Which stadium site do you prefer?

[SoccerPrime]

I think parking is taking on too much of this conversation. Not saying its not important but there are other factors (Stadium size, atmosphere, population demographics) that are more important.
I mean, have you guys been to Philly or Atlanta or Cinncinnati? Their football, baseball stadiums are right in the middle of town and they don't seem to have a problem filling them every game. And SLC is no Atlanta.

[jfranz]

Greetings all.

Well, I've been reading these boards for a little while, and I've decided to wade into the satly waters of this smaller, local forum a bit, starting with the stadium issue. I posted a long rant on the bigsoccer boards and I wanted to paste a copy of it here to see what kind of response I generate. Apologies to everyone who has already, or will in the future, read this on bigsoccer. And further apologies for the length. I promise that future posts in these forums will be both brief and unique from by bigsoccer posts. Here's what I had to say:


I'm sad to hear that "The Courthouse" has been taken off the table. That spot whould have been so perfect for so many reasons. But if it can't be done, it can't be done.

However, I firmly believe that a downtown stadium is the route to take and I'll now throw my support fully behind the Gateway location. In addition to the downtown location, my reasons for now supporting the Gateway include:

-The Skybox. Early front-runner for "official" sports bar of RSL and Utah Soccer. My friends and I have watched a number of soccer events there, including the Champs League final for the last two years in a row. They are always very accomidating and soccer friendly, even showing the Champs League final in the "theatre" for us. With the stadium next door, this place could become an exceptional and nationally enviable "soccer bar."

-The Delta Center. With RSL and the Jazz so close together, SLC can create and market it's new "sports district" downtown.

-Transportation. Both Gateway and Murray have the advantage of light-rail. However, Gateway is accessably from BOTH Trax lines, without a transfer. So, people living East of downtown, or, come to think of it, working in RSL's Trolley Square office, can hop on a train to the stadium and not have to fuss with a Galivan Center siesta, waiting for a Southbound train.

-Transportation (part 2). Future westward Trax expansion on North Temple to the airport might place a stop even closer to the front gate of the stadium. And Commuter Rail from Ogden (currently being built!) stops in downton SLC, with a station on North Temple, right next to Gateway! (Certainly, RSL fans from Davis and Weber County have to love this particular detail.) Sure, sure, commuter rail riders could get to Murray after a transfer to light rail, but the convenience and advantages of Gateway in regards to public transportation, both present and futre, cannot be overstated. Just look at UTA's master plan for future development. The Gateway region is envisioned as the epicenter of it all.

-Transportation (part 3). Gateway has better freeway access for those who choose to drive. Both the 6th South exit and the 4th (?) North exit serve Gateway very well (versus the single exit for Murray; and didn't a recent article mention improvement being necessary to 45th south if the stadium was built there?). Existing parking structures, both around the Delta Center and within Gateway, means that RSL can spend more money on the stadium itself and doesn't have to pour concrete over more of SLC's diminishing open spaces.

-Stuff to do. Now, I'm sure that if the stadium get's built in Murray, bars and such will sprout up. But it's already there downtown. And lots of it.

-League first. Would be the first urban/downtown SSS in MLS. This would likely lead to unique architectural considerations and use of space. Could be a truely distinctive stadium. The suburban stadium designs (with the quite notable exception of the work of art being built in Bridgeview) all kind of look the same to me.

-Other Development. Didn't the LDS church recently announce that they were going to invest millions into a BYU expansion, housing and other projects surrounding the Gateway/Triad Center?!

-Urban Renweal. We would replace a wasted, toxic downtown plot with a beautiful jewel.

In fact, the more I think of it, and the more I think about the future growth of SLC, the Gateway is and always has been the most attractive spot. Build it, baby!


And then followed that lenghty post with:


Quote:
Originally Posted by SoccerPrime
Is this what the LDS church plans for the area?
http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?sid=51983&nid=5&pid=1
(PS there is a image/map of the area in the web page)

Thanks for the find Prime. Unfortunately, the images only include renderings of the planned development on Main Street (ZCMI Center and Crossroads Mall). However, the article does discuss the specific development that I pointed out in my original post. It says:

"...the Church has begun planning for construction of new buildings that will accommodate an expanded Salt Lake Center of Brigham Young University (BYU), as well as a new campus for LDS Business College.

