02-05-2020, 08:19 AM
I think it's obvious there'd be constraints, but I also don't think Scotiabank Arena, or Wrigley Field are good examples of what we would need. Jeffster's list is a good one, but a lot of those issues can also be addressed through design. Others are examples of how the Region has other short-comings in facilities that ought to also be addressed. The Aud isn't just an arena, it's also got ice pads, it's also used for larger trade-show/convention-type events. There's no reason to believe that the ice pads and sports fields at the existing site would need to go (and perhaps they could be expanded), and hopefully a convention centre could be built here too at another location.
The thing is, if you look at all the constraints on any project, it's always going to cheaper and easier to build it in the countryside in a field. The Sens did that, and it has *not* served them well at all. There are relatively few opportunities to bring something like an arena or stadium to a central location without significant expense, so when that opportunity does arise, there really has to be a *very* compelling reason not to take advantage of it.
Genuinely, is there any reason to keep Joseph Street open between Gaukel and David? It might then allow the space for the arena to expand further south onto the properties on the east corner of Victoria Park. and also would mean that the proposed Gaukel Street pedestrianisation would have one less street to contend with.
The thing is, if you look at all the constraints on any project, it's always going to cheaper and easier to build it in the countryside in a field. The Sens did that, and it has *not* served them well at all. There are relatively few opportunities to bring something like an arena or stadium to a central location without significant expense, so when that opportunity does arise, there really has to be a *very* compelling reason not to take advantage of it.
Genuinely, is there any reason to keep Joseph Street open between Gaukel and David? It might then allow the space for the arena to expand further south onto the properties on the east corner of Victoria Park. and also would mean that the proposed Gaukel Street pedestrianisation would have one less street to contend with.