, and far behind the almost as old BC Place, and, behind the now destroyed Kingdome in Seattle. By no means is Commenwealth any sort of shining jewel rising from the prarie landscape. It wouln't cut it as an NFL stadium either. All this line was was a frustrated pot shot at Calgary.

e)Bob Kraft's plane was parked at the airport? This ranks up there in credibility with the "Forsberg is in the air as we speak, ready to sign in Edmonton" and the "Iginla Cellphone-gate" drama a couple years ago, on the credibility scale. Why was he there? Even if it was his plane, Bob Kraft had lots of business dealings and assets, for all we know he was on his way back from fishing in Anchorage and had to empty the jets' bathroom facilities and/or refuel. And Calgary's on the flight path back to Boston, he could've flown over McMahon and checked it out too. Bunk.

The only thing that holds credibility is Pat Bowlen's ties. But him and Bob Kraft and the NFL aren't going to pass up likely a better business opportunity that Toronto would provide, for senitment's sake of putting a game in his old hometown.

One thing forgotten here, that turf in Edmonton. If its at all near or below zero a the time, or for a few weeks before, Tom Brady, NFLPA boss Gene Upshaw and Ralph Goodell will have serious reservations about strapping on the blades and playing on that ice rink that attempts to pass as grass in cold weather. Kraft pulled out the natural turf in Foxboro middle of last season, replaced it with McMahon-style field turf because of injury issues there when the ground gets cold...and that grass in December was tropical compared to how bad the Commenwealth turf gets by mid October.

I am not saying it won't happen. If the NFL wants a more unique outdoor kitchy experience, maybe Edmonton has a chance. To pull out the RCMP's trotting around the field, Harper doing a ceremonial kickoff wearing a Bay Blanket jacket and presenting Belechik and Shanahan with beaver hats, then likely crisp Edmonton would be a possible choice.

But big business of the NFL dictates that Toronto's market, and retractable Dome, would have an inside track over everyone else in Canada for multiple reasons.

[Jiggy_12]

Any NFL game here would be a huge deal, but a Pats Bronco's game? IM IN!

[Bench Warmer]

Originally Posted by browna

One thing forgotten here, that turf in Edmonton. If its at all near or below zero a the time, or for a few weeks before, Tom Brady, NFLPA boss Gene Upshaw and Ralph Goodell will have serious reservations about strapping on the blades and playing on that ice rink that attempts to pass as grass in cold weather. Kraft pulled out the natural turf in Foxboro middle of last season, replaced it with McMahon-style field turf because of injury issues there when the ground gets cold...and that grass in December was tropical compared to how bad the Commenwealth turf gets by mid October.

This is very good point. The biggest embarassment in the CFL is not the referees - it's the turf in Commonwealth any time the temperature gets close to or below 0. The field is an absolute joke in these conditions and I doubt anybody in the NFL would want to see Tom Brady trying to run around in it. Although, I thought I heard rumblings in the off-season this year that this was the last year for the grass in Edmonton and they were going to Field Turf next year?

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

It also depends on the teams. Since eventually all 32 teams are going to be involved in playing a game outside the U.S. Whenever it's Denver's turn, that venue will be Edmonton because of Pat Bowlen's local connection.

When it's Buffalo's turn, I'm sure they'll play in Toronto and Seattle will play in Vancouver. That just makes sense.

Also, I think Commonwealth will be a terrible place to watch an NFL game. Not only do you have to contend with the track around the field, consider that the NFL field is 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide with 10 yard end zones. The CFL field is 110 yards long and 65 yards wide with 20 yard end zones. Fans will be a mile away from the field. It'll almost be Heritage Classic-like.

[soulchoice]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

It also depends on the teams. Since eventually all 32 teams are going to be involved in playing a game outside the U.S. Whenever it's Denver's turn, that venue will be Edmonton because of Pat Bowlen's local connection.

When it's Buffalo's turn, I'm sure they'll play in Toronto and Seattle will play in Vancouver. That just makes sense.

Also, I think Commonwealth will be a terrible place to watch an NFL game. Not only do you have to contend with the track around the field, consider that the NFL field is 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide with 10 yard end zones. The CFL field is 110 yards long and 65 yards wide with 20 yard end zones. Fans will be a mile away from the field. It'll almost be Heritage Classic-like.

So with that being the case, the only place Denver could play though is still Edm. There is no way Calgary could host a game like this now, just as Sask or Wpg couldnt. So with only one option, Edm definitely has an great chance of hosting a game.

