An article from ESPN News scrutinizing the SkyDome.
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03 Thursday Apr 2014
03 Thursday Apr 2014
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inRecently, the SkyDome has been under heavy scrutiny from the media. For example, the stadium has been referred to as obsolete, and an eyesore with no practical value[1]. When analyzing the SkyDome’s usefulness, numerous media outlets have argued that it has become useless, as it cannot attract any large-scale events. The stadium is primarily used for baseball, Canadian football, large-scale concerts and events (for example, monster-truck shows). Reporters and analysts are arguing that the SkyDome is hindering Toronto’s opportunities to host the Summer Olympic Games, or become the home to a National Football League team (the current Mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, is advocating for a NFL franchise). This argument is based upon the size and seating capacity of the SkyDome. The media is arguing that based on the current sizes and capacities of National Football League stadiums, the SkyDome would be too small to support an NFL franchise[2]. When analyzing the seating capacity of the SkyDome myself, it became evident that the SkyDome is truthfully smaller than most NFL stadiums. Furthermore, the smaller NFL stadiums are slowly being torn down and being replaced with large-scale stadiums with large seating capacities[3]. Moreover, reports also state that the SkyDome is one of the worst baseball stadiums in the MLB, as its architecture is outdated, and not the best environment to watch a game[4]. Similarly, it is also argued that the enclosure of the dome takes away from the natural essence of baseball (the idea the baseball should be played outdoors)[5].
Although there are numerous negative perspectives in the media pertaining to the SkyDome, through the use of primary and secondary sources, this blog will demonstrate how the SkyDome is a viable stadium for the City of Toronto, as it fulfills all of the purposes outlined in Paul Godfrey’s proposal. Godfrey’s proposal identifies the main purposes and uses of the SkyDome. It also explains the reasoning behind the ideal infrastructure used for the stadium. Thus, the SkyDome is an important piece of infrastructure, as its sole purposes are to be a multi-complex stadium, and serve as the home the Toronto Argonauts (CFL), the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), and as a venue for large scale events (concerts, shows ceremonies).
[1] “The Rogers Centre is one of the ugliest stadiums in baseball,” Toronto Life, Apr. 10, 2012.
[2] Conroy, Ed, “That time when the SkyDome landed in Toronto,” blogTO, May. 10, 2103.
[3] Conroy, Ed, “That time when the SkyDome landed in Toronto,” blogTO, May. 10, 2103.
[4] Caple, Jim, “SkyDome is just another stadium,” ESPN News, June. 2, 2003.
[5] Hughson, Callum, “SkyDome/Rogers Centre Review,” Mop-Up Duty, Sept. 7, 2010.
03 Thursday Apr 2014
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in03 Thursday Apr 2014
Newspaper article from the Toronto Star, on November 30, 1982.
Posted by marig9 | Filed under Uncategorized
02 Wednesday Apr 2014
A newspaper clipping from the Toronto Star, on November 29, 1982.
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02 Wednesday Apr 2014
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inOn November 28th, 1982 the city of Toronto hosted the 70th Grey Cup. The game was played at Exhibition Stadium, and was damped by a heavy rainstorm (hence the 70th Grey Cup became known as the “Rain Bowl”). Due to the downpour, thousands of fans took shelter and watched the game in the concession area[1]. Additionally, numerous fistfights broke out among fans in the grand stands, as they struggled to get out of the rain[2]. Furthermore, the following day, thousands of people stood outside of Toronto City Hall and were shouting for the city to build a domed stadium[3]. In June of 1983, Ontario Premier Bill Davis announced that there would be a three-person committee who would look at building a feasible domed stadium at Exhibition Place[4]. One of the major players, Paul Godfrey, wanted to create a multi-purpose complex, which would create a desirable atmosphere for both athletes and fans[5]. Paul Godfrey was the Metro Toronto Chairman. As chairman, he was responsible for co-coordinating various activities within the metropolitan area, including policing and transportation. In the year 2000, he became the CEO and President of the Toronto Blue Jays.
There were great debates regarding the location of the planned domed stadium. Eventually, it was agreed that the new stadium was to be built at the base of the CN-Tower. This land (the rail lands) was owned by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) and was used as a major switching yard, which included the CNR Spadina Roundhouse. This meant the land had to be bought from CNR. Currently, Roundhouse Park is located outside of the SkyDome (currently known as the Rogers Centre), and acts as preservation to the John Street Roundhouse and as a railway museum. The stadium was funded both publicly and privately. The initial estimated cost for the stadium was $150 million, however by the time the stadium opened, construction costs were up to $570 million[6]. As a result, private companies invested money into the stadium, and in return received exclusive advertising rights and a skybox for 10 years, with the opportunity to renew their contract for another 99 years[7]. EllisDon was responsible for the construction of the stadium. One construction issue they encountered was having to create a means of accessibility from the stadium to Union Station. As a result, the Skywalk was constructed and opened in 1989.
Ground broke on October 3rd, 1986, and the SkyDome was officially completed and opened on June 3rd 1989. The stadium would be, and still is, the home to Toronto’s Major League Baseball team (Toronto Blue Jays) and Canadian Football League team (Toronto Argonauts). The SkyDome has faced financial hardships, and as a result has been sold on three occasions. Originally owned by the Province of Ontario, the SkyDome was sold to Labatt Brewing Company in 1994 for approximately $150 million. In 1999, the stadium was once again sold to Sportsco International LP for $80 million. Recently (2004), the stadium was sold to Rogers Communication for a measly $25 million. The stadium’s name was also changed from the SkyDome to the Rogers Centre[8].
[1] Christie, Alan, “Grey Cup loss may gain Godfrey a stadium dome,” The Toronto Star, Nov. 30, 1982.
[2] “Toronto Wants Dome,” The Toronto Star, Nov. 29, 1982.
[3] Christie, Alan, “Grey Cup loss may gain Godfrey a stadium dome,” The Toronto Star, Nov. 30, 1982.
[4] “You win some, you lose some,” CBC News, Feb. 09, 2011.
[5] Christie, Alan, “Grey Cup loss may gain Godfrey a stadium dome,” The Toronto Star, Nov. 30, 1982.
[6] “You win some, you lose some,” CBC News, Feb. 09, 2011.
[7] “You win some, you lose some,” CBC News, Feb. 09, 2011.
[8] “You win some, you lose some,” CBC News, Feb. 09, 2011.