[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by ned

Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi is asking for $185 million from the Province for upgrades to Commonwealth Stadium. Part of the thinking is that the money is there for Calgary, so Edmonton wants equal treatment. The stadium is getting close to 50 years old and could really use a refresh for going forward. The facility could also use upgrades to better handle large events, where it is too crowded for the washrooms, concourses and concessions. These are some of the items that have been talked about for upgrading, along with video boards, locker rooms, a midfield tunnel and perhaps the entrances. Some of the design work is already done as part of the bid the City put forth for the World Cup.

Edmonton is trying to attract more large events going forward. Hopefully the Elks start turning things around and can attract larger crowds. It probably wouldn't be anything close to capacity, but to get 35,000 for games in the next couple of years would be good. Alberta may be putting together a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and if successful, that would be a good chance for the upgrades to happen. Here is a video that was put forth for the World Cup bid. Not a lot is different at field level, but it does show a midfield tunnel and a new video screen on the south side.

https://vimeo.com/751370637

Pretty reasonable ask. Far less than what Calgary's getting. Not a chance it will happen.