grasshopper1917 Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 The Wanderer's Ground stadium proposal will go before Halifax city council next week. Below is a link to the official document. http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/170620rc14113.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Complete Homer Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Lots of "harder" numbers here. 5000 seats, 1000 person bleacher capacity, 1000 person standing room area (guessing this is the beer garden at one end and supporters section bleachers at the other, 2 2500 seat grandstands on the long sides?) While Beirne hasn't committed to 2018, the proposal distinctly says a 2018 launch. IMO that at least has to plan A if they are presenting it to city council. Also along those lines, said the expectation is 6 teams in 2018 and 8 in 2019. Probably more there, just glanced at the file Edit: Looks like the recommendation to council is to approve the proposal with the amendment that the city continues to manage the site, is either in charge of field maintenance or has a shared responsibility in this, and that the city maintains control of booking (though will give SEA preferential booking for the 14 home dates). Probably a good outcome, not sure how negotiable it is and how big of a deal it is for SEA to actually manage the facility, but councils usually tend to side with the recommendation the committee gives them, and they seem largely in favour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rheo Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Damn this is a lot to read lol. Good find though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Expected to host 10 games in 2018, so 20 game inaugural season with each club facing the others twice at home and twice away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HfxCeltic Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Any idea what the Soccer Nova Scotia event in September is about? They mention erecting 5000 seats around the field for viewing of a "Canadian Soccer League" match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuillermoDelQuarto Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJSweet Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 1 hour ago, ray said: Expected to host 10 games in 2018, so 20 game inaugural season with each club facing the others twice at home and twice away. With these numbers that your flashing out here, how many teams will be in the inaugural season of the league? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rheo Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Only thing of note I saw that wasn't mentioned -"Soccer Nova Scotia is intending to hold a major event on the Wanderers Grounds in September 2017 when the field opens, and will bring in temporary seating for up to 5000 spectators. The seating will be removed following the event." mentioned earlier as a "Canadian Soccer League game" I know they teased it the pod with Martin from SEA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fussball_eh Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 pls delete, I'm dumb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironcub14 Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Everything above sounds fantastic. My only point would be that a debut season with 8 teams in 2019 makes much more sense to me than a debut with 6 teams in 2018. I don't think a shortened season is worth it with 6 teams across the 2nd biggest nation in the world, World Cup 2018 fever and all considered. I don't really get the rush at all. If it's with World Cup 2026 in mind, then a 2019 launch works as fine as a 2018 launch, 2019 and 2020 is when the FIFA guys come around to inspect the bids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Renaissance Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 3 minutes ago, ironcub14 said: Everything above sounds fantastic. My only point would be that a debut season with 8 teams in 2019 makes much more sense to me than a debut with 6 teams in 2018. I don't think a shortened season is worth it with 6 teams across the 2nd biggest nation in the world, World Cup 2018 fever and all considered. I don't really get the rush at all. If it's with World Cup 2026 in mind, then a 2019 launch works as fine as a 2018 launch, 2019 and 2020 is when the FIFA guys come around to inspect the bids. I'm with you, 2018 sounds rushed at this point. Rather launch with a solid first impression. I'm even fine with waiting until 2020 at the very latest to make sure its done right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyslexic nam Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 8 minutes ago, ironcub14 said: Everything above sounds fantastic. My only point would be that a debut season with 8 teams in 2019 makes much more sense to me than a debut with 6 teams in 2018. I don't think a shortened season is worth it with 6 teams across the 2nd biggest nation in the world, World Cup 2018 fever and all considered. I don't really get the rush at all. If it's with World Cup 2026 in mind, then a 2019 launch works as fine as a 2018 launch, 2019 and 2020 is when the FIFA guys come around to inspect the bids. The other way to view it (and this is not original - has been mentioned by others before) is that a 2018 mini-season would function as a bit of a sound-check for the league. They are great, because if you miss a note or initially sound like shit, you can blame the amp, start tweaking dials, and retune a couple of strings to make it seem like the technology screwed you up - then, voila, your first "real" song sounds a lot more polished. The metaphor can only go so far, but I don't think the league would be written off if it worked out the kinks during a low pressure short season, and then amped up the fanfare and hype for season 2 after a bit of loyalty has already been built up with hardcore supporters. Maybe that isn't