[browna]

Originally Posted by soulchoice

So with that being the case, the only place Denver could play though is still Edm. There is no way Calgary could host a game like this now, just as Sask or Wpg couldnt. So with only one option, Edm definitely has an great chance of hosting a game.

True, although "Denver's turn" could technically be as many as 14 years (2 teams played last year, two more this year in London) from now for the full cycle of teams playing abroad, goes through the league.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by fredr123

Michigan Stadium 107,501 (US college football; probably the biggest stadium in the US unless you count race tracks)

I thought Penn State held like 117,000 or somethin ridiculous like that, I thought they were the largest.

Anyways, I have to agree that Commonwealth makes much more sense than McMahon. But whats this about hearing McMahon's a dump compared to other stadiums in the league, like Vancouver? Has anyone been to BC Place before? Worst stadium ever, its a hole. The bubble ceiling has stains all over it.

[OzSome]

The owner of Denver Broncos were born in Edmonton and I am sure he is the one that pushes the league to play the game in Edmonton. I hate to say this but I think some people here are right that Commonwealth Stadium is a lot better (bigger capacity-wise and football field). They also have a natural grass.
I am sure it will not happen at all.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

It also depends on the teams. Since eventually all 32 teams are going to be involved in playing a game outside the U.S. Whenever it's Denver's turn, that venue will be Edmonton because of Pat Bowlen's local connection.

When it's Buffalo's turn, I'm sure they'll play in Toronto and Seattle will play in Vancouver. That just makes sense.

Also, I think Commonwealth will be a terrible place to watch an NFL game. Not only do you have to contend with the track around the field, consider that the NFL field is 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide with 10 yard end zones. The CFL field is 110 yards long and 65 yards wide with 20 yard end zones. Fans will be a mile away from the field. It'll almost be Heritage Classic-like.

Not ideal. But it can work. The Seahawks played in Husky Stadium for 2 seasons. It has a track.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

I thought Penn State held like 117,000 or somethin ridiculous like that, I thought they were the largest.

How dare you question the veracity of wikipedia!

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

I thought Penn State held like 117,000 or somethin ridiculous like that, I thought they were the largest.

Anyways, I have to agree that Commonwealth makes much more sense than McMahon. But whats this about hearing McMahon's a dump compared to other stadiums in the league, like Vancouver? Has anyone been to BC Place before? Worst stadium ever, its a hole. The bubble ceiling has stains all over it.

"Officially" Beaver Stadium holds a few less people, I was searching this not to long ago. However has held the larest crowd in a stadium in the US @ just below 111,000 peopple.

Then there is this guy:


The Maracanã municipal stadium in Rio de Janeiro could hold up to 250,000 people (200,000 for a football(soccer) game). That is just crazy!

[S_Souray]

Originally Posted by browna

a)Fairly certain there's been no official announcement that its Canada's turn in 2008.

3-4 Canadian cities submitted a bid for a 2008 game

Over the next 8 years, there will be 2 games EACH YEAR (4 teams per year) outside of America. The NFL mentioned London, Germany, Mexico, and Canada.

It's very likely that Canada hosts 3-4 games.

Originally Posted by browna

b) Best looking stadium? Maybe of the 6 outdoor stadiums in this country, but the Skydome is still a landmark that's instantly more recgonizable, if thats what the writer is basing this argument on.

He is entitled to his opinion, just like you have yours.

CW is a nice facility though.

Originally Posted by browna

In comparison to the stadiums that American viewers see week in and week out, Old Three Rivers/Riverfont/Veterans Stadium are about as attractive as Commenwealth...there's no TV factor at all here.

Still one of the best in Canada, if not the best.

Originally Posted by browna

c)The NFL would sell out anywhere in Canada..BC Place, Skydome, and generate just as much revenue. Plus, with the week long fanfest surely to follow, Vancouver and Toronto provide a more natural marketing environment for the NFL marketing machine.

Vancouver and Toronto are already close to NFL cities, so that might hurt them.

They're going for exposure. Edmonton would represent the prairie market of Canada.

In any event, all of them can be hosts. There are, after all, going to be 16 games played outside of the US. Say 1-2 in the US. 2-4 in Asia. 4-6 in Europe. 2-4 in Canada. Still some left over.

Originally Posted by browna

d)As Ken said, there are much more "utilitarian" stadiums in Canada then McMahon. McMahon serves its purpose for an outdoor stadium in Canada.

It does serve it's purpose for 9 Stampeder Games. Oh, and a few Dino games.

