[erudyk_29]

Scrolling through a number of threads including the ICE District Phase 2 and Commonwealth Stadium thread I noticed a number of discussions about a new Stadium in the city. Either as a replacement for Commonwealth, or a new venue for concerts and potentially a soccer specific stadium. This is not an announcement or anything, I don't have an inside scoop about a new arena, but just musing a bit about the potential.

I thought I would make a thread for discussions about this and include some of my own ideas here and others can provide their ideas as well.

Personally, I believe that Commonwealth is good the way it is, it was renovated fairly recently if I'm not mistaken. While it is an older venue it still serves its function well, and while amenities like a roof may be nice, they seem like they could be more expensive than its worth. So I personally would not advocate for a new home for the Elks.

The idea of a soccer specific stadium, that could potentially be used for concerts and other events as well is quite enticing. The end goal being attracting an MLS expansion to Edmonton, which I think would be a big success considering how much the sport has exploded in the city in recent years.

As far as sites, their are a few options:

- The Quarters has many potential options and tons of open space and easy access to the LRT network, issues include the stigma and social issues around the area.

- The ICE District Phase 2 lot just north of Rogers is another option, though existing plans are in place to develop it into primarily residential, and the lot is a bit small.

- Strathcona Junction, tons of space and it won't overburden downtown with event congestion, it could also be integrated with a future rail station for the route between EDM and CGY, unfortunately, no Rapid Transit link exists as of now, though BRT is planned to be here soon.

- Rossdale, it may seem a bit weird but Rossdale already hosts the Riverhawks, which were extremely popular last summer (I went a couple times and it was a packed house every time) and creating a new venue here could turn it into a bit of a sports hub for the city. Transit access it tricky though, there is no really great way to get here on transit right now and due to its geography and it would be quite difficult to serve in the mid-near future. Although much like the Strathcona Junction site, BRT is supposed to go by here as well.

Among many other potential options (Edmonton has so much empty land)

 

[_urbanite]

I would love to see an MLS team here with a purpose built stadium for it. I think Quarters would be a great spot for the stadium, and it would serve as catalyst for futher development. The allure of adding a stadium to Katz Land north of Rogers Place will be too great, so I think it will more likely end up being built there.

I do NOT want to see the Elks move out of Commonwealth though. I think we still need a large stadium (50k +) to attract large concerts, festivals, and other large events. I also think mothballing Commonwealth, at a time when the area around it is finally starting to build momentum with see some development and renewal, would be very counter-productive and unfortunately, on-trend for Edmonton (a trend we need to break). Re-investing into Commonwealth is the right idea. Support what's already happening in this area.

I also think the city should consider selling off some of the parking area surrounding the stadium. This can create an opportunity for higher density development right adjacent to the stadium, and helps bridge that gap between the stadium, the neighbourhood to the north, and Rohit's new developments to the east. The areas highlighted in red I think are most ideal for this (especially the box closer to the LRT station). This is part currently a park and ride lot, but I don't feel it's necessary to actually have as much park and ride space available here. If there's a concern about losing that much parking, then CoE can look at expanding their existing parking lot near the rec centre (see black box). I think you could also make an argument for the entire east parking lot to be redeveloped (lot #422), but it's still used by ETS to bring people to the stadium from other Park & Rides, so I'm not sure we should go that far yet.

 

[Gronk!]

I agree that Commonwealth Stadium needs to be retained - not replaced nor demolished. However, the renovations need to continue. The artificial turf must be replaced with natural grass - full stop. A retractable roof is a great thing to have, but it's not a hill to die on. Replace the parking lot near the LRT station with a continuation of Stadium Yards.

 

[realkevbo]

As interesting as it would be to have MLS in Edmonton, I don't think that it is remotely in the cards. The latest expansion team went for $500m US dollars to San Diego, and while there are still untapped large American markets Garber won't even consider another Canadian market. If anything, they are closer to merging forces with LigaMX (see Leagues Cup) and would rather distance themselves from Canada.

If Edmonton is to plan for another shot at a football club its best bet is still with the CPL, whether a re-revival of FC Edmonton (comes with LOTS of baggage) or a new club all together. The max stadium size for CPL should be about 10k and I'd love to see it in Quarters. It's a tough sell in Edmonton though, we've had football start and fail so many times, who is going to take that risk?

 

[bodsbods9090]

Just an FYI on MLS talk...the league has said they aren't interested in expansion in to Canada any time soon.

 

[erudyk_29]

MLS Expansion to Canada may seem unlikely unlikely at the moment, but keep it mind this is more of a long term thing. With Edmonton and Alberta's population growing substantially it's going to become a more and more attractive place for a new pro sports team. MLS has shown in the past decade or so that they're willing and able to expand quickly and aggressively.

I admit it's a bit of a long shot right now, but in 10-15 years? Things change quickly in the sports world. Just think, in the 2005-2006 NHL season, Vegas wouldn't have even been on the radar for any league to expand into, let alone the NHL of all leagues. Now they're one of the most successful teams out there. Let's not entirely disregard the possibility, especially if we got a new, soccer specific stadium.

I also don't think MLS would be as tough of a sell as CPL, I would absolutely pay to go see an Edmonton FC MLS squad. If I got the opportunity to go watch a CPL game, I wouldn't refuse but it wouldn't be something I would actively go out and pay for. It's just not the same thing, the CPL is seen as a minor league, while the MLS is definitely a major sport at this point, in the same tier as the other big NA leagues. The level of interest would be entirely different.

 

[crisp]

My honest opinion and wishful thinking.... screw the MLS and focus on the growth of CPL.

Canada has surpassed a population of 40 million people. Soccer as a whole continues to grow in North America. CANMNT has garnered a lot of attention with its success and the CPL can and has already started to be a great development league for future CANMT stars. There is a market here with a lot of potential.

CPL is still very, very young and far behind where MLS is now. It is going to go through growing pains, Edmonton FC's failure is a great example. But as it continues to grow, Edmonton with a population over a million will want to be back in it.

As for a stadium, I would like to see at least 15K capacity to allow for growth. Or build something with the ability to add more stands in the future. A retractable or permanently covered roof may not be financially feasible but it would also attract more fans, an unfortunate catch22.

 

[archited]

I think that Edmonton can grow into major league franchises -- an NWSL franchise could presently be had for less than $100 Million and the league has proved to be extremely popular. If Katz (say) could nab a franchise in this league for $70 Million or so and make it the cause célèbre for the initial move towards an enclosed 50,000- to 60,000-seat stadium (retractable roof and all). That would start the ball rolling (pun intended) and it could be the juice (mixed metaphor) for discussions re a new stadium downtown (force-make it the envy of North America). It would make Edmonton a natural expansion franchise darling for all manner of field sports. Commonwealth could be repurposed into an X-games super facility for both summer and winter games (I'm gonna keep pounding on this -- it should be a win-win-win scenario -- win for Edmonton, win for Katz, win for Sports Fans). Imagine Edmonton with two major sports facilities that are both winners!

 

[SMayo]

Realistically Edmonton is never getting an MLS team, CPL would work in Edmonton with a purpose built ground. Edmonton needs to bite the bullet and replace Commonwealth with a new 30-40 thousand seat stadium. No team in Edmonton will ever need a 50-60 thousand seat retractable roof stadium (Even Vancouver's sports teams can't fill their 50000 seat stadium) and the 2-3 stadium concerts we get per summer aren't worth the price tag either.