ideal, and the better way is to go balls-deep on a full season 1, but I get the thinking behind the 2018 launch proposal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironcub14 Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 5 minutes ago, dyslexic nam said: The other way to view it (and this is not original - has been mentioned by others before) is that a 2018 mini-season would function as a bit of a sound-check for the league. They are great, because if you miss a note or initially sound like shit, you can blame the amp, start tweaking dials, and retune a couple of strings to make it seem like the technology screwed you up - then, voila, your first "real" song sounds a lot more polished. The metaphor can only go so far, but I don't think the league would be written off if it worked out the kinks during a low pressure short season, and then amped up the fanfare and hype for season 2 after a bit of loyalty has already been built up with hardcore supporters. Maybe that isn't ideal, and the better way is to go balls-deep on a full season 1, but I get the thinking behind the 2018 launch proposal. Yep I totally get that and have read it from some of you here before, but it seems a bit un-befitting of what is aiming to present itself as a tier 1 major league, to need a warm-up half-season to assess itself. It's definitely going to raise eyebrows among some family and friends: "what's that, a new league is launching with only half a season to start?" And I hear people about the World Cup fever, but we know that the bulk of that fever usually translates over to excitement for the upcoming new European season. I'm definitely on board the April 2019 launch as the more professional option. Sorry to digress, the Halifax proposal is pretty awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rheo Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 The 2018 vs 2019 debate has been argued to death. Personally I'm indifferent both have their pros and cons but given that they have the money and are a hell of a lot smarter than I am I'll trust their instincts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtlMario Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 On a selfish note I'd like a 2018 start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreeAgent Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 21 hours ago, PJSweet said: With these numbers that your flashing out here, how many teams will be in the inaugural season of the league? 6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnyb Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 Nothing concrete, but I always thought that Halifax was not a part of the original 6. This implies that they indeed are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackTheBlizzard Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 They would only be the third on board and given the league wants to start in just over 12 months, the original six will/would be whoever comits to this league, has a metro area of 200k plus with a suitable stadium, and isn't an MLS B team. My main question on the stadium plan in Halifax based on what I have seen on twitter would be why lease it for only three years with an option for three more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackTheBlizzard Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 On 2017-6-16 at 7:45 PM, Rheo said: Only thing of note I saw that wasn't mentioned -"Soccer Nova Scotia is intending to hold a major event on the Wanderers Grounds in September 2017 when the field opens, and will bring in temporary seating for up to 5000 spectators. The seating will be removed following the event." mentioned earlier as a "Canadian Soccer League game" I know they teased it the pod with Martin from SEA Sounds like they have a USL or NASL game arranged as a way to gauge the interest level. Makes sense to do something like that before spending into the millions on a pro soccer venture. Although it won't be openly stated they will have a number in mind for what they want to see in terms of a crowd, if they are going to proceed further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmacphee Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 I think the Soccer NS event might be interesting, but I get the sense it is not directly connected with SEA. (Although if it's done half assed, it may very well be harmful to SEA's cause) The stands they are bringing in, for example, are totally different from the potential pop up stadium. SNS has a poor track record with creating a game day experience. However, if SNS Has hired SEA to run the event, I would have a bettter feeling about this. Is there still time schedule a WNT game for September? That could be more likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmacphee Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 3 hours ago, BringBackTheBlizzard said: They would only be the third on board and given the league wants to start in just over 12 months, the original six will/would be whoever comits to this league, has a metro area of 200k plus with a suitable stadium, and isn't an MLS B team. My main question on the stadium plan in Halifax based on what I have seen on twitter would be why lease it for only three years with an option for three more? Just thinking out loud here, but think the reason for the 3 year+3 option relates to the ongoing fight around the issue of using the Halifax Common that the Wanderers Ground is part of. There is a very small but well organized group of NIMBY's that oppose virtually everything. SEA is wise to phrase this request in "baby step" terms as part of the political gamesmanship that relates to the use of these parcels of land. Look back at the battle of keeping and enriching the Emera Oval (located close by on another part of the Halifax Common) and you'll see some of the history of how we have to deal with these people. Ultimately, I think SEA may need the flexibility of as