ITs because of the shallow pitch of the bowl, there are infact 92,000 people at that game.

I would love to see Spain host the WC. I think the culture, stadia, and general atmosphere would be out of this world. Frankly, I think it will be another 50 years before the US is considered soccer-cultured enough to host one. OH, and staging the '94 WC in the US was brilliant. It was solely responsible for the MLS to have a chance in this country. I still remember being amazed at the interest and excitement most Americans had for the WC. It's good to see that it took hold, and is growing.

With regard to the various new stadia constructions in the last decade - can anyone confirm the size of the playing area in these venues? American Football pitches are narrower than football pitches - I seem to remember that seats were removed from some venues in 94 to allow pitches to be correct width.

An American football field is about 55 yards wide and 120 yards long (with a little room for press, maybe a little over 5 yards past the endline), but many of the stadiums have a playing surface wide enough for soccer because of how American football bench areas are (usually at least 10 yards each). I know New York, Seattle, New England, Kansas City, and Houston are wide enough because they either host MLS teams or have hosted a world friendly without changing the stands. Most newer stadiums are big enough, but some of the older stadiums (pre '90) might not be.

I would love to see Spain host the WC. I think the culture, stadia, and general atmosphere would be out of this world. Frankly, I think it will be another 50 years before the US is considered soccer-cultured enough to host one. OH, and staging the '94 WC in the US was brilliant. It was solely responsible for the MLS to have a chance in this country. I still remember being amazed at the interest and excitement most Americans had for the WC. It's good to see that it took hold, and is growing.

I disagree. I think 2018 will go to the UK; and then 2022 to the US. They owe us another one. Remember, 1994 was the best attended World Cup yet. Look at those figures:

=============================================================
WORLD CUP USA '94 ATTENDANCES
(Sorted by Average)

SITE - TOTAL -#MATCHES - AVERAGE - CAPACITY - %FILLED

Pasadena - 721,880 - 8 - 90,235 - 91,794 -98.3%
Stanford - 489,037 - 6 - 81,506 - 80,906 - 100.7%
E. Rutherford - 517,756 - 7 - 73,965 - 75,338 - 98.2%
Pontiac - 278,598 - 4 - 69,649 - 77,557 - 89.8%
Chicago - 312,725 - 5 - 62,545 - 63,117 - 99.1%
Orlando - 305,161 - 5 - 61,032 - 61,219 - 99.7%
Dallas - 352,650 - 6 - 58,775 - 63,998 - 91.8%
Foxboro - 326,526 - 6 - 54,421 - 53,644 - 101.4%
Washington - 264,196 - 5 - 52,839 - 53,142 - 99.4%

All - 3,568,529 - 52 - 68,626 - 68,968 - 99.5%

Not even the combined 17 sites of Korea-Japan 2002 matched those 1994 attendance figures!!

source: http://www.rsssf.com/wk94/attendance.html

I don't like that UK host the world cup, they have all the money,but don't look interesting, is nice country, but I think es much better in spain, they have bigest cities and nice atmosphere.

I disagree. I think 2018 will go to the UK; and then 2022 to the US. They owe us another one. Remember, 1994 was the best attended World Cup yet.

I highlighted the problems with attendance figures earlier in this thread; they don't really provide a means of comparison between the quality of the tournament, the world wide viewing figures for the tournament or even the ability of that particular tournament to fill stadia. It is indicative, only, of USA's ability to provide more large capacity stadia than anywhere else in the world. That, in itself, is proof enough that the USA should be given a chance to host another tournament but there is nothing in these figures to say that USA did something with the tournament that no other potential host could and for that reason, I don't think any special consideration should be given to any future USA bid - 2022 would give a 28 year gap between USA hosting tournaments and given the various aims FIFA have, that would be considered far too soon for any other nation. USA should not be given special treatment in that respect. There are many other qualitative factors that should determine future world cup hosts; taking those measures into account, there are several nations ahead of USA that FIFA 'owes' a tournament to.

To me, 2026 is the absolute EARLIEST that the USA should be considered for another world cup but even then would make me uncomfortable. That is only a 32 year gap between USA hosting the tourament. If England are successful in a bid for the 2018 tournament, 52 years will have passed between the two tournaments hosted there. For other nations that have hosted the tournament twice, Italy waited 56 years, France 60 years, 68 years for Brazil and while only 32 years passed between tournaments in Germany, the unified Germany had never hosted a tournament. I've not included Mexico because of the particular circumstances surrounding that decision.

I'd say 2026 or 2030 is a more realistic and, dare I say, 'fair' time for USA to host its second tournament. I think that 2018 will be in Europe, probably England or Spain. I'd say a nation like Australia should be given the chance in 2022; the sport, at least at international level, seems to be growing quite rapidly in Australia and it is only fair that it should be given a chance to host the tournament. After that, it becomes an argument about what FIFA wants to do; another Asian tournament could be on the cards, as could another European bid as this is where a vast majority of TV viewers will be drawn or even Canada, should it wish to bid should be considered.

Let's set this straight; USA put on a great world cup in 1994 and nothing can be taken away from the stadium and transport infrastructures that were provided for that tournament but we can't get carried away here - there are many other potential hosts who haven't hosted the tournament before and who are at least as 'deserving' of it as USA.

Interesting thread. I didn't realise their was such angst against the Rose Bowl being chosen as the w.c final stadium. However why was it chosen as the LA stadium instead of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum? Both are similar IMO. From your photo comparisons I feel that Madrids Bernebeu and Paris's Stade de France can rival how close the spectators are to the pitch. I think your Stade de France photo doesn't do it justice the fans are closer then that, but not as close as the Rose Bowl. Heres another stade de france photo:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/CIMG0021.JPG
(Alright behind the goal their not as close as I thought, but their closer then the old wembley, the Stade de France is a great stadium)

Its worth also mentioning that the Rose Bowl is one of only two stadiums to host both a mens and womens world cup final! So it must be considered a good stadium by Fifa. I suppose another question you should ask is, "Where else should the final have been played in the states?" I think the obvious answer would have been New York, however if Washington D.C or Chicago have had larger stadiums at the time maybe they would have been considered. Yes their are larger stadiums than the Rose Bowl in the U.S e.g Beaver Stadium in the State of Pennsylvania & Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But come on these places can't hold a World Cup Final it has to be held in an internationally known city and Los Angeles is that. I feel that it was the correct stadium to be used for the final, the city has the resources and experience to host such an event, and it was the largest stadium used in the tournament. It just had to host the final!

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum would have been the site of the final match for the '94 USA World Cup, but you forget that six months earlier we had the aweful Northridge earthquake in January of that same year.

The Coliseum was damaged (so were freeways etc), the freeways were fixed in record time just in time for the World Cup event in Southen California.

I highlighted the problems with attendance figures earlier in this thread; they don't really provide a means of comparison between the quality of the tournament, the world wide viewing figures for the tournament or even the ability of that particular tournament to fill stadia. It is indicative, only, of USA's ability to provide more large capacity stadia than anywhere else in the world. That, in itself, is proof enough that the USA should be given a chance to host another tournament but there is nothing in these figures to say that USA did something with the tournament that no other potential host could and for that reason, I don't think any special consideration should be given to any future USA bid - 2022 would give a 28 year gap between USA hosting tournaments and given the various aims FIFA have, that would be considered far too soon for any other nation. USA should not be given special treatment in that respect. There are many other qualitative factors that should determine future world cup hosts; taking those measures into account, there are several nations ahead of USA that FIFA 'owes' a tournament to.

To me, 2026 is the absolute EARLIEST that the USA should be considered for another world cup but even then would make me uncomfortable. That is only a 32 year gap between USA hosting the tourament. If England are successful in a bid for the 2018 tournament, 52 years will have passed between the two tournaments hosted there. For other nations that have hosted the tournament twice, Italy waited 56 years, France 60 years, 68 years for Brazil and while only 32 years passed between tournaments in Germany, the unified Germany had never hosted a tournament. I've not included Mexico because of the particular circumstances surrounding that decision.

I'd say 2026 or 2030 is a more realistic and, dare I say, 'fair' time for USA to host its second tournament. I think that 2018 will be in Europe, probably England or Spain. I'd say a nation like Australia should be given the chance in 2022; the sport, at least at international level, seems to be growing quite rapidly in Australia and it is only fair that it should be given a chance to host the tournament. After that, it becomes an argument about what FIFA wants to do; another Asian tournament could be on the cards, as could another European bid as this is where a vast majority of TV viewers will be drawn or even Canada, should it wish to bid should be considered.

Let's set this straight; USA put on a great world cup in 1994 and nothing can be taken away from the stadium and transport infrastructures that were provided for that tournament but we can't get carried away here - there are many other potential hosts who haven't hosted the tournament before and who are at least as 'deserving' of it as USA.

Yeah, maybe. But Australia is too small a country. There were already 2 southern hemispehre WCs in 2010 and 2014. Maybe it's time to give that a rest.

The US has maybe 6 better soccer stadia since 1994. The major outcome of 1994, the growth of soccer in the US, in both the men's and women's games is exceptional. From 0 pro men's teams, to 14 teams today. So that alone, there is the growth of one new team a year!!

Nope, were Blatter not off his rocker and took out the rotation system, 2018 would've been th USA's. 2022 is the right time for a return, bar none.

As we know, 2010 will be in Africa, 2014 in Brazil - I'm one of those idiots who can't see beyond Europe for 2018, but 2022... With Europe and South America out, that would leave North/Central America with 'only' Asia and Africa to beat. The only serious competition for the USA in that area is Mexico, and as they've already had the finals twice, and as the US had a greater economy/population in it's favour, and FIFA's continued hope to push the sport in a huge market, I find it hard to imagine anyone getting the vote over the US in 2022 (especially if the Europeans get behind one country for 2018, then 'trade' votes with Jack Warner and Co. for 2022).

