New stadium in Toronto

[Bizzo]

The Argos are in the process of deciding where to build their new stadium. U of T & York seem to be the favourites. The UofT plan involves the Leafs buying a chunk of the Argos & financing construction of the stadium (as well as a practice facility for the Leafs). The drawback for this plan is that they would use synthetic turf & have a running track.
More details @ globe&mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040114.wmlse15/BNStory/Sports/url)

[drew_VT_6]

I'd love to see Toronto get a stadium and perhaps join up with MLS. I think a Rochester/Toronto MLS derby would be fantastic!

[plissken666]

vancouver is building a 30.000 soccer specific stadium and is in the running to host the mens under 20 2007 world cup.the whitecaps are negotiating entry into mls for 2005.vancouver is the center of canadas soccer universe.

[Bizzo]

Originally posted by plissken666
vancouver is building a 30.000 soccer specific stadium and is in the running to host the mens under 20 2007 world cup.the whitecaps are negotiating entry into mls for 2005.vancouver is the center of canadas soccer universe.

I assume there's a point in there somewhere.

Most Canadian soccer fans would like more than 1 stadium in the whole country.

[SABuffalo786]

Originally posted by plissken666
vancouver is building a 30.000 soccer specific stadium and is in the running to host the mens under 20 2007 world cup.the whitecaps are negotiating entry into mls for 2005.vancouver is the center of canadas soccer universe.


Did they break ground?

[plissken666]

it broke in the mainstream media today with a few surprises thrown in.vancouver is apparently a front runner to host the mens under 20 world cup in 2007,as well as bidding for world cup(womans)2011.it seems that vancouver getting the olympics for 2010 changed everything now the federal as well as the provincial governments will be putting money into it.there will be no running track(thank god)it will be sss,and expandable up to 48.000 seats.MLS in 2006 is the caps goal right now and should get in.a glorious day in lotusland.

[SABuffalo786]

Originally posted by plissken666
it broke in the mainstream media today with a few surprises thrown in.vancouver is apparently a front runner to host the mens under 20 world cup in 2007,as well as bidding for world cup(womans)2011.it seems that vancouver getting the olympics for 2010 changed everything now the federal as well as the provincial governments will be putting money into it.there will be no running track(thank god)it will be sss,and expandable up to 48.000 seats.MLS in 2006 is the caps goal right now and should get in.a glorious day in lotusland.


Links? Until I see some articles, this is all just wishful thinking.

[futbol571]

I would love to see this happen. Maybe it will show the ninnies in Toronto, Montreal and elsewhere that Canadian soccer can actually grow and build a stadium.

Now lets get a friggin league huh?!?

[purojogo]

Originally posted by SABuffalo786
Links? Until I see some articles, this is all just wishful thinking.
Second this opinion.....
At the same time ;) , the dreamer in me feels that if the stadium is getting done, MLS has to do its best to have a club there...All Canadian players in MLS can perhaps 'get back home'... One guy I'm sure would be happy as hell is Yallop

Suggestion for 'Christening' this "i don't know if it gets done stadium' :
No brainer : USMNT vs, Canada at a Fifa date, so all the best players are available

[efernandez9]

purojogo congrat in reaching your 1000 posts!

missed the party at the NSR suramerica foro!!!! ummmh

[purojogo]

Originally posted by efernandez9
purojogo congrat in reaching your 1000 posts!

missed the party at the NSR suramerica foro!!!! ummmh
Just posted there...late but ready for more chelas

[purojogo]

Originally posted by SABuffalo786
Links? Until I see some articles, this is all just wishful thinking.
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/story.asp?id=8501AD3F-529B-410C-9E06-9362AFCEAE7D

Field of dreams

[denver_mugwamp]

If Vancouver gets an MLS team, then Seattle will have to follow with Portland not too far behind. Then the fun starts!

[purojogo]

New stadium announcement overtakes CSA
http://www.ussocceruk.com/news/?CatTypeId=2&ContentId=1268

[nyrmetros]

Why are the Argos leaving the Skydome?

And what about the Toronto Lynxx ??

[plissken666]

Field of dreams
So, is Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot really planning to build a new stadium in Vancouver for soccer, rugby, Lions football and the Olympic opening ceremonies? Well, our columnist couldn't get anyone to deny it.

Ed Willes
The Province


Thursday, January 15, 2004

Vancouver's BC Place Stadium (left) would be finished as a major sports venue if millionaire Greg Kerfoot (right) gets a new facility built.

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This is what we know for certain.

