From what I have been told there isn't and won't be a plan B. They want it downtown and they want it there. I realize the Oilers and Riders are going to get into their new facilities next season further making the Calgary facility situations looking more dire but that doesn't change the fact that Calgary NEXT is going to be a large undertaking to which the owners will patiently ride out to shovels breaking ground.
So what's plan "C" then? Stay put in the old dome or move the team?
I've been told by 3 separate city employee's (and no not truck drivers or grass cutters) that even after the cleanup stats come in they are very concerned about traffic/infrastructure problems in the area that could cost the city 100's of millions to fix. Apparently there is a petition from locals ready to submit after the cleanup stuff comes in and it goes to counsel for a vote. Like it or not, this location will probably end up to be a complete financial disaster for the city.
Personally I knew about a plan "B" 10 years ago, I no longer have a source with the flames but I find it hard to believe they would just throw it out the window and stomp their feet for one location.
Here's an idea, how about some nice affordable apartments for downtown workers in that area, do arena's need a nice view?
Enclose the outside walkway and fill with toilets. Heck, build it up two stories and provide toilets to the 2nd level as well. Give management of all concessions over to Spolumbo's as they provide the only editable food in the entire place. Remove all of the trucks from the concourse. And the dome would become infinitely better!
The exterior walkways should definitely be enclosed. The walkway from the train to the west entrance should be enclosed and heated. The west entrance area should be incorporated into the concourse for additional space and the Flames Fanattic store should be removed. Tickets should be checked at the outside entrance doors. Additionally the walkway from the west entrance to the north entrance (behind 219) should be enclosed and somehow utilized.
Last edited by calgarygeologist; 01-04-2016 at 03:05 PM.
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I'm trying to find a picture of the old, old jumbotron that was made of big lightbulbs? Loved the 'yaaa-hoo' celebration from that thing.
Would be cool to see again
I took an old friend to a game a few weeks ago that had moved to Seattle years ago. She was disappointed that the shooting cowboy was no longer the goal celebration.
Personally I think the flames are better, but the Yahoo was certainly a tradition. I know the fans from Edmonton hated it. That's reason alone to bring it back.
I'm sure it's a worthwhile tradeoff but I wonder how much ambiance/fan camaraderie you lose if you had a wider, roomier concourse? I don't mind having to wade through people in the concourse but I hate having to wait to use the urinal, I've even gone out and pissed outside. If McMahon and the Saddledome had enough washrooms/concessions I think they'd both be adequate for years to come.
So what's plan "C" then? Stay put in the old dome or move the team?
Thats a great question that I'd love to hear KK answer directly (which he never would).
I know CalgaryNext is plan A and the only plan for a new arena, but if that falls through, what is plan B? Minor renos to Dome? Threaten to move? No renos to Dome?
Presuming CalgaryNext falls though, they must have something in mind since another arena plan after that would take 10 more years.
I've put 'remove the vehicles from the concourse' in every season ticket holder survey I've submitted. I would bet many others have too. Falls on deaf ears to the almighty dollar. It actually makes me less inclined to buy a dodge though. Maybe we should all write dodge Canada.
I'm not sure why they can't work on another plan, they didn't appear to spend more than an afternoon coming up with Plan A.
Even if they go ahead with CalgaryNEXT it is going to be years from completion. They should enclose the outside areas and renovate for washrooms/services to gain concourse space in the meantime.