So, 2022 - USA. Best venue for the final... By then there could be any number of new venues.

Finally, as I understand it, FIFA regulations only require that the VIP/Media areas be covered, the regular supporters can still be out in the sun/rain.

Hey! Don't rule out Canada just yet! :dj:

Honestly I was too young to remember the 94 World Cup, all I remember was going to the Cotton Bowl with a bunch of people and thats all.

So I would love for the US to host another WC that I can actually remember and be a part of.

Hopefully we'll get it in 2018 and Dallas will be a venue :]

Yeah, maybe. But Australia is too small a country. There were already 2 southern hemispehre WCs in 2010 and 2014. Maybe it's time to give that a rest.

The US has maybe 6 better soccer stadia since 1994. The major outcome of 1994, the growth of soccer in the US, in both the men's and women's games is exceptional. From 0 pro men's teams, to 14 teams today. So that alone, there is the growth of one new team a year!!

Nope, were Blatter not off his rocker and took out the rotation system, 2018 would've been th USA's. 2022 is the right time for a return, bar none.

I don't think Australia is necessarily too small, per se, although the relative isolation could count against it. That said, I think Australia really deserves its own world cup - as I said, its international game has grown hugely recently and a world cup would give the domestic leagues the kind of boost that 1994 world cup gave USA.

Getting rid of the rotation system was a hugely sensible thing to do; anything that would limit the potential competitiveness of bids (see Brazil as the only official bid for the 2014 world cup) could only reduce the quality of bids in the longer run. To me, UEFA and AFC would be the only federations that could offer up a series of competitive bids for each world cup; CONCACAF could, realistically, only choose between three hosts while CONMEBOL and CAF would probably suffer from the same situation as 2014. It would almost guarantee one of USA, Mexico or Canada a world cup every 24 years while UEFA nations would be looking at upwards of 200 years between hosting tournaments... To me, that whole system was a ludicrous and ill-thought policy - even if it had been weighted to account for the number of legitimate bidding nations within each federation it still limits the competitiveness of bids in, probably four of the six federations. That's a different discussion, however.

I'd also suggest that hemisphere split would play a less important role than geographic splits; only one world cup between 1966 and 2006 was held in the Southern Hemisphere (Argentina). Compare that with the last time two consecutive world cups were held in the same continent (1954 and 1958 in Switzerland and Sweden).

In terms of it, I think that there a strong probability that USA will get the 2022 World Cup. I won't be happy about it but Jack Warner's sudden and drastic change of tact to support the English bid for the 2018 tournament suggests that he knew there was no chance of two consecutive world cups being held in the Americas but felt that by lending his support to an English bid, he could count on England to lend its support to a CONCACAF bid in 2022. The only serious competition I could see USA facing for the CONCACAF bid would be Canada, given that Mexico has already hosted the tournament twice and the other CONCACAF nations are very, very unlikely to be able to produce any kind of bid. Canada should have a strong bid, however, given the record breaking attendances at the U-20 World Cup held there.

I don't think the USA is a guaranteed or logical choice for 2022. It certainly wouldn't be my choice, given the potential to set the development of the game in motion in other nations the way the 1994 tournament did in the USA. CONCACAF are in a strong position to be the host federation come 2022 and USA would be able to provide a massively impressive bid for that tournament but I'd hope that FIFA would hold off on a USA bid for a few more years and offered the chance to other nations around the world.

Hopefully we'll get it in 2018 and Dallas will be a venue :]

It won't. And we have Jerry Jones to thank for that.

Possibly Houston if Reliant Stadium, which is a gorgeous venue for football is not outdated by then. Weird to imagine that.

to hell with him

I don't think Australia is necessarily too small, per se, although the relative isolation could count against it. That said, I think Australia really deserves its own world cup - as I said, its international game has grown hugely recently and a world cup would give the domestic leagues the kind of boost that 1994 world cup gave USA.

Getting rid of the rotation system was a hugely sensible thing to do; anything that would limit the potential competitiveness of bids (see Brazil as the only official bid for the 2014 world cup) could only reduce the quality of bids in the longer run. To me, UEFA and AFC would be the only federations that could offer up a series of competitive bids for each world cup; CONCACAF could, realistically, only choose between three hosts while CONMEBOL and CAF would probably suffer from the same situation as 2014. It would almost guarantee one of USA, Mexico or Canada a world cup every 24 years while UEFA nations would be looking at upwards of 200 years between hosting tournaments... To me, that whole system was a ludicrous and ill-thought policy - even if it had been weighted to account for the number of legitimate bidding nations within each federation it still limits the competitiveness of bids in, probably four of the six federations. That's a different discussion, however.

I'd also suggest that hemisphere split would play a less important role than geographic splits; only one world cup between 1966 and 2006 was held in the Southern Hemisphere (Argentina). Compare that with the last time two consecutive world cups were held in the same continent (1954 and 1958 in Switzerland and Sweden).

In terms of it, I think that there a strong probability that USA will get the 2022 World Cup. I won't be happy about it but Jack Warner's sudden and drastic change of tact to support the English bid for the 2018 tournament suggests that he knew there was no chance of two consecutive world cups being held in the Americas but felt that by lending his support to an English bid, he could count on England to lend its support to a CONCACAF bid in 2022. The only serious competition I could see USA facing for the CONCACAF bid would be Canada, given that Mexico has already hosted the tournament twice and the other CONCACAF nations are very, very unlikely to be able to produce any kind of bid. Canada should have a strong bid, however, given the record breaking attendances at the U-20 World Cup held there.

I don't think the USA is a guaranteed or logical choice for 2022. It certainly wouldn't be my choice, given the potential to set the development of the game in motion in other nations the way the 1994 tournament did in the USA. CONCACAF are in a strong position to be the host federation come 2022 and USA would be able to provide a massively impressive bid for that tournament but I'd hope that FIFA would hold off on a USA bid for a few more years and offered the chance to other nations around the world.

What? Cuba? :ohno:

Soccer will never stick in Canada. It's like Russia -- they're more for cold weather sports, and of course, they're hockey mad there.

I don't think Australia is necessarily too small, per se, although the relative isolation could count against it. That said, I think Australia really deserves its own world cup - as I said, its international game has grown hugely recently and a world cup would give the domestic leagues the kind of boost that 1994 world cup gave USA.

No country DESERVES it's own world cup, but if any does I would say as a football loving resident of Australia I can think of a dozen countries which 'deserve' one more than us.

I don't think the USA is a guaranteed or logical choice for 2022. It certainly wouldn't be my choice, given the potential to set the development of the game in motion in other nations the way the 1994 tournament did in the USA. CONCACAF are in a strong position to be the host federation come 2022 and USA would be able to provide a massively impressive bid for that tournament but I'd hope that FIFA would hold off on a USA bid for a few more years and offered the chance to other nations around the world.

Assuming 2018 goes to a European nation, and ruling out South American bids as a result of Brazil 2014, FIFA will be faced with bids for 2022 from (most likely) the USA, Mexico, China, Australia, and (most likely) a North African nation (Egypt, Libya, etc.) The reality is that the USA offers more stadiums, more money, and greater incentive to FIFA than any other nation on Earth and it will have been 28 years since US94 - faced with a choice between Australia and the USA, there's only one winner, same for Libya, Egypt, etc., which only leaves Mexico (already had it twice, massive stadium investment required, football already established as No. 1 game) and China.

I just get the feeling that FIFA would decide that the USA would be an 'easier' option.

ITs because of the shallow pitch of the bowl, there are infact 92,000 people at that game.


Yeah sure, but I think the somewhat cramped seating arrangement might have something to do with it aswell.

It would really be very interesting if we could come to see World Cup played in some of US (Texas!) newly built/rennovated venues like Reliant or JeryWorld .... But then again such venues I realise are orientated towards NFL "configurations" and I'm not sure whether all of them could properly accomodate football, ehmm sorry, soccer pitches. Really, why don't you, US posters, create a hypothetical directory with candidate venues for a 2022 World Cup bid/tournament?

Yeah sure, but I think the somewhat cramped seating arrangement might have something to do with it aswell.

Yeah most stadiums from the 1920's are short on leg room, although I don't think it's especially bad, especially compared to other venues of the period.

Well, quite a bit of good news on the stadium front. MECA, the entity that will run the stadium, has unanimously passed the contract with the city to run the stadium. This also allows the city to build it on Qwest Center Parking Lots C & E. City officials will be meeting with the NCAA in Indianapolis next Monday to negotiate a contract, which has to be more than 20 years for this stadium to become a reality.

At this point, this is as close to a done deal as you can get. In 2011, the CWS will be played downtown.

Oh, and here's your treat, a sweet animation of the new ballpark:
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10302064

Omaha officials have been meeting with the NCAA this week. They still have some things to work out, but it sounds like they want a deal done by next Wednesday (April 30). One of the interesting developments with the stadium is that the city is looking to have the NCAA help sell the naming rights to one of its "corporate partners."

Here are the possibilities:

Pontiac
AT&T
Coca-Cola
DiGiorno
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
The Hartford Mutual Funds
Lowe's
State Farm Insurance
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts


Personally, i don't like any of them, but if one of them is willing to throw up a million or so per year for the stadium, I will gladly take it.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10316892

Sheraton Field has a nice ring to it.

Is it me, or has the foul territory shrunk with the wave of new ballparks? Heck, Dodger Stadium cut down on it's foul territroy, and it's been around for a couple of decades.

For those who are not into baseball, I hope this will help:

Wikipedia article on Foul Balls (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foul_territory)

Foul territory was big with the cookie cutter bowls and the football/baseball fields, but has always been smaller with dedicated ballparks. There simply weren't that many dedicated ballparks between the 70s and 90s.