Our colleague, Cam Cole of The National Post, had a conversation with someone in Toronto who told him there are plans for a 30,000-seat, outdoor stadium in Vancouver which a) will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games; b) provide a new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps whose owner, Greg Kerfoot, is largely responsible for this project; c) provide a new home for the B.C. Lions; d) bring the 2007 men's under-20 World Cup of soccer to Vancouver; and, e) essentially replace that eyesore in Yaletown, BC Place Stadium.

So, if true, this would be a fairly significant story.

There's just one problem. As mentioned, the only thing we knew for certain is a conversation took place in The Big Smoke in which an unnamed source alleged these things.

For this reason, we haven't exactly advised the Pullitzer committee about the story, nor are we telling you to take it to the bank.

We can, however, tell you while no one was corroborating the story Wednesday, no one was denying it, either.

"That's wild," said a source close to the situation. "All I can tell you is it sounds like (Cole) was talking to someone in the know."

2010 chairman Jack Poole was asked to comment on the story. His assistant said he didn't have anything further to add but he might have something to say in the future. Move over, Woodward and Bernstein.

This all started when the Canadian Soccer Association, which is vying for the '07 men's U20 World Cup, first discussed building an outdoor stadium in Toronto for the event.

On Tuesday, however, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment -- which owns the Leafs, the Raptors, the Air Canada Centre and, apparently, has more money than the Canadian government -- made public plans to construct a 25,000-seat venue next to the University of Toronto.

That facility would be the new home of the Argos but would not be suitable for the 2007 men's U-20 World Cup.

Enter Kerfoot. Quietly.

The Whitecaps and their owner have been kicking around, no pun intended, the idea of a new soccer facility for a while now.

But plans for a 15,000-seat venue were reportedly expanded when Kerfoot learned that both federal and provincial money could be made available through the Olympics.

The new, 30,000-seat-plus facility, pegged for False Creek, would host the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies.

And it would give the Vancouver committee a sparkling showcase in lieu of the drab, elephantine BC Place Stadium.

Kerfoot -- who sold one of his businesses, Crystal Decisions, for $800 million last season -- would also have a new home for the Whitecaps and a new facility to help promote the game in Canada. And the Lions would finally be out from under BC Place.

Now, this would be even better if it actually takes place.

Kerfoot, who makes public appearances as frequently as Howard Hughes, declined to comment on the matter Wednesday.

But it's fair to say he's at least interested in the project.

Lions president Bob Ackles was also unavailable.

The whole freaking world was unavailable Wednesday.

And Poole, as mentioned, was equally close-mouthed.

That doesn't leave much.

But there's something about this story that passes the smell test.

Kerfoot has the resources and inclination to go ahead with the stadium.

The Lions and the CSA would be over the moon at the prospect of a new facility.

The Olympic role, meanwhile, isn't quite as clear. But they'd have to prefer a new outdoor stadium for their opening and closing ceremonies to the quilted marshmallow on Pacific Blvd.

They could also sell an initiative driven by the private sector, i.e. Kerfoot. And they'd be selling it in a city which is eager to buy the concept.

When you come down to it, Vancouver needs an outdoor stadium for the Lions, for the Whitecaps, for national and international soccer and rugby competitions.

If Kerfoot can deliver all that, they should rename Stanley Park after him.

We won't even mind that he doesn't talk to the media.

© Copyright 2004 The Province


















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[kenosha]

[QUOTE][i]Plisken666

Good summary Plisken. I think the key issue here is the Vancouver Olympics. Due to the 2010 thingy, the federal and maybe the BC gov't will be willing to help Kerfoot get a stadium in. My fear is that 30K is too big. I see the Whitecaps doing 10-15K per game if they stay in A-League regardless of venue. Nonetheless, Canada needs a SSS, BC is a great location due to climate and the number of soccer fans. Location will be important since it will need to be in a desirable place. Also, it is realistic to think it may have to accomodate the Lions and the Whitecaps to be economically viable. Does this mean fake grass? A lot to think about, but good problems to solve. The Whitecaps of the NASL actually drew pretty well. If a new team in MLS could be economically viable, I hope the red carpet will be there.

[Krammerhead]

Kerfoots original plan was to build a 15000 seat stadium for Vancouver. Then when he heard that if it could be used for the opening and closing ceremonies that olympic money could be kicked in then they'd build it to seat 30000. The understanding is that the Lions would also play there if the stadium was that large.

I agree with you, in a new stadium the Whitecaps would draw 10000 in the A-League.

Vancouver hasn't been negotiating for MLS either.