The Aud

[jeffster]

If it were me, I'd be looking at the existing site (more precisely behind or beside the existing Aud), or a new site in the King/Charles/Stirling/Borden/Ottawa area.  Maybe something in the 10,000 to 12,000 seat range?  What would it cost?  Something north of $150million?

I think behind the twin pads would be an ideal location, where Centennial Stadium use to be. It's the right size. That other site you are talking about has been spoken for. Either way, probably 10 years away before we see much in the way of movement in terms of a new arena.

They won't get rid of the old arena, but I wonder how they could repurpose it, perhaps privately, so that we could perhaps have restaurants and coffee shops there, and perhaps some indoor parking. I to see potential here.

As for size, you probably want closer to 12,000 for more event draws (like concerts), but for hockey, you don't need too much larger than what we have now, otherwise you have a situation that you have in Hamilton, the upper bowl is 100% empty, and the lower bowl is more than 50% empty. No one likes empty seats.

I know some like the idea of a downtown arena, but if Hamilton serves as a lesson, is that smaller cities do have a difficult time filling up their arena's with their regular tenants. Parking in Hamilton is horrible, just a lot of walking and not great for people with limited mobility. So you would have to wonder how the Rangers would do in a bad season -- will people want to pay $15+ for parking, walk 10 or 15 minutes or more to get to The Aud? Both City Hall garage and D&O have limited space due to monthly passes. Of the 3,400 spots in DTK, there might only be 1,700 available for use at night (this includes the Library parking lot and garage, and The Kitchener Market garage - a bit of a walk), if that. Unsure how Market Square or Manulife could factor in but 1,700 spots simply isn't enough.

Having just watching what CKCO was saying, it does seem that people like the current location (easy to access). Interesting take from the one staff member from the KW Titans -- mentioning that Uptown (Waterloo? Where?) would be an ideal location. Kitchener would never build an arena for Waterloo. But if that's an issue for the Titans, the Waterloo Rec centre IS close to uptown and it does have nearby restaurants, yet no interest in setting up shop there. Parking is a massive issue. Unless she meant DT Kitchener.