Builders want to promote that seats are closer to the action.

This stadium is about as done of a deal as you can get.

Yesterday, the NCAA verbally committed to giving the City of Omaha a contract extension of at least 20 years if they build the new ballpark. That will keep the CWS where it belongs, in Omaha, until at least 2030. Nothing has been signed yet, but city officials hope to have it in writing by next week and have the contract formally signed before the first pitch of this years CWS in mid June.

One of the key components of this contract is that all revenues from the stadium will first go to pay off construction debt and operating expenses. So basically, the NCAA gets last cut at revenues, which is great news for the city of Omaha.

Whats left:
MECA and the city have a deadline for negotiating with the Omaha Royals and Creighton of May 15. Currently, it sounds like Creighton has already worked everything out, but the Omaha Royals have apparently been shopping around for different markets (Sugar Land, TX and Vancouver). The city council does also have to approve both the contract with the NCAA and the stadium, but that shouldn't be a problem.

For more:
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10323440

Before you click on the link, this was based on fans responses on Sports Illustated's website. And the results might be surprising.

SI's Ballpark Rankings (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/specials/fansurvey/2008/index.html?eref=T1)

For the record: The survey has RFK Stadium as the Nationals ballpark.

^^ Great, thanks for the link :okay:.

why is Omaha the Only place we can have the NCAA Baseball Championships? We can change the location of everything but this? wtf?

why is Omaha the Only place we can have the NCAA Baseball Championships? We can change the location of everything but this? wtf?

Wow, where do I even begin.

For starters, Omaha deserves it. We have been a fantastic host for this event for well over 50 years. We took the event from the third or fourth rate sporting event it was, to the high level it is today. We took it when no one wanted it, and made it our own. We filled the seats for year. We bent over backwards to constantly improve the event. We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the event. Now just because the sport is starting to catch on nationally it should leave? I challenge you to find one Division I baseball coach or player who would be in favor of moving it. They all love Omaha to death. College baseball and Omaha are synonymous. Whenever you are talking about winning a national championship, you are talking about going to Omaha. It is posted on the walls of clubhouses, in team meetings, etc. Omaha is college baseball. PERIOD.

There are also several logical reasons why Omaha is the perfect city for this. One of them is the stadium size. No minor league stadium is big enough to accommodate this event. Secondly, it has to be in a minor league stadium because the home team (Omaha Royals) have to go on a 2 week road trip during the series. I doubt any MLB team would be willing to make that sacrifice. Next is the amount of season ticket holders there are in Omaha. Over 12,000 season ticket holders are from the Omaha area. Also, good luck finding any other city in the country that is willing to spend $140,000,000 on college baseball.

It will and should always be played in Omaha. It is safe for the NCAA to keep the championship there. Every year it will be completely filled for every game. If they move it, they are taking an ENORMOUS risk. Could it do well in other markets, hell yes it can, but will it do as good as it does in Omaha, maybe, maybe not though. They are playing it safe, and at the same time, carrying on a wonderful tradition.

I found some of the info on there to be biased. Most of the teams that ranked high have stadiums that got built recently. I tend to find that unfair to the teams that are still using stadiums older than that. However, it's not like most of those teams are going to win a World Series just b/c of that. I will admit that Shea Stadium won't win a beauty contest, but the qualities it has makes up for it. While it does not have a giant green wall like Fenway Pk, everyone does like the homerun apple, which will be moved to Citifield, whenever the Mets hit a homerun there. Mr Met is a very popular mascot in MLB and is popular with children. I take it that those who were voting on this never looked at the other side of Rooselvet Ave, which has numerous shops and stores, and I know this b/c I park around there when I go to Mets game rather than pay the outrageous parking prices at the parking lots yet many look at Willets Pt otherwise known as the Iron Triangle. I would like to know what fans were being asked on this, and my guess is that's it's mostly like those who are into the quality of architecture and design rather than the quality of the games.

non of your beginning sentences kept me intrigued. The fact is that every major city has a ball park much larger then this, and i think scheduling could allow for those parks to be open on those dates. Who could think of how awesome it would be to win the College World Series in Yankee Stadium, Wrigley or Fenway?

Why don't they just move the Rose Bowl to Reliant Stadium? That's a good place, and much more modern and comfortable than the Rose Bowl.

non of your beginning sentences kept me intrigued. The fact is that every major city has a ball park much larger then this, and i think scheduling could allow for those parks to be open on those dates. Who could think of how awesome it would be to win the College World Series in Yankee Stadium, Wrigley or Fenway?

Well, if you would have finished reading what I said, I go into that. That will never happen for numerous reasons. First, the CWS would displace the Yankees, Cubs, and Red Sox for 2 weeks. That means they have to vacate everything, office space, clubhouses, all of it. Then they have to play every game for the next two and a half weeks on the road. The Omaha Royals do this every year. They literally pack up everything from their office and clubhouses, and essentially lose control of the stadium for 2 weeks. No MLB team would do this.

Thats just one of the problems. Good luck getting people to go to games in those markets. College baseball is not very big nationally.

way to go Miller Park!

Well then you set up a tournament system like what Basketball does, and play the Final 4 at a Major stadium.

Well then you set up a tournament system like what Basketball does, and play the Final 4 at a Major stadium.

They actually looked into that in 1999, but it was overwhelmingly shot down. Instead of that, they expanded the tournament to 16 regionals and added the best 2/3 super regional. The current set up is absolutely perfect! Coaches, players, and fans all love it. It won't change, nor will the CWS leave Omaha. Its a great tradition and I applaud the NCAA for actually caring about that for a change.

We're going to have to agree to disagree here. The bottom line is the CWS will be played in Omaha until 2030. By then, the CWS will be celebrating its 80th year in Omaha. It isn't going anywhere.

Petco Park is too low at 11th.

Surprised that the neighborhood was ranked 1st, would have thought Wrigley would have gotten 1st, but then again the Gaslamp Quarter is amazing. :)

Also, a team's quality has nothing to do with how good a ballpark is...

When I was reading the season preview on the Journal News between the Mets and Yankees, it mentioned that Shea Stadium has a more fan friendly atmosphere than Yankee Stadium, which is more corporate.

You can definely tell from the crowds at the two stadiums. Yankee Stadium is filled with a bunch of suits. Shea is more of a regular people's stadium.

You can definely tell from the crowds at the two stadiums. Yankee Stadium is filled with a bunch of suits. Shea is more of a regular people's stadium.

Yankee Stadium is more like MSG in terms of the makeup of the crowd. The suits are down low, and the supporters are upstairs. However the "diehards" are amongst the best MLB and the NHL in terms of fan loyalty.

Camden Yards at #14? wtf? regardless of 10 losing season I don't see how the most influential sporting venue in modern history can be ranked 14th. Its mind boggling.

Moving the CWS to Fenway or Wrigley is stupid and I doubt the Cubs, Sox, or Yankees would ever go for it.

It should stay in Omaha where it belongs. It gets alot of support there, which is something that I doubt it would get in many other places.

why is Omaha the Only place we can have the NCAA Baseball Championships? We can change the location of everything but this? wtf?

:bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:Tradition. History. Why fix something that not only isn't broke, but is thriving?

Well Dallasbrink, you pry won't like this,

The NCAA gave the city of Omaha the official memoradium of understanding today, and the deal is for 25 years.

GREAT NEWS FOR OMAHA!:banana:

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10328206

You thought 20 years was good?

How does 25 sound?

Officials spearheading Omaha's ballpark effort announced that the College World Series will stay in Omaha for the next quarter of a century. That comes after last week's news that the tournament will be here "at least 20 years," starting in 2011.

You can definely tell from the crowds at the two stadiums. Yankee Stadium is filled with a bunch of suits. Shea is more of a regular people's stadium.

I take it a stadium is only good when the elite are attending the games rather than the populists.

Everyone knows the two greatest ball parks are Fenway and Yankee Stadium

Everyone knows the two greatest ball parks are Fenway and Yankee Stadium

:lol: Yankee stadium is pretty much a dump (and no I am not a juvenile Yankee hater). When I went I found it to excede the dumpyness of Wrigley without the charm of Wrigley/Fenway. It has history yes but it is hard to look at history when it consist primarly of a few plaques behind the outfield fence.

I take it a stadium is only good when the elite are attending the games rather than the populists.

The rich stiffs give stadiums much less ambiance, particulary in the NBA and MLB.

I have been to wrigely and i didn't think wrigley was dumpy at all. It's a shame the history that has taken place at yankee stadium will be replace, and just being in the same structure as the greats of baseball called their home should send shivers down your spine:)
and btw I hate the yankees & Redsox

I like Wrigley, but I agree that its location and surroundings gives it its prestige.

I would like to know what kind of fans were surveyed for this, b/c I have a feeling that it's not likely that these were everyday fans like us.

^^Why? Because your Mets are at the bottom? :lol:

I have been to wrigely and i didn't think wrigley was dumpy at all. It's a shame the history that has taken place at yankee stadium will be replace, and just being in the same structure as the greats of baseball called their home should send shivers down your spine:)
and btw I hate the yankees & Redsox



I don't think Wrigley is all that dumpy either and is actually not it to bad of shape for its age. It holds up a ton better then the old Comisky did at the end and is in better form then the renovated Yankee stadium.

Yankee stadium obviously does have great history but I have heard and it seems that it was radically altered during the 1970's renovation. Even a non-baseball fan would likely know they are in a unique park at Fenway or Wrigley. Someone who isn't much of a fan and who past teams and names they would not be impressed by likely would see few redeeming qualities in Yankee stadium. There is only so much ambiance that ghosh can provide in contrast to what is right in front of your eyes.

