Just compare the experience of going to an Impact game at the Big O vs Saputo Stadium. It's much nicer being outside than in that huge closed toilet bowl.
Pretty much this. Both stadiums are located right next to each other but the experience is totally different.
Obviously downtown is better as it's much easier to access for more people but an open-air stadium would be a great start and a great atmosphere.
Pretty much this. Both stadiums are located right next to each other but the experience is totally different.
Obviously downtown is better as it's much easier to access for more people but an open-air stadium would be a great start and a great atmosphere.
A lot easier to access it downtown, the Impact mostly play on weekends and it makes it easy for people to get there. The Expos with the amount of games and series that can be played on Monday's-Tuesday's etc wouldn't be as great especially for the walk ins
A lot easier to access it downtown, the Impact mostly play on weekends and it makes it easy for people to get there. The Expos with the amount of games and series that can be played on Monday's-Tuesday's etc wouldn't be as great especially for the walk ins
Agreed but I agree with you on experience.
I went to an Impact game at the Big O last April and it was ''alright'' even though they won their first ever MLS game. Two months later I went to the first game at Saputo Stadium and fell in love with the game and atmosphere. It's totally different.
although i've only lived in montreal for a year for my studies - and that was a bazillion years ago. someone from montreal needs to explain why all that complaining about the olympic stadium. it's not downtown? i used to lived on du fort, near the old forum and i went to many expos games - no hassle! so what would be downtown exactly?
seriously, i never understood that "build a stadium downtown" stuff... someone enlighten me
In today's sports, corporate money is crucial. Expensive tickets, etc.
These guys are mostly downtown and want to walk there or be close and in the action. Most pro teams with their arena/stadium far from their downtown is struggling in that department, therefore struggling financially.
A downtown stadium would be better for a few reasons.
1. Accessible for people who are not taking the metro. Not everyone wants to pile into a packed subway car to go see a ballgame. Many people would rather drive there and park their car somewhere safe. That was hardly an option at Olympic Stadium.
2. Walk-ins. If someone is walking around downtown in the summer, and see the stadium, they'd feel more inclined to go to the game, rather than going way out of their way to the east end to see a game, and then come back afterwards. People would like to just go to the bar for a few beers, check out the game, and then head back to the bar, head back home, etc. Olympic Stadium is out of the way.
3. This is more about the stadium itself than it's location, but the place was just an ugly dump. You'd be surrounded by bright yellow seats, and a roof that looked like it was being held up by duct tape. A new ballpark, where you could actually see the Montreal sky, would have really made the experience of baseball way better. I've seen games at Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Skydome (and soon to visit all three parks in Southern California), and nothing beats sitting outdoors, drinking a cold beer, and watching baseball. This hasn't been possible in Montreal since the Jarry Park days, way before my time.
Saw about ten games at Jarry when I was a kid, it was fantastic fun.
If the spos had played downtown in an open stadium when I was at Uni, I would have gone to min 10 games every summer, with my buddies or my GF. What could be more find than biking or walking 10 minutes to the park , paying 20 bucks for bleacher seats, sitting in the sun, a few beers, and watching the spos play the Mets?
I think the Spos would have survived if they had moved to a downtown 30,000 seat open stadium.
I went to an Impact game at the Big O last April and it was ''alright'' even though they won their first ever MLS game. Two months later I went to the first game at Saputo Stadium and fell in love with the game and atmosphere. It's totally different.
Absolutely the atmosphere isn't even close. Even when my Milan came to town 2 years ago and despite over 50 000 in attendance it just doesn't feel the same. Look at the Pirates ball park, just to go sit there enjoy the view with a beer you don't even care about winning or losing. Hopefully we get them back one day, would love to get my kids into it
The guy in charge of the RIO/Olympic Stadium says he`s in talks with Major League Baseball to bring exhibition games to the the Big O. Also mentionned the NFL.
