By 'emulating the US stadia' and providing an 'all day experience' I take it to mean exclusively American football. 'If' they are basing their ambitions on this sport then either they'll be in for a shock or we'll all be out of pocket.
NFL teams play 8 home games a season (if they fail to make the play offs). That's it! Fans drive for miles - often within one state - for games and the party starts mid-morning and goes all day. For those that have been to Twickenham for rugby, think Range Rovers, hampers and quaffing champagne swapped for flat bed Chevy's and Fords, hot dogs and six packs. It aint our football and it aint practical.
And..........its not every US stadium. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field (both Baseball) are old and beautiful. Plenty of fast food outlets in the stadium plus beer etc but also a culture of using the local bars/pubs and travelling to the game on public transport a la London.
I fear some of the language being used by the club 'property club just happening to do football' etc is just the tip of the iceberg. In house, they'll be salivating over the corporate 'projections' of cash. They will also be putting a fair bit of work into spinning this brave new world for the existing/older supporter in order to maximise revenues etc. Expect more cheese museums and fondue fountains when the thing opens.
Despite my dreams to stand on the shelf again as it was, I am having to be realistic about who the new type of 'fan' will be that the club is courting; what the name of the thing will be; and whether it will be possible to generate the atmosphere of the old WHL within. I'm pessimistic....
NFL teams play 8 home games a season (if they fail to make the play offs). That's it! Fans drive for miles - often within one state - for games and the party starts mid-morning and goes all day. For those that have been to Twickenham for rugby, think Range Rovers, hampers and quaffing champagne swapped for flat bed Chevy's and Fords, hot dogs and six packs. It aint our football and it aint practical.
And..........its not every US stadium. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field (both Baseball) are old and beautiful. Plenty of fast food outlets in the stadium plus beer etc but also a culture of using the local bars/pubs and travelling to the game on public transport a la London.
I fear some of the language being used by the club 'property club just happening to do football' etc is just the tip of the iceberg. In house, they'll be salivating over the corporate 'projections' of cash. They will also be putting a fair bit of work into spinning this brave new world for the existing/older supporter in order to maximise revenues etc. Expect more cheese museums and fondue fountains when the thing opens.
Despite my dreams to stand on the shelf again as it was, I am having to be realistic about who the new type of 'fan' will be that the club is courting; what the name of the thing will be; and whether it will be possible to generate the atmosphere of the old WHL within. I'm pessimistic....