Stadiums and Arenas of Canada part 2

[thenoflyzone]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

^you don't think that Edmonton/Commonwealth will be thrown into this mix?

IF Canada was going to have more than 3 host cities, I would have said yes. That will most likely not be the case. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Canada ends up with only 2 host cities. They would be Vancouver and Toronto, in all likelihood.

Originally Posted by elly63

The TFC people are saying that BMO is the best soccer specific stadium in the country. A few points on that, one, is it the best in a race of what, two horses (Saputo)? Is BMO actually now still classified as soccer specific, whatever that means.

No it isn't. The field is slightly longer now to be able to accommodate the CFL. But that doesn't matter really. BMO field was Canada's first soccer specific stadium. It's been modified since then, and would get the nod by FIFA ahead of Skydome if you ask me.

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper

It's quite simple. The stands were designed and are still designed around a soccer pitch; not baseball or football.

Technically speaking, BMO field is no longer soccer specific. The field has been extended to accommodate the CFL. This is why there are no stands to the north. None of this matters for FIFA of course, as it is still a stadium designed for soccer first and then football.

Today, Canada has one soccer specific stadium, and it's Saputo.

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper

It's much easier to expand BMO to 40,000 and harmonize the exterior to make it look prettier and impressive for the 1 minute of airtime.

I agree. Toronto should be a host city, and BMO Field will be chosen, not Skydome.

Originally Posted by esquire

For the record I think a temporarily expanded BMO could work if FIFA is OK with having a bunch of temp seats

Originally Posted by FrankieFlowerpot

Why wouldn't they be ok with it?

They were OK with them in Brazil in 2014

Exactly ! FIFA tends to bend the rules a bit as long as it serves their needs.