I would like to know what kind of fans were surveyed for this, b/c I have a feeling that it's not likely that these were everyday fans like us.

I think part of the problem is that it gives equal weight to the categories. For instance ease of affordable parking? I love that most of the time I wouldn't dream of parking within one-half mile of Wrigley and almost always take the L. It increazed by booze factor and serves the park much better then having endless lots around it.

^^Why? Because your Mets are at the bottom? :lol:

Actually, the Marlins and Nationals ballparks scored worse, so they aren't dead last.

I think part of the problem is that it gives equal weight to the categories. For instance ease of affordable parking? I love that most of the time I wouldn't dream of parking within one-half mile of Wrigley and almost always take the L. It increazed by booze factor and serves the park much better then having endless lots around it.
I don't like paying the parking prices at stadiums, which is why am I glad that both Shea and Yakee Stadiums are not isolated so I can park somewhere nearby for free.

there is now a webcam

link:http://www.giants.com/fan_zone/ConstructionCam.asp

I thought I would throw this in here since it doesn't fall under largest crowds for a stadium.

The home of the Indy 500 (IndyCar Series), Brickyard 400 (NASCAR) and now US Grand Prix (Moto GP). While the Indy 500 isn't what I used to be, it still draws between 250-300,000 fans every May. Unification of the two American open wheel series has helped. The Brickyard draws slightly less and the USGP is expecting over 100,000.

I like Indy as an oval because each turn is unique and tricky. With little banking, the turns are difficult and require (depending on the cars) braking or lifting (usually).

There are a million pictures, here are a few.

http://www.indy500.com/photos/2008/05/25/791/Race_Day/70899#

Front Straight:

http://www.faniq.com/images/blog/speedway.jpg

http://autoracingsport.com/wp-content/uploads/indyracingleague/indy500.jpg

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0209/590_indianapolis.jpg

http://www.eliottbachelartracing.com/files/indy500.jpg

Turn 1:

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/237797.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1934A2752006EF5F0ED0678C4CF0BDF90DF284831B75F48EF45

Turn 2:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/walla.anthony/RrVNo3GLsKI/AAAAAAAABNY/I2IsCeiTqOw/IMG_3216.JPG?imgmax=576

Turns 3 and 4:

http://indianapolissportstravel.com/images/indy%20500.jpg

Infield mounds:

http://www.wmrsradio.com/start_of_90th_indy_500_turn_3.jpg

Pit Lane:

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/316127.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193B3EA2C03450C9486819A6DD0C92DF437284831B75F48EF45

Arial:

http://www.eadsgraphics.com/downloads/WP_MP2.JPG

Infield Museum:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IMS_HOF_Museum.jpg

1992 Finish (Largest crowds were these years):

0orHQo57S9Q&hl=en"

2006 Finish:

3l5-XKvL28E&hl=en"

nice...i was on that golf course a few summers ago when i visited my cousin...its so big!

Life was better before Tony George screwed things up. Oh well. Maybe unification will work out.

I'm surprised they haven't built condos somewhere in the infield.

I remember cheering for the Unsers in that race. Just an exciting day when the INDY 500 came around on the calender.

Anyone has renders of what it look like after the big facelift?

Anyone has renders of the new interior after the big facelift?

I really dont understand what everyone's obsession with Reliant Stadium is...

http://www.msg.com/renovation/

They are totally destroying the bowl. More suites and what have you, but it's kind of a classic at this point. Too bad, but I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later.

isnt it time they built a new one anyway? i suppose space in manhatten is more limited these days now

isnt it time they built a new one anyway? i suppose space in manhatten is more limited these days now

The new bowl does look nice, and it seems as if theyre trying to keep some aspects of the original one

Sort of, and the concourses are much better than the current situation, There has just been enough history in that building tearing out most of the bowl and droping court and mid leve suites doesn't feel right, but anyway it's there building and they are paying for it privately so I can't argue too much.

I really dont understand what everyone's obsession with Reliant Stadium is...

Ever been up to it and in it? It's a monstrous beauty.

check the NYC stadium thread. bump it if you can.

Reliant looks much better in soccer configuration than gridirons.....

You will not be able to recognize MSG 4.5 aside from the roof.

The interior is fantastic, up near or at the of the NFL, the exterior is just terrible though, especially compared to the interior.

Man, a discussion of NFL stadia and *NO* mention of Lambeau Field????

http://www.lambeaufield.com/

SHEESH!

:ohno:

Mike

Ever been up to it and in it? It's a monstrous beauty.

I have been there...its good, but not the best ive been to.

I think if we are talking about design, the worst stadiums i saw was Monsters park (really ugly and old) and the Lucas stadium (looks like an old warehouse). The last one is a shame. They invested all that money with such a horrible design..
The dallas cowboys new stadium and the Reliant are a piece of art. Not so far is the cardinals stadium, it is really a state of the art stadium..

I think if we are talking about design, the worst stadiums i saw was Monsters park (really ugly and old) and the Lucas stadium (looks like an old warehouse). The last one is a shame. They invested all that money with such a horrible design..
The dallas cowboys new stadium and the Reliant are a piece of art. Not so far is the cardinals stadium, it is really a state of the art stadium..

Lucas Oil Stadium probably has the most unique design out of all of them, and is awesome.

Pah, Fieldhouses are awesome and timeless. Lucas Oil will look great in Indiana in 25-35 years because it fits the area so well.

-Name: Vikings Stadium
-Location: Minneapolis, MN
-Tenant: Minnesota Vikings
-Capacity: 68,000
-Surface: Unknown
-Construction Begins: Unknown
-Opens: 2011/2012
-Cost: $954 million
-Architect: Roma Design Group
http://www.stadiumguide.com/nfl/vikingsnew1.jpg
Or
http://images.publicradio.org/content/2006/05/15/20060515_stadium2_2.jpg

----------------------------------
-Name: 49ers Stadium
-Location: Santa Clara, CA
-Tenant: San Francisco 49ers
-Capacity: TBD
-Surface: TBD
-Construction Begins: TBD
-Opening: 2012
-Cost: Unknown
-Architect: HTNB
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/49ers751.jpg
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/49ers750.jpg

----------------------------------
-Name: Los Angeles Stadium
-Location: Los Angeles, CA
-Tenant: Undetermined
-Capacity: 75,000
-Surface: Grass
-Construction Begins: Possible Fall 2008
-Opening: Possible Fall 2011
-Cost: $625 Million
-Architect: Unknown
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/la08903.jpg
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/la08901.jpg
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/la08905.jpg

----------------------------------
-Name: Saints Stadium
-Location: New Orleans
-Tenant: New Orleans Saints
-Capacity: 60-70,000
-Surface: Unknown
-Construction Begins: Unknown
-Opening: Unknown
-Cost: Unknown
-Architect: HOK
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/saints102.gif
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/saints101.gif

I heard every single NFL team will have a new stadium by 2020

I heard every single NFL team will have a new stadium by 2020

As in their wont be a single stadium used in 2020 that is being used now?

As in their wont be a single stadium used in 2020 that is being used now?
All of these new stadia, including the recently renovated Lambeau Field, pretty much max out all potential on-site team revenues. Now it's beginning to look like the teams are trying to 'out flash' each other (and at GREAT expense!) while the Green Bay Packers opted to concentrate on building from their rich, time-honored traditions.

I'm fully expecting the Packers to still be happily playing their home games at Lambeau in 2020.

Mike

I don't ever see Lambeau being obsolete. A sad day that will be.

I see the general direction of stadiums with more suites and more expensive seats. Has anyone ever built a stadium and said, "ticket prices will be lower!" What ever happened to showing up to games just to support your team? Now it's about how quickly you can get a $10 beer and the plushness and width of your seat.

Every stadium should have a terrace or large bleacher area. I'd rather sit there with real fans than the wine sippers between the twenties.

Has anyone ever built a stadium and said, "ticket prices will be lower!" What ever happened to showing up to games just to support your team? Now it's about how quickly you can get a $10 beer and the plushness and width of your seat.

Try Germany.

Something we could do with is a thread about ticket prices/concessions. I think a top game in Germany is ~$10. One of our German friends might know better but this is the impression I have.

The lowest in Germany are 10-15 Euro (terrace)

NFL has or soon will price themselves out of 90/95% of the average fans price for tickets. Soon you will need to be a millionaire to see a game live or a VERY lucky average schmuck.

Oh well Cheers to the fall of the NFL. Anyone want to predict how soon?

How much is some average season ticket in NFL ?

Yea, ze Germans have it figured it with terraces. Man I love terraces. Every is close to the action too. :cheers:

The cheapest NFL ticket is ~$25 and usually nosebleed. These are hard to get since there are so few and are scalped at around $40.

College football is more affordable.

$25 is very reasonable.

I posted some Premier League prices in one of the excellent German stadiums thread. Not many for $25.

I should have prefaced that by saying that $25 tickets can only be found for some teams and there are very few at that price.

I think the cheapest tickets in the New Cowboys Stadium are $60 and nosebleed. That's the nasty trend. I like how the terraces are great seats and cheap.

Outdoor 'bowl' seats at Lambeau are in the $58-72 range.

Mike

It should also be noted that an NFL team only has 8 home games a year, excluding pre-season and playoffs, and has a higher demand, so it makes sense that their tickets would be more than other sports. The wating list for season tickets for many teams can stretch years, or decades.

NFL has or soon will price themselves out of 90/95% of the average fans price for tickets. Soon you will need to be a millionaire to see a game live or a VERY lucky average schmuck.

Oh well Cheers to the fall of the NFL. Anyone want to predict how soon?