many as 6 years to swing public opinion in favour of a permanent solution on the wanderers ground. If they see the public mood totally in favour of a permanent stadium on the the grounds within the 3 years, then they'll strike while the iron is hot. If the battle for is still iffy, then keep your powder dry and go three more years. (By that time, the idea of a soccer stadium on that location would more almost taken for granted) Nothing related to the league, just local political strategy. i Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper1917 Posted June 18, 2017 Author Share Posted June 18, 2017 From what I understand Soccer Nova Scotia is supposed to be hosting an international match. Most people believe it will be a Canada's under 17 men's match. They will likely just throw up some temp bleachers for the game and christen the newly renovated field. This is independent of the CPL bid. I know someone also mentioned USL/NASL - to be honest I cant see anyone in Halifax very interested in watching a USL match. TFC vs anyone YES - Ottawa Fury vs anyone NO. There is no matches going to be held to decide if the CPL project goes forward. If the stadium is approved by council we will have a team - if not we wont. It really i'snt any more to it then that. A USL or NASL game would provide absolutely no indication of how the public would support a local club. I think Kmac pretty well hit the nail on the head with regards to the leasing agreement. The only thing I will add is after 3 years the club should be able to gauge their level of support. They will know ether it can continue as a successful club or have to fold. The extra 3 year extension will give SEA options while pushing for a permanent stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackTheBlizzard Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 3 hours ago, grasshopper1917 said: ...I know someone also mentioned USL/NASL - to be honest I cant see anyone in Halifax very interested in watching a USL match. TFC vs anyone YES - Ottawa Fury vs anyone NO... Obviously you are a lot closer to what is happening than I am, but even if a USL game is not involved (was going by what Rheo chose to place in quotes in the message above) I would have thought that something like Ottawa Fury vs Halifax All Stars from your provincial level amateur league would provide a very good indication of who is likely to show up for a CPL game given the Ottawa Fury could still wind up being one of the teams that are involved if there is a 2018 launch, since it's not easy to see where the other three teams needed to reach six would be coming from otherwise in that sort of timeframe. When the London Lasers were being launched in the original CSL a local All Star team played games at JW Little Stadium against the Toronto Blizzard (think anyway, recollections are getting a bit hazy on that one as it's almost 30 years ago) and a touring Danish side called Koge Boldklub as a way of gauging the interest level. Those exhibition games drew more people than most of the regular season games the following summer when the Lasers started playing competitively probably because there were fewer of them making them more of an event that a lot of the hardcore of the local soccer community made an effort to show up for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HfxCeltic Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 On 18/06/2017 at 10:32 AM, grasshopper1917 said: From what I understand Soccer Nova Scotia is supposed to be hosting an international match. Most people believe it will be a Canada's under 17 men's match. They will likely just throw up some temp bleachers for the game and christen the newly renovated field. This is independent of the CPL bid. I know someone also mentioned USL/NASL - to be honest I cant see anyone in Halifax very interested in watching a USL match. TFC vs anyone YES - Ottawa Fury vs anyone NO. There is no matches going to be held to decide if the CPL project goes forward. If the stadium is approved by council we will have a team - if not we wont. It really i'snt any more to it then that. A USL or NASL game would provide absolutely no indication of how the public would support a local club. This is pure speculation, but I heard rumors of Canada vs Jamaica men's national team friendly for the SNS event. They're already playing in Toronto on September 2nd and the CSA may do something similar to what they did with the woman's team vs Costa Rica in Winnipeg and Toronto a couple weeks ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyslexic nam Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 On June 18, 2017 at 5:38 AM, BringBackTheBlizzard said: Sounds like they have a USL or NASL game arranged as a way to gauge the interest level. Makes sense to do something like that before spending into the millions on a pro soccer venture. Although it won't be openly stated they will have a number in mind for what they want to see in terms of a crowd, if they are going to proceed further. No offence, but I think this is a bit silly. Owners are in place, planning a significant infrastructure investment, are working with the HRM, other owners and NS soccer officials to get things in place - and they are going to predicate their entire project on hitting some attendance target for a single game involving teams that have nothing to do with the league? If that is the case, I would almost hope they don't hit the target, because that level of flighty commitment is not the kind of perseverance that will be required if the league takes a sustained effort over the first few years. An exhibition game may be used to promote that kind of live event in Halifax. And it may be a test case to see whe they need to do better. But there is no way IMO that the owners will base a decision "to proceed further" on attendance at a single event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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