[Dial 9-1-1]

Friends, I appreciate your post and you are obviously very knowledgeable in regards to the stadium proposal. I do not think you are on crack.

Regardless of the time and money already spent on the planning policy of Hastings Park, sometimes you have to cut bait and go in a new direction as was the case with the fast ferries fiasco.

As for stadiums not earning money, that is really only the case when there is no tenant--or more accurately, tenants.

Nat Bailey was always in crappy condition, but when the Canadians left, they lost out on 80 dates a year.

Empire Stadium lost the Lions and Whitecaps to BC Place.

The Pacific Colloseum lost out to GM Place and most concerts also opted for the newer stadium.

Therefore, regardless of where this new stadium goes, you have to wonder about the future of BC Place.

In truth, however, the Lions are only in BC Place for a handful of games a year, but it does make one wonder if the stadium would be downsized considerably if they did not house the Lions.

Stadiums must be financially viable, or owners would not be dishing out their own money to build them and moving their teams to other cities when they have a crappy lease agreement. It's a nice feeling when you can sell hotdogs for $6 each, beer for $7, and parking for $20.

Regardless, I appreciate your post and your point of view. I agree that this city definitely needs a new stadium. And the fact that it is only likely to happen if it is built by a private owner is embarrassing to this city and province.

For those keeping score at home, I vote for the PNE grounds.