Ill take up that bet
$1,000,000 on NEVER!

theres my million USD for NEVER Too

New Stadium (US Soccer stadiums are starting to look like there Euro Cousins)
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/goal/posts/redbulls.aerial.533.jpg


How about that for a Klagenfurt copy...

http://195.62.26.47/en/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/kaernten_stadion_.jpg

Hopefully things will proceed as planned and by about 2014 only New England and Seattle will be playing in NFL/college stadiums. If that comes to be then it's been suggested that will be the biggest financial turning point for the league and teams. Obviously a select few such as LA and Chicago are doing well, but getting everyone into their own "homes" will allow more and more funds to go towards the on field product.

BTW, the politicos in DC should be embarrassed for their treatment of United, especially in light of how they bent over for the Nationals new baseball stadium. I get the disparity in potential returns, but the public and political treatment of DC has been pathetic considering the quality of United's support and their contributions to the community. Done right I fully suspect DC could be hosting 25k+ crowds on a regular basis.

NY one is the best (maybe because i like Klagenfurt :D )

How will the new one in Washington look like?

Capacites?

You know I have wondered if they are considering buying the upper deck and roof from Klagenfurt, it looks almost identacle (though a little bit bigger than what they want) and it might be cheaper with steel prices what they are, although shipping wouldn't be cheap.

I don't think so. From what I read, WortherseeStadion was designed in such a way, that the roof will stay after changing capacity and will only be lowered a few meters.

NY one is the best (maybe because i like Klagenfurt :D )

How will the new one in Washington look like?

I hate it. Mostly because I like Klagenfurt :) and it just seems such a soulles copy...

As for Washington, this is what I found on the Poplar Point project, but I don't think it's going to be built, the Poplar Point section of DC's website is gone...
http://msn.foxsports.com/id/7006892_7_2.jpg

The future stadium of Real Salt Lake looks pretty nice.
Btw is there any specific reason why they have "Real" in the name?

And is the name of the team playing at Buck Shaw really "Earthquakes"?
That would be pretty stupid imo...

How about that for a Klagenfurt copy...

http://195.62.26.47/en/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/kaernten_stadion_.jpg
I was thinking the same thing! :)

P.S. Are San Jose planning a new stadium?? The one they're playing out of is pretty poor.

Some cool looking new stadiums. Not too bad considering how the league isnt at the same level as the other big leagues in the U.S/Canada. The new stadiums being developed will surely set a new standard in soccer specific stadiums in America. Red Bull Park, the new Salt Lake, Philly, and D.C. designs look pretty awesome.

Here is another one being developed in St. Louis. They are probally the next city to get a team after Philly and Seattle. The logo in particular is awesome.


http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/5800/stlouismv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3761/soccerpic1bb8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I dont think those little balls are apart of the offical logo.
Here in Europe placing establishment time in crests is very common, so I thoguht it will stay that way. But let's hope you're right.

guys- what about the Wizards? I haven't seen them listed here. Is that proposal of a new stadium still on it's way to be built?

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/past_future/pictures/future_stadiums/kansas_city_wizards.jpg


And two more questions:
1. What is up with the whitecaps stadium? I've already heard versions of 15k, 20k+ and 30k+ capacity for their proposed stadium. I know they are struggling with the city, but which of these sizes is the most probable or most recent?

2. Is there any attempt for an MLS franchise in Mexico? That would be very interesting... (is it even possible in legal ways?) I just ask cause the design of Estadio Nueva Corona looks so much like the MLS :)

^yeah, ive seen some logos with the dates on them. The font for the date on that logo is pretty goofy!

1-I am not too familiar with Vancouver, but I think that stadium has hit a few roadblocks. Hopefully it gets built because it looks pretty cool.

2-I doubt the MLS would work in Mexico. They have their own league and teams with large fanbases and history. I reckon that the league would be scoffed at and hated if it tried to set up there. I personally like the MLS developing as a rival to their league.

I think the MLS will probally try to continue expanding into other American cities and Canada. There are still many markets in these two countries that would support an MLS team. The only other places that I could ever see joining the MLS is San Juan and Kingston--but those would be a great stretch.

www.redbullpark.com may have some pics of the harrison stadium for Metro..

www.redbullpark.com may have some pics of the harrison stadium for Metro..

That looks much larger than 25,000.

Here is another one being developed in St. Louis. They are probally the next city to get a team after Philly and Seattle. The logo in particular is awesome.


http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/5800/stlouismv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3761/soccerpic1bb8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

You say St.Louis is likely to be a MLS franchise in the future after Seattle(2009) and Philadelphia(2010), but what does 2009 in the crest mean? The year the club is likely to be founded or the year the club is likely to join the league?

wikipedia:
St. Louis is currently without a Major League Soccer team, but is considered a leading candidate for expansion in 2009.

wikipedia:St. Louis is currently without a Major League Soccer team, but is considered a leading candidate for expansion in 2009.

Where is it in Wikipedia that St.Louis is a leading candidate for expansion in 2009? As far as I lookep up in there,

Expansion

While no other cities have been named for the 17th and 18th spots, St. Louis is considered the next frontrunner. MLS has declared interest in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Montreal, Detroit, Portland, San Diego, Ottawa, Vancouver, a return to Miami, and a second team in New York

As you see, St.Louis is a most likely candidate for expansion to the 17th spot, but it cannot happen no earlier than 2010 because its predecessor Philadelphia is scheduled to join MLS in 2010

It was in the article of St. Louis under sports.

Is expansion limited to 1 team per year?

Richmond County Bank Ballpark is the home of the Staten Island Yankees, a NY-Penn League team and affiliate of the New York Yankees. Why is a small minor league stadium interesting?

Get on the Staten Island Ferry.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/52/FerryJ432x324-13396.jpg

Take in the view and catch the game.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41982&stc=1&d=1210384368

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41983&stc=1&d=1210384392

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41984&stc=1&d=1210384416

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41985&stc=1&d=1210384439

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41988&stc=1&d=1210384558

http://statenislandusa.com/images/ballpark.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/statenisland/northern/stgeorge/ballpark/24topthird.jpg

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41989&stc=1&d=1210384583

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41990&stc=1&d=1210384600


I don't think the games are usually very full. I made it there once and it was great. :cheers:

With that backdrop I would find it hard to concentrate on the game.

The Brooklyn Cyclones are the counterpart in NY. They play in the same single -A league and are affiliated with the Mets. The Cyclones (named after the famous wooden rollercoaster) play at Keyspan Park. It's right off the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Coney Island view.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41735&stc=1&d=1210263766

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41739&stc=1&d=1210263926

Parachute ride in the outfield.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41736&stc=1&d=1210263859

http://www.ballparkdigest.com/images/brooklyn/parachute1.jpg

http://baseballguru.com/joemock/Brooklyn40.jpg

http://www.small-parks.com/keyspan4.JPG

It looks like a great little Ball park! You mentioned how they're affiliated to the Yankee's, but does Minor League baseball implement a Franchise system?

390 feet to center field? Wow, that's small for even a high school field.

i wonder of they could have done away with the batters eye and just used the view of the water instead

Nice and petite ballpark indeed. I like designs of American baseball stadiums very very much, especially the waterfront landscapes in harmony with the stadiums. I want to see those American styles adapted to as many football stadiums as possible in the future. Back to topic Hi, en1044. Nice to meet you again

http://redbullsreader.blogspot.com/2008/06/you-supplied-questions-erik-stover.html

Q&A with the new Metrostars stadium manager.

The RSL stadium page has a few updates

http://rslstadium.com/

Where is that baseball field featured in 'Brewster's Millions' where play gets held up when freight trains chug through the outfield?

That is character and a shame it is not in a major league stadium.

Canterbury cricket ground in England has a large oak tree in the outfield you have to play around.

Liverpool v. Chelsea. 1-1 draw.

This year Arsenal v. Aston Villa. 1-1 argh, Arsenal is my favorite club!

Went to a Read Madrid match back in 2003 while staying with a Spanish friend. They played Athletic Bilbao I think and won 2 or 3-0.

I luckily have some great friends who somehow get tickets. I spend some time in London for work, so it works out. The Kop was absolutely superb from my perspective. It felt very different and I really enjoyed everything.

And back on topic.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/12/04/sports/04soccer.span.jpg

RedBull Park
http://www.townofharrison.com/Redevelopment/Images/RedBull-Interior1.jpg
http://www.townofharrison.com/Redevelopment/Images/RedBull-Interior-People1.jpg

http://theoffsiderules.blogspot.com/2008/07/debacle-red-bull-park-construction-hits.html

http://www.rslstadium.com/construction.html

^^whats the deal with the lack of support the R. Bulls get in NYC? You would think the biggest soccer club in the biggest city in the country would be a hit.

^^whats the deal with the lack of support the R. Bulls get in NYC? You would think the biggest soccer club in the biggest city in the country would be a hit.

They are in the boonies with a shitty overgrown stadium with fascist security guards that hate the supporters.

They are in the boonies with a shitty overgrown stadium with fascist security guards that hate the supporters.

yeah, but.......its New York City. With what....28 million people in the metro area? Not only that, but the most diverse city in the country with soccer fans from all over the world living in the area.

Kind of embarrasing if you ask me for a city of NYC's calibur.

yeah, but.......its New York City. With what....28 million people in the metro area? Not only that, but the most diverse city in the country with soccer fans from all over the world living in the area.