Facilities for both educational institutions will be built on Blocks 85 and 86 in downtown Salt Lake City. Block 85, situated between North Temple and South Temple streets and 200 West and 300 West, was the site of the medals plaza for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Block 86 is located immediately east of Block 85, placing this new education campus adjacent to the west side of the Church’s world headquarters complex which includes Temple Square."

These blocks are very close to Gateway and I've got to believe that an increasingly global religion would love to have the world's game as it's neighbor!

The article also mentions the advantages of proximity to the future "intermodal transportation hub." I also loved this little bit:

"We have felt for some time that South Temple can be one of the grand boulevards of our city. That cannot come to pass if it ends in two blocks of empty asphalt."

The vision of RSL's stadium becoming part of this massive downtown revival is just too attractive to allow it to slip south into the suburbs.


So, again, sory for the duplication. And sory for the length. But any thoughts?

[Czar Jake]

Yes, I've a thought.

1. Welcome to the boards.
2. I agree with you completely. An urban stadium would be incredible.

[montgjules]

I'm officially withdrawing from the conversation. I've said my piece, I don't need to say it again. Anything else would just be argumentative. I'll support whatever the front office deems the best thing. THEY have the ability to research. THEY have the ability to get information beyond what we can do. We don't. We can only speculate. That's pointless. Anybody else who keeps saying the same things over and over, I would encourage to stop saying them and think of something unique to say. 😉

p.s. The vote is tied. The downtown supporters are a lot more vocal at this point, but they're not in the majority... yet... interesting! I would have thought all the "Downtown is Perfect" rambling would have won over more fence-sitters.

[Czar Jake]

Well if I could change my vote, the downtowners would be ahead now because I initially voted for fence-sitting and have indeed been convinced by the downtowners. I don't think we should stop the discussion just because we have no power over it. That's what being a fan is all about! Of course we will all go to the stadium wherever it ends up being built, and we'll be happy and grateful no matter where it is. But this thread is all about speculation.

I don't want to start fights, but I just don't think the parking issue is that major a concern. I am from the UC, I go to SLC only occasionally, but I always find a parking spot. Yes it is sometimes a block or two away, but that is not very far. If it is too far, then drive up to the closest station and take trax! Urban stadiums always have a better atmosphere than suburban ones.

Here's an example: RSL wins the cup at home in a suburban stadium. Everyone cheers, and then gets in their car and leaves.

or

RSL wins the cup at home in an urban stadium. Everyone cheers, then parades around in the city streets just below, and spontaneous parties erupt in nearby restaurants and bars. There are RSL flags in the windows of the nearby buildings and hanging from nearby balconies. None of that is possible with a suburban setting, everyone just gets in their car and scatters.

Secondly, an urban stadium will most definitely help bring in fans. John Q. Utahn leaves the Gateway after buying a shirt and getting a bite to eat. He hears giant cheers coming from the nearby stadium and decides to check out the next home game. In Murray the only passers-by we will get will be local residents protesting, angry about the noise.

That's just my vision. I'd like to hear everyone else's, including the Suburbaners. No need to end the conversation, we're all friends here!

[Neil]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

Well if I could change my vote, the downtowners would be ahead now because I initially voted for fence-sitting and have indeed been convinced by the downtowners.

I can, and I did. Your vote is now reflected as a downtown supporter, and removed from fence sitting.

[Loyal1]

Trying for a unique analogy...

most, if not all of us, attended college.

Remember peak parking times and little demand times? Remember parking a walking a couple of block equivalent across campus?
A routine quickly developed and soon what was the unknown became your custom.
Maybe Dave Checketts or Michael Moore came to campus and screwed up your pattern! No big deal now. You are empowered. You are flexible in achieving the neccesary.

Don't forget the power of the carpool either.

[Deuce]

Well you suburbanites may get your wish after all...
A new poll of Salt Lake County residents shows the Murray site is more popular...

A very well researched post by Rocky J Squirrell on BS and now it appears the popular vote is Murray...

However... Real Salt Lake was dead last in the poll for names for the team , Yet the team was named Real Salt Lake...

It will be interesting to see how things pan out!

[StarsOnSunday]

Why are people whining about parking downtown? Are we forgetting that parking meters are free on Saturdays?

[Loyal1]

Originally Posted by StarsOnSunday

Why are people whining about parking downtown? Are we forgetting that parking meters are free on Saturdays?

and Sundays and after 6pm on weekdays.

Guess they're also only watching over the air broadcasts too.

Who knew parking was a devisive issue?