That's it.

It doesn't have theater style seating like Commonwealth, and most of the seats don't have backs on them (bleachers).

But I guess it's good enough for the CFL.

Just not more

Originally Posted by browna

Commenwealth gets the odd soccer game in the summer and maybe a bigger concert once every couple years, but otherwise, utilized the same amount.

Really? The same?

Commonwealth Games

World University Games (in 1983, and expected to win them again in 2013)

World Masters Games.

Canadian Track and Field Championships

The Queen visit.

Heritage Classic.

World Cup U19 Women's.

World Cup U20 Men's

Friendly against Brazil last summer.

Friendly against Czech Republic this summer (U20)

Annual Churchill Rugby Cup.

2006 Women's Rugby World Cup

2001 World International Track and Field Championships

Major League Baseball Game

Rolling Stones * 3
Pink Floyd
David Bowie
U2
Genesis
Meatloaf
Willie Nelson
EdgeFest tour
Lillith Fair tour
and most recently, The Police Tour.

Men's World Cup Qualifiers (there will be some games played starting next june)

Originally Posted by browna

As for amenities/facilities its not that much better then McMahon

Yes it is.

Originally Posted by browna

By no means is Commenwealth any sort of shining jewel rising from the prarie landscape. It wouln't cut it as an NFL stadium either. All this line was was a frustrated pot shot at Calgary.

Yeah, I'd agree it wouldn't cut it as an NFL stadium either, but renovations are coming ahead. Namely, the entire seats are about to be replaced. § The $6.2 million Sony JumboTron video scoreboard is currently the largest and most advanced system of its kind in the world – measuring 40' x 24' with a 16:9 aspect wide-screen picture format.

Frustrated exactly why?

Sure Graham Hicks is a homer. As is Eric Francis.

Originally Posted by browna

e)Bob Kraft's plane was parked at the airport? This ranks up there in credibility with the "Forsberg is in the air as we speak, ready to sign in Edmonton" and the "Iginla Cellphone-gate" drama a couple years ago, on the credibility scale. Why was he there? Even if it was his plane, Bob Kraft had lots of business dealings and assets, for all we know he was on his way back from fishing in Anchorage and had to empty the jets' bathroom facilities and/or refuel.

Well, what other business do you think Kraft has in Edmonton?

Besides, the Journal picked up this story too. Mentioned the connections with Denver's ownership meaning Edmonton almost a lock according to sources.

Originally Posted by browna

The only thing that holds credibility is Pat Bowlen's ties. But him and Bob Kraft and the NFL aren't going to pass up likely a better business opportunity that Toronto would provide, for senitment's sake of putting a game in his old hometown.

Pat Bowlen is still attached to Edmonton. Comes up on Bryan Hall's show every now and then. He's got enough power to make it happen.

Anyways, Toronto isn't the only Canadian destination, as previously mentioned.

Originally Posted by browna

One thing forgotten here, that turf in Edmonton. If its at all near or below zero a the time, or for a few weeks before, Tom Brady, NFLPA boss Gene Upshaw and Ralph Goodell will have serious reservations about strapping on the blades and playing on that ice rink that attempts to pass as grass in cold weather.

I dunno. October 8-9 isn't THAT cold. And it's not like the NFL doesn't play in cold destinations. Green Bay, NY, Buffalo in January?

Originally Posted by browna

Kraft pulled out the natural turf in Foxboro middle of last season, replaced it with McMahon-style field turf because of injury issues there when the ground gets cold...and that grass in December was tropical compared to how bad the Commenwealth turf gets by mid October.

A recent poll showed most NFL players prefer natural grass over field turf.

If you talk to soccer players, BMO stadium in Toronto sucks and it causes injuries. National players have been vocal against the turf, and Beckham didn't play there because of the field turf.

Not sure how much relevance it has, and anyways, the Esks are expected to install the underground heating system a la Green Bay.

Originally Posted by browna

But big business of the NFL dictates that Toronto's market, and retractable Dome, would have an inside track over everyone else in Canada for multiple reasons.

And as mentioned, it's possible both cities host a game next year. 2 games per year are being played outside of the U.S.

[S_Souray]

Originally Posted by browna

True, although "Denver's turn" could technically be as many as 14 years (2 teams played last year, two more this year in London) from now for the full cycle of teams playing abroad, goes through the league.