Kind of embarrasing if you ask me for a city of NYC's calibur.

heck, it's called Red Bull! I know I would never support a product-club...

a roof doesnt make a proper football stadium, it makes a proper non american stadium. Theres a difference.
oh yeah, I forgot it's not Americans building Lucas Oil, Cowboys Stadium, Reliant, Cardinals, Red Bull Park, etc... doesn't it seem a bit improper kind of architecture to you? I mean it's the US, were there no demonstrations against it?! ;)

well, they arent very good and never have been. They are way down the line in NYC sports.

heck, it's called Red Bull! I know I would never support a product-club...
?! ;)

yeah, the name is pretty dumb. But, what else is there to support? There certainly is more than 15,000 soccer fans in the greater New York metro area.

heck, it's called Red Bull! I know I would never support a product-club...


oh yeah, I forgot it's not Americans building Lucas Oil, Cowboys Stadium, Reliant, Cardinals, Red Bull Park, etc... doesn't it seem a bit improper kind of architecture to you? I mean it's the US, were there no demonstrations against it?! ;)

well thats a dumb statement. What do all those stadiums have in common? Retractable roof. Do we put roofs on open air stadiums? No.

Please dont argue for the sake of arguing.

again, getting there is a bitch.

They are in the boonies with a shitty overgrown stadium with fascist security guards that hate the supporters.

EXACTLY!

yeah, but.......its New York City. With what....28 million people in the metro area? Not only that, but the most diverse city in the country with soccer fans from all over the world living in the area.

Kind of embarrasing if you ask me for a city of NYC's calibur.

We have soccer fans in NYC. We just don't have enough MLS fans. That's a big problem. Too many Eurosnobs and South Amerisnobs.

well thats a dumb statement. What do all those stadiums have in common? Retractable roof. Do we put roofs on open air stadiums? No.

Please dont argue for the sake of arguing.

Cowboys did. Texas STadium would actually make a great soccer stadium in Europe. Sorta like Millenium Stadium ??

Cowboys did. Texas STadium would actually make a great soccer stadium in Europe. Sorta like Millenium Stadium ??

They did when they built Texas Stadium, but obviously that was for architectural purposes. However the hole is very small. I dont think its a normal stadium with a roof its more of a domed stadium with a hole. Whatever it is it makes me wanna barf.

They did when they built Texas Stadium, but obviously that was for architectural purposes. However the hole is very small. I dont think its a normal stadium with a roof its more of a domed stadium with a hole. Whatever it is it makes me wanna barf.

The Texas Stadium hole is the size of the field, leaving the roof to cover all the stands, correct? That's what the Millenium Stadium (when open) and many others stadiums in Europe look like.

again, getting there is a bitch.

lol, well its not like they have to climb some mountain to get to Giants Stadium. They pack the house for Jets/Giants games. Its NYC for christsake!

We have soccer fans in NYC. We just don't have enough MLS fans. That's a big problem. Too many Eurosnobs and South Amerisnobs.

I dont like those types of people. Your American, support an American team! People think they are too cool for school, when they support some European or South American team. And in regards to South America, a team that they would never dare step foot in their stadium.

lol, well its not like they have to climb some mountain to get to Giants Stadium. They pack the house for Jets/Giants games. Its NYC for christsake!



I dont like those types of people. Your American, support an American team! People think they are too cool for school, when they support some European or South American team. And in regards to South America, a team that they would never dare step foot in their stadium.

Soccer in America is NOT the NFL. Why compare NFL fans who travel for 8 games when soccer teams play a minimum of 18 home games, sometimes more. Soccer has long roots in this country, but for many reasons our leagues never lasted. That's what kept this country out of the soccer loop for many years. In the 1920's when waves of immigrants came to this country and we had an established soccer league that was strong and sound, the sporting world would be a different place. That didn't happen, and now we are playing catchup with 80 years of sporting alleigance.

Giants Stadium is not in NYC, its in a swamp in New Jersey, and to my knowledge the only way to get there is by car.

As far as supporting a European team instead of a MLS team, why should I support a second rate product. Besides who would want to support a team called the Red Bulls that has no actual ties to NYC, its a New Jersey team that has never played in New York. The Giants and Jets at least started out in New York.

Also in many cases people who support South and Central American teams are supporting the teams from their homelands, the teams they have been supporting their whole lives. I support Arsenal because I went to school for a short time in Islington. there is more to it that just snobbery.

Thought this could be good, list your favorite stadium for the major American sports.

Baseball: Fenways Park (I am biased) Non biased: PNC park, Pittsburgh, PA
Football: Invesco Field at Mile High Denver, CO
Basketball: United Center Chicago, IL
Hockey: Excel Energy Center St. Paul, MN

Pro
Baseball- Camden Yards
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/maryland/baltimore_oriole1.jpg
Football- Cleveland Browns Stadium
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/ohio/cleveland_browns2.jpg
Basketball- Conseco Fieldhouse
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/indiana/indianapolis_conseco2.jpg
Hockey- Joe Louis Arena
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/michigan/detroit_louis2.jpg

College
Football- Lane Stadium
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/virginia/blacksburg_worsham1.jpg

Basketball- Assembly Hall (Indiana)
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/indiana/bloomington_assembly2.jpg

Football: Lambough in December!
Basketball: Staples Center
Baseball: Fenway
Hockey: American Airlines Center (it was made more for Hockey then Basketball)
College Football: Kyle Field in College Stadium
College Basketball: Where UNC plays.

WTF
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/indiana/bloomington_assembly2.jpg
is this pic wrong?
This looks more like a wall and not stand

WTF
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/indiana/bloomington_assembly2.jpg
is this pic wrong?
This looks more like a wall and not stand

heres a better picture

http://www.deshachanhdara.com/images/screen_indiana_052.jpg

Wall :D
Do you have a cross section?

Football: Lambough in December!
Basketball: Staples Center
Baseball: Fenway
Hockey: American Airlines Center (it was made more for Hockey then Basketball)
College Football: Kyle Field in College Stadium
College Basketball: Where UNC plays.

Lambeau Field would be the correct spelling.

And UNC plays at the Dean Smith Center aka the Dean Dome.

NFL
Paul Brown Stadium- Cincinnati Bangles
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2041/1510797176_62d0146ba9_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/216146434_24bdf7b22e_b.jpg

MLB
Wrigley Field- Chicago Cubs
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Wrigley_field_720.jpg

NBA
Conseco Fieldhouse- Indiana Pacers
http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/i/20060310/illini-spartans-conseco-fieldhouse-big-ten-tournament-02.jpg

NHL
Xcel Center- Minnesota WIld
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/2006_WCHA_Final_Five.jpg

NCAA Football
Ohio Stadium- Ohio State Buckeyes
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/68730752_c696f6ef45_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2567692789_66a96a0bf5_b.jpg

NCAA Basketball
Williams Arena- Minnesota Gophers
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/350007226_d27bc87164_o.jpg

NFL - Qwest Field
MLB - Safeco Field
NBA - Conseco Field House
NHL - American Airlines Center
NCAA Football - Bryant-Denny
NCAA Basketball - McArthur Court

Baseball-Jacobs Field
http://jamesraywarren.com/images/places/oh_jacobs_field1.jpg

Football-Lincoln Financial Field
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0912/travel_g_linc_590.jpg

Basketball-American Airlines Center
http://www.americanairlinescenter.com/gfx/PHOTOS/Mavs_TheBowlFull.jpg

Hockey-Prudential Center
http://www.crownaudio.com/pressart/Prudential_Center_ice.jpg

College Football- University of Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
http://www.fulmersbelly.com/img/stadiums/benhillgriffin.jpg

NFL-Reliant Stadium
MLB-Petco Park
NBA-Phillips Arena
NHL-American Airlines Center
NCAA football-Royal Memorial
NCAA basketball-Allen Fieldhouse

I found this on the MLS site regarding the new stadium in Philadelphia.

CHESTER, Pa. -- Before the shovels were ever placed into the ground, Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC -- the Major League Soccer Philadelphia 2010 ownership group -- understood there were hurdles to clear first.
A big question was answered Tuesday when the ownership group announced the hiring of design and construction teams for its $115 million, 18,500-seat stadium to be built along the Chester waterfront in time for the 2010 season.

Rossetti Architects, an international design firm with offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Denver, Newport Beach and Shanghai, and ICON Venue Group, based in Denver, will lead the design and construction of the stadium. Rossetti Architects will be designing the stadium while ICON will provide project management services to ensure that the stadium project is done on schedule and within its budget for the 2010 season.

"We are launching a premier MLS franchise and building a world class stadium so we wanted nothing less than the best owner's representative in the sports industry to oversee the design and construction of our newest local landmark and the best sport architecture firm to design it," Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and operating partner of Keystone Sports and Entertainment said in a statement. "Rossetti's noted innovative and stunning designs coupled with ICON's well-earned reputation as soccer-specific development experts are the perfect combination. They will be a tremendous compliment to our project team."

The stadium will be constructed at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The multi-purpose stadium will also feature an 11,000-square-foot club, 38 suites ranging in size from eight to 21 seats (plus an owner's suite with 29 seats), a special 2,000-seat zone for the Sons of Ben supporters club and a party deck overlooking the field and river. The facility will have a waterfront park and plaza used not only for stadium entry, but also for city-sponsored events such as festivals.

Rossetti has partnered with ICON on three other MLS projects and one arena in the past including Red Bull Park in Harrison, N.J.; Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.; Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah; and Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. Rossetti also designed The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

"It is truly a pleasure to partner with Keystone Sports and Entertainment to design the new home of MLS soccer in Pennsylvania," said Gino Rossetti, Chairman of Rossetti. "The team of ICON and Rossetti is a continuation of a longstanding relationship and one that has resulted in numerous successful MLS projects. It is extremely rewarding for us to work with Nick and his partners to realize the dream of a stadium in Chester which will anchor an exciting new development on the riverfront. We are passionate about designing projects that harmonize with the existing fabric of the community while also encouraging new investment and activity, and I believe that the stadium in Chester is a perfect example of this approach."

Rossetti also has designed professional, civic and collegiate sports venues across the country and around the world. Rossetti has professional sports facility experience with arenas and stadiums such as the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. (home of the U.S. Open); Ford Field (Detroit Lions); Scotiabank Place in Ottawa; and the Palace of Auburn Hills, home of the NBA's Detroit Pistons.

