2019 Cavalry FC season thread

[mrkajz44]

Driving there was a disaster. We got to the Spruce Meadows area around an hour before the game, but traffic was so bad we didn't get to our seats until 15 minutes into the game. They need to seriously fix the traffic logistics because the only word to describe that was a disaster.

Game itself was great. Pretty good sightlines and the atmosphere was fun. They need about 2 or 3 times more vendors though. Half-time being only 15 minutes meant you were certainly missing some part of the game in order to get drink or food.

Overall I though it was good. Fix the traffic/parking and double/triple the vendors and they will have something really good going there. The fixes need to be quick though to avoid bad word of mouth spreading.

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[Slava]

I thought it was great. I didn’t even know that there were traffic issues, actually. I would only say that there are going to be some teething issues, and while it wasn’t perfect it was good. It was a good product, and the beer prices aren’t that bad. A 24oz straight for $14 isn’t amazing, but it’s still reasonable. People are paying $11 for less beer than that at the Saddledome, and at least you get Big Rock or Moosehead here. I just think they need more concessions, but otherwise it was good. I think that a nice day in terms of weather would make that a pretty good time.

[Traditional_Ale]

For a brand new team, in a brand new league in a brand new venue I think they did really well for the first game! I was in the supporters section and stood the whole game, and sang/shouted/screamed so much my voice is wrecked. Can't wait until the next game!

Also, take the bus from Somerset LRT. No traffic issues at all, not even a ten minute trip.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by craigwd

The shuttle bus is always the best way to get in and out of Spruce Meadows for any event.

Parking on the side of Spruce Meadows Trail is the best way. You're close enough to walk, you don't have to pay $10, and you don't have to wait in lines for either the lone entrance or the shuttle bus.

Basically, I'd say that went as one would expect. Getting to the facility is a disaster, but once you're thare, it's all professionally done.

The pitch needs a lot of work though. Especially on the section 200 end.

[Slava]

^ the supporters were awesome and I enjoyed your efforts! We were joining in at various times in the main grandstand, but it was a slow spread. I do think that a lot of us need to learn the words to some of the songs though.

[Resolute 14]

Oh, and props to the two guys who got thrown out for firing the smoke bombs.

[Slava]

Lol, that was awesome and I figured that security would have been less than impressed with it.

[Kipper is King]

I loved the experience today! It's so good having professional soccer back in Calgary!

I do hope they fix the traffic issues and make some adjustments to the ticket pricing, as others have mentioned.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

That was a tonne of fun! Great atmosphere (sitting in section 109, great sight lines). They’ll figure out the parking and logistic side, I’m not fussed on that. Just get down there early.

As for the game Cavalry’s midfield completely bossed the match up until the 60th minute or so. Büscher and Adekugbe in particular were all over the pitch. Around the 60th minute the fitness dropped off big time, hopefully they put some work in on that front.

I’ve never seen a forward as passive as Malonga was in the second half. He’s a big boy, got to use his size to bury those chances.

[Muta]

I had an absolute blast! What a great experience... the grounds looked great, the fans / supporters section were loud and the Cavalry absolutely dominated. I can't wait for the next game that I can attend!

Also, good on those two who lit the smoke bombs. That was glorious! I hope that's eventually allowed in the stands, it really adds to the soccer atmosphere!

GO CAVS

[Jimmy Stang]

My experience echos that of the others. Great atmosphere. Foot Soldiers were great. Those metal stands really help with the noise.

Parking was a nightmare though. 40 minutes waiting to park is completely unacceptable, anywhere, any time. Especially at a “world class facility” with “experience running large events”. And the reason was so that everyone could be funnelled into the same single entrance where ONE person had a debit machine. I paid cash, but the debit machine was holding everyone up. Hopefully with their thousands netted from parking they could pony up for a few more machines and open a few more gates instead of funnelling everyone though one. If you’re going to charge me $10 for parking, at least make it easy.

The funny this, even with the embarrassing logistics and obvious growing pains, I’ll be going back. In a cheaper seat, mind you, but I’ll definitely be back. The fans were into it. The team played well. The snow actually added a bit of ambiance and nobody seemed to mind. I think that they’ve got some issues to iron out immediately like parking, and in the longer term like pricing. But overall it was a positive experience.

The manager at Kildare’s is apparently trying to put together their own shuttle, and that’s a nice little pub. That would alleviate a lot of the parking hassle.

[The Big Chill]

That was super fun. I was in the supporters section and literally never sat in my seat once.

[cam_wmh]

Had a blast. Loved the atmosphere. Such a great melting pot, that our rather worldly city & its demographic could provide. Had a greasy, cheeseburger dog. Trashy deliciousness.

I too, much echo the parking. 30 minutes in, and 40 minutes out. That needs to be fixed. NEEDS

Also chatted with Mason for a quick bit, he's out with a hammy injury.

[Muta]

You can see the game highlights here:

https://canpl.ca/video/recap-cavs-vi...-meadows-debut

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Muta

You can see the game highlights here:

https://canpl.ca/video/recap-cavs-vi...-meadows-debut

Looks great.

Really want to get to a couple games. But prices have to come down.

[ditty]

Did anyone take the shuttle from the Somerset-Bridlewood station? Does that avoid the huge parking backup?

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by ditty

Did anyone take the shuttle from the Somerset-Bridlewood station? Does that avoid the huge parking backup?

Yes.

Yes.

[troutman]

Venue and our uniforms look great in the video.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Not good publicity for game one on CBC related to parking.

[Kipper is King]

Originally Posted by TheAlpineOracle

Not good publicity for game one on CBC related to parking.

The parking issues should be fixable, though. Spruce Meadows handles much larger crowds for equestrian events.