The NFL has planned 2 games per year outside the U.S. From Wikipedia

The longterm plan is to have two international games played every year, on a 16-year rotating schedule that would guarantee that each team would get to play twice over that span: once as the home team and once as the away team

NFL is actually considering adding another week to their schedule, in which all the games in the "17th week" are played outside the U.S.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...al-games_x.htm

[Sylvanfan]

Well that artical is like a year old. I don't know why the NFL would go to a 17th game. With 32 teams and 16 games the symmetry for the schedule is pretty much perfect.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Well that artical is like a year old. I don't know why the NFL would go to a 17th game. With 16 teams and 32 games the symmetry for the schedule is pretty much perfect.

I read a few articles about it this summer. It is all about the owners wanting to increase revenue.

I think 16 is great - same number home and away. And there are enough injuries as it is, adding another game would be tough on players bodies.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Well that artical is like a year old. I don't know why the NFL would go to a 17th game. With 16 teams and 32 games the symmetry for the schedule is pretty much perfect.

Well if L.A. ever gets a team...

[JD]

Well that article doesn't make mention of 17 anything. Search the text. But I think SSouray said 17th WEEK, not 17th GAME, which of course is different, even though there is already a 17th week in order to accomodate byes.

As for the rest of SSouray's posts, he certainly is fond of Commonwealth Stadium. If I were the NFL though, I'd be more interested in the bigger money in bigger markets like Toronto or Vancouver. Not to say Edmonton wouldn't be capable of hosting a game, but even with our oil money and sizzling economy, it wouldn't compare to the potential profitability of a market of several millions versus 1 or 2 million if you include Calgary as part of Edmonton's market.

[S_Souray]

Originally Posted by JD

Well that article doesn't make mention of 17 anything. Search the text. But I think SSouray said 17th WEEK, not 17th GAME, which of course is different, even though there is already a 17th week in order to accomodate byes.

Sorry, I had the wrong link up there.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...042602579.html

Article is from April 27 of 2007.

Originally Posted by JD

As for the rest of SSouray's posts, he certainly is fond of Commonwealth Stadium. If I were the NFL though, I'd be more interested in the bigger money in bigger markets like Toronto or Vancouver. Not to say Edmonton wouldn't be capable of hosting a game, but even with our oil money and sizzling economy, it wouldn't compare to the potential profitability of a market of several millions versus 1 or 2 million if you include Calgary as part of Edmonton's market.

It's entirely possible both Toronto and Edmonton host a game.

An NFL game in Edmonton would draw people from eastern BC, AB, SSK, MB and probably a few States as well. The market isn't that small if you constitute all of Alberta (3M+) and Saskatchewan (who love to travel to AB)

Bryn Griffiths of the Team 1260 mentioned the plan consists of upper deck seats around ~120-150.

And actually, Toronto has already hosted a pre-season game before. Drew about 30,000. Bigger doesn't neccessarily mean bigger crowds. Just like the Men's national soccer team drew only 8000 fans at BMO at the friendly 2 weeks ago.

[S_Souray]

Originally Posted by Dan02

McMahon is a dump compared to Commonwealth, just like Rexall is a dump compared to the dome. I'll take the nicer hockey rink over a football stadium any day

Definitely the Dome has a nicer exterior.

BUT the Dome's structure leads to top performers bypassing Calgary.

From a recent article:

"
Edmonton is Beyonce's only stop in Alberta.

Rexall might no longer cut it as a hockey arena, but as a concert venue, it's far superior to the one in Calgary.

According to her tour promoters, the Saddledome's dipping roof won't carry the weight of her stage gear.

This is the third show to skip Cowtown because of the same issue.

The venue couldn't handle the Soul2Soul II tour, starring Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. The duo played two June dates at Rexall instead.

Justin Timberlake's upcoming tour is also bypassing Calgary because of the Dome's inadequacies. "

[Sylvanfan]

Okay Souray...thats going quite a ways off topic, even though it is true that the Domes roof is making it a weak venue for concerts. If you want to discuss arena issues we have lots of threads in the fire on ice forum talking about that for both Alberta teams. Also no need to get into another Edmonton vs. Calgary piddling match either which is the direction this appears to be heading.

Now back to the topic....an NFL regular season game in most any Canadian market is going to draw a good crowd and make a lot of money. The advantage Toronto might have is the corporate boxes may make the gate a bit more profitable...but Edmonton wouldn't be drawing from just Edmonton. NFL fans from Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina even Winnepeg would likely find a way to get to the game. IMO they'll easily charge $150 for a seat way out in the boonies and get it. I know I'd pay it especially if it was to watch two teams like the Pats and Bronco's.