"ICON and Rossetti have set the gold standard for MLS stadium design and project management with landmark projects for the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake," said Tim Romani, president of ICON Venue Group. "We are delighted to team up again with Gino and Matt and are excited to create another spectacular American soccer venue. Nick Sakiewicz and his partners at Keystone Sports and Entertainment have a grand vision for their new venue and ICON is proud to be on their team."

Romani will serve as principal-in-charge. Marc Farha, ICON senior vice president, will serve as project executive, and Steven Wronski, ICON director, will serve as senior project manager. In addition to the three MLS projects with Rossetti, Romani and his team have also worked on Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. Other noteworthy ICON projects include the Pittsburgh Penguins' new arena, The O2 Arena in London, O2 World Arena in Berlin, Sprint Center in Kansas City, and Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.



I'm confused as to what this means. Does it mean that the original stadium design is being scrapped or does it mean that construction has started?

mlb=fenway park
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll268/jwbeeler/0729081508.jpg
nba= new boston garden
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t163/Drummer_93_2007/Copyof82l234p.jpg
nfl=gillette stadium
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m176/jfrink1126/stad.jpg
NHL= joe louis arena
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/wrenchrunner/DSCF1022.jpg
NCCa football= Michigan Stadium
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d131/bannanabob2/MichiganStadium.jpg
NCCA Basketball= Pauley Pavilion
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/hrendle/DSCN4321-1.jpg

Football : Inveco Field, Denver
Baseball : Petco Park, SanDiego
Basketball : United Center, Chicago
Hockey : Pepsi Center, Denver

What do you guys think is the best for MLS?

What do you guys think is the best for MLS?

Got to go with the Home Depot Center. But that will change over time.

NFL = University of Phoenix Stadium
MLB = Dodger Stadium
NBA = who gives a crap
NHL = Xcel Energy Center
I laugh at the Texans voting for AAC, and Joe Louis Arena? It's a dump.

Football: the new Dallas Cowboys stadium
Baseball: the new Busch Field
Basketball/Hockey the new BOK Center
http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/6/6/2/ar120707974726696.jpg
Soccer: the new Liverpool Reds stadium
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/newstadium/images/2007/edit-0707-STADIUM-ex1.jpg

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/newstadium/images/2007/edit-0707-STADIUM-ex1.jpg

Just a question, did you read the thread title?

delete

Yes, but I like soccer as much as I enjoy baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. In my opinion good basketball and hockey arenas are the same. Therefore I added my fifth passion, soccer. Down here in Texas I dare say more children are playing soccer than hockey or basketball. We do have an MLS team here as well. Unfortunately, this soccer stadium design knocks my socks off and is better than anything in American soccer.

I wish to add one more, the best minor league baseball park is Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.
http://mysite.verizon.net/charliesballparks/stadiums/ph/dickey1.jpg

^ ok, but did you read it thoroughly

NFL- Lambeau (rich history and winter time madness, Green Bay) or Texas Stadium ( Gotta love that hole in the roof, Irving)

MLB- Busch Stadium ( I just love it!, St. Louis )

NBA- Pepsi Center ( I've always loved that one, interesting design, Denver )

Other- BOk Center ( I am biased but this thing is unbelieveable, Tulsa )

Sea Toby, I also like the BOk Center and here is a better pic of it:
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9635/bok8byoilerfan07cropxo8.jpg

I do wish that the BOK Center was built in Dallas in place of the American Airlines Center. I love the American Airlines Center, but this would look beter in Victory. Good job Tulsa, it is a work of art.

HKS and HOK have designed some great new minor league parks recently. The Fenway Park of the South was finally replaced by the Arkansas Travelers recently. The new Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock is a beauty in a somewhat dismal area, replacing old Ray Winder Field. One has to understand North Little Rock is basically a bedroom community of the much larger and sophisticated Little Rock with the downtown towers and the state capitol. North Little Rock reminds many of the railroad yards of East Saint Louis, Illinois. So when this beauty was built, the ballpark reminded many of railroad stations and depots around America.

If you enjoy minor league baseball, a trip around the Texas AA League will do wonders to your health. Tulsa has the last of the old ballparks, and its not that old, but they are building a new ballpark on the east side of downtown. Once its done, every ballpark in the Texas League will have won awards for the best minor league ballpark during the past twenty years. From Midland, Corpus Christi, Frisco, North Little Rock, Springdale, Springfield, not to mention the beauty Tulsa will build soon. The Round Rock ballpark was built for a Texas AA League team, but its now a wonderful Pacific Coast AAA League ballpark as is the beauty in Oklahoma City built for AAA from the start. They are all great, but it seems the newer ones are getting better and better.

Old Ray Winder, the old ballpark in Little Rock is still standing, and worth seeing. Its not like the older parks were deadbeats either. While they don't meet the new Minor League codes, the old ballparks in Wichita, Amarillo, Lubbock, El Paso, Shreveport, and Alexandria are still standing with other independent league using them. For the scantioned Texas League it was either build a new ballpark or lose your franchise.

http://assets.espn.go.com/travel/080320/travel_dickey_stephens_park_800.jpg

Who would have thought it? Baseball and trains go together.

A trip around the Texas League, continued. The new Whataburger Field near the port area of Corpus Christi. It resembles an old cotton warehouse nearby the Texas Aquarium, the old carrier Lexington, and a great view of the Hwy 181 bridge.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/824896204_b6fdcceafd.jpg?v=0

San Antonio's Nelson Wolff's Stadium is another beauty in the Texas League.
http://sanantonio.missions.milb.com/images/2006/03/18/JH4NjXKz.jpg

And there is another AAA Pacific Coast League ballpark at Roundrock. Built for the AA Texas League, this ballpark moved up to be the home of a AAA franchise.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Dell_diamond2.jpg

We won't forget Midland, the first to build a new ballpark. Its been renamed the First American Bank Ballpark.
http://mysite.verizon.net/charliesballparks/stadiums/ph/firstam1.jpg

The trip will take us to the new Dr. Pepper Field in Frisco.
http://www.usatravelcities.com/travel_blog/wp-content/uploads/dr-pepper-field-frisco-tx.jpg

Traveling north to Oklahoma City's AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. That is a statue of Johnny Bench by the entrance. There are other statues of Mickey Mantle and Warren Spahn at the third base and first base entrances. Oklahoma City isn't in the Texas League, its in the Pacific Coast League as Roundrock's.
http://oklahoma.redhawks.milb.com/images/2007/04/07/tDFk5ja6.jpg

Tulsa's older Driller Stadium. She will soon be replaced. While the design isn't in as yet, I fully expect something on the quality of the others in the Texas League, and better than Oklahoma City's Bricktown Ballpark. By the way, this is a tall order. Frankly, I love all of these ballparks.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2661987978_8472efbd66.jpg?v=0

Springdale's new Arvest Ballpark.
http://www.ballparkdigest.com/images/new_springdale/new_springdale_1.jpg

Springfield's Hammonds Field.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/images2004/hammonds300137.jpg

Really beutiful stadiums in texas., This is the perfect example that "BIG" does not means "Beautiful" by any means.

The last World Cup baseball series held in the Caribbean was in Puerto Rico, which has a fine stadium the Montreal Expos once played a few home games before the franchise finally moved to Washington, D.C. I have heard that the Dominican Republic wants to hold the next Caribbean Word Cup games in a new stadium, but I am not sure whether it will happen. In the future, when Mexico holds these Caribbean World Cup games, will they host the games in Monterey's nice baseball stadium or will Mexico build a new ball park elsewhere?

Monterey's ball park seats more fans than US minor league parks, some 27k. Do you have any photos, the best I can find is a satellite image from Google Map/Earth.

Here's Qwest...with the SafeCo roof included for free.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/86/244222030_f30a9f6156.jpg?v=0

My favorite MLB stadium is probably SafeCo but the M's are so terrible I'm too mad to select their place and instead will choose...

PNC Park in Pittsburgh

http://www.freedmultimedia.com/photography/scenery/pncpark.jpg

NBA I choose Staples

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/57/198742653_cb0cbcb380.jpg?v=0

NCAA Basketball...The Pit looks small in this pic but seats 18,000 and was THE sporting venue while I was growing up.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/139/359243939_5e797f658d.jpg?v=0

NCAA Football...Husky Stadium

http://www.4malamute.com/images/stadium4.jpg

Michie Stadium - Army Black Knights

What a setting(!)

http://www.goarmysports.com//pics26/640/AL/ALLGCWFTNDLJKKR.20060730180854.jpg

The totally biased list (Raised in Boston and DC, went to college in Colorado, and now live in Seattle for bias references) :

NFL Stadium: Qwest Field (Seattle, WA) Well worth the hit on the city's pocket book
http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/12985000/12985980.jpg
(stadiums of NFL: http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/posters.htm)

MLB Stadium: Fenway Park (Boston, MA) Always a classic
http://www.bonusproductions.com/Locations/Pittsburgh/images/Boston/fenway%20park.jpg
(from bonus productions website)

NHL and NBA Stadium: Verizon Center (Washington D.C.) Even better with the new scoreboard, and really spruced up Chinatown
http://www.insidearenas.com/eastern/pictures/verizon08900.jpg
(insidearenas.com)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Verizon_Center_Caps_vs_Pens.jpg/800px-Verizon_Center_Caps_vs_Pens.jpg
(wikipedia)

NCAA football Stadium: Folsom Field (U of Colorado, Boulder) Now that's a scenic setting!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2331/2057213025_3640ece159.jpg?v=1195860638
(from Flickr)

NCAA Basketball Stadium: Comcast Arena (U of Maryland, College Park) Lets go Terps!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/98791057_04530dee2f.jpg?v=0
(flickr)

Football-Qwest Feild
Baseball-AT&T Park
http://blog.aia.org/mt-static/plugins/Ajaxify/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/imagemanager/images/favorite_architecture_images/dp006479.jpg
Basketball- American Airlines Arena
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/American_Airlines_Arena_backside.jpg/800px-American_Airlines_Arena_backside.jpg
MLS-Since it's nearing completion I'm picking RSL Stadium, just to go against the grain:lol:
http://stadiony.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/rsl_stadium_2008.jpg
http://wvhooligan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/rslstadia1.jpg

Long time lurker finally posting something.

Last weekend we went to Bristol Motor Speedway. The pictures do not do justice to what happens when you put 160,000 people in a stadium sized structure, with 40+ loud cars on a 1/2mile high banked oval.

I'm not much of a NASCAR fan, but this is a spectacle not to be missed.

http://i.a.cnn.net/nascar/2005/news/headlines/cup/08/26/bruton.smith.26/bristol.384.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1002/1232236220_d5c5b8bbb3.jpg?v=0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21625379@N00/192195089/

I am speechless!!!

They set the record for the largest 'wave' at this race

I figured id add some more pics
http://www.theinsidegroove.com/pics/raceweek-05bristol/image/08.jpg
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0209/590_bristolnight.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Bristol_Motor_Speedway_at_Night.jpg/800px-Bristol_Motor_Speedway_at_Night.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/truthserum607/College%20logos/BostonUniversity_Terriers.png
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/eseaver/Boston%20Trip/IMG_0236.jpg
national championships in 1971, 1972, 1978,1995
6-time Hockey East men's champions (1986, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2006)
7-time Hockey East men's regular season champions (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006)
5-time ECAC men's champions (1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
6-time ECAC men's regular season champions (1965, 1967, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1979)
Beanpot 28 Championships

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agganis_Arena
go bu beat bc they :lol:

Nice college hockey arena.

nice

capacity is under 10k

Imagine if an Indycar ran on that track? yikes!

Didn't the WOO run there a few times?

World's best stadium! hands down!

I do to

Didn't even know they raced Yank tanks in Blighty!

It's worth saying, it's 6 1/2 times bigger than the town it's located in.

Didn't even know they raced Yank tanks in Blighty!

Not Bristol UK, Bristol Tennessee.

:lol::lol::lol::lol: I was like what the f..ck man, been to Bristol so many times, how I missed that beast. :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Very impressive ediface.

Saw a picture of a NASCAR fan once(a fella) with the number his favourite driver shaved onto his back. Quite impressive I have to say.

94K+ taken by Rantanamo
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9910/dkrcw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9910/dkrcw1.64a99d74e7.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=220&i=dkrcw1.jpg)


http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3011/dkr1gl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3011/dkr1gl0.36e933bc5a.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=78&i=dkr1gl0.jpg)

Hayward Field Capacity 10,500
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k277/kimmarieh/HPIM0716.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f81/scott1234/EugeneOregonPhotographs067.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayward_Field
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s30/bufftibbs/DSCN0891.jpg

the man that gave the world nike.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l247/crazy4novas/brookathaywordfieldwithwaffleshoema.jpg
William J. "Bill" Bowerman rip
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bowerman

Animal House was shot here.

Unfortunately capacity is under 30,000
I've to lock the thread

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=aHVNjsHmJShU&refer=home

some more info

is there any more info on phillys stadium like when it will break ground final designs.etc..?

I'm not sure about the ground breaking. They're supposed to start play in 2010 so I'm guessing its going to be in the coming months.

they need another redesign.

They have a chance to make something iconic....... don't blow it!

^^ Then you are lucky, nyrmetros, that the Red Bull Group owns the stadium and got rid of the stage. I know you hate the name and the principal of the naming, but at least you get a kickass stadium that even CubsFan would be proud of :lol:

Any updates on Chester or Harrison?

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/080919/venues/2-5

1. Yankee Stadium
2. Camden Yards
3. Madison Square Garden
4. The Astrodome
5. Augusta National Golf Club
6. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
8. Nike headquarters
9. The Rose Bowl
10. ESPN headquarters
11. Fenway Park
12. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
13. Wrigley Field
14. Churchill Downs
15. The U.S. Olympic training center


Other notable placements.......
19. Lambeau Field
23. Soldier Field
40. Dodger Stadium
72. Texas Stadium
78. PNC Park
84. United Center
98. Staples Center
(make sure to throw ESPN a bone and click on their link)

What you think American sports fan, a pretty good list or a very lame list? Any glaring omissions or venues rated way too high?

Most important to who? There are a lot missing that I would call important - even some that aren't in New York and California!

Camden Yards?? WTF??

The Orioles are horrible and have terrible attendance, and haven't been competitive (or had good attendance) for years.

Moreover, Camden Yards isn't particularly old or distinguished, and outside of Cal Ripkin's recordbreaking streak, nothing much of note has ever happened there.

Camden Yards?? WTF??

The Orioles are horrible and have terrible attendance, and haven't been competitive (or had good attendance) for years.

Moreover, Camden Yards isn't particularly old or distinguished, and outside of Cal Ripkin's recordbreaking streak, nothing much of note has ever happened there.

no i guess being the influence of almost every stadium designed during the past 16 years means absolutely nothing. Never thought it about it like that before.

espn puts espn headquarters at 10?
would've thought the memorial coliseum would be higher

Camden Yards should not be on the list

Baseball
Yankee Stadium
Fenway Park
Wrigley Field

Arenas
MSG
Staples Center
United Center
Maple Leaf Gardens (Canada)

Football Stadiums
Lambeau Field
Soldier Field
Louisiana Superdome

College Football Stadiums
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Rose Bowl
Notre Dame Stadium

This list is wack. Astrodome over Wrigley and Fenway?
Nike headquarters? wtf?

i think people are missing the point of the list. Its not listing the most historic venues, its listing the most important venues relating to today's sporting world. That being the logic, i think its a pretty good list. Hence ESPN headquarters and camden yards.

i think people are missing the point of the list. Its not listing the most historic venues, its listing the most important venues relating to today's sporting world. That being the logic, i think its a pretty good list. Hence ESPN headquarters and camden yards.

Exactly. Camden changed stadium design for a generation. It doesnt matter what the record of the 2008 Orioles is.

Yankee Stadium is only #1 because its about to be demolished. Large amount of East Coast bias on this list.

But seriously...Camden yards ahead of the Rose Bowl, Super Dome, Arrow Head. Come on. What is so important about Camden Yards?

Horrible list. Who made this?

Yankee Stadium is only #1 because its about to be demolished. Large amount of East Coast bias on this list.

But seriously...Camden yards ahead of the Rose Bowl, Super Dome, Arrow Head. Come on. What is so important about Camden Yards?

camden yards has influenced about every stadium built after it. Thats pretty important wouldnt you say?

I laugh at the Texans voting for AAC, and Joe Louis Arena? It's a dump.

Dump? In what way is the AAC a dump? You must be thinking of Reunion Arena.

I think he was talking about Joe Louis as a dump, and just doesn't like the AAC.

My Favorites........

Football/Field stadiums

1. New Dallas Cowboys Stadium
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/september14_08_02_cowboys_stadium_t.jpg
via SSC forumer Big Texan)

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/367780685_b7z5y-XL.jpg
via SSC forumer (Details)

2. Soldier Field, Chicago
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Soldier_field.jpg
via flickr

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/295211863_e6ffae38b5_b.jpg
via flicker

3. Reliant Stadium, Houston
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/192061271_21a21fb0a4_o.jpg
via flickr

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/2044948503_b96f34abf6_b.jpg
via flickr

4. Qwest Field, Seattle
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-QwestFieldPano.jpg
via Wiki

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/2305211676_fac5aea0dc_b.jpg
via flickr


Arenas

BOK Arena, Tulsa
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Bokcenter20080810.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-BOK_Center_faccade.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Inside_BOK_Center.jpg
all BOK photos via wiki


Sprint Center, Kansas City
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Sprint_Center_Kansas_City_Mis.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Sprint_Center_entrance_Kansas.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Scenter7.jpg
all Sping Center photos via Wiki


Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/ConsecoFieldHouse.jpg
.comcast.net

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/Conseco_Field_House2.jpg
mswoods.com


Philips Arena, Atlanta
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/front.jpg
basketball.ballparks.com

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/interior.jpg
basketball.ballparks.com




Baseball Parks

Wrigley Field, Chicago
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/Wrigley%20Field/1084337875_43747694ed_b.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/Wrigley%20Field/169878693_e444453143_b.jpg


Fenway Park, Boston
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/fenwaypark.jpg
via baseballpilgrimages.com

PNC Park, Pittsburgh
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/pnc.jpg
via baseballpilgrimages.com

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/camdenyards.jpg
via baseballpilgrimages.com

AT&T Park, San Francisco
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/sbcpark.jpg
via baseballpilgrimages.com

Sprint Center, Kansas City
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Sprint_Center_Kansas_City_Mis.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Sprint_Center_entrance_Kansas.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/tootshibbard/stadiums/800px-Scenter7.jpg
all Sping Center photos via Wiki


wow, never heard of or seen this. How many does it hold?

Roughly, 18,500.

who plays there?

Kansas City Brigade, Arena Football

For baseball I have to go with Wrigley or Fenway.

For football I'd say Lambeau because of the atmosphere (and it pains me to say this).

For hockey Xcel is the best in the US but second in North America behind the Bell Centre in Montreal.

The other sports I don't care about.

no i guess being the influence of almost every stadium designed during the past 16 years means absolutely nothing. Never thought it about it like that before.

It didn't influence anything.

Yes it did, it was the first retro stadium in MLB. After Oriole Park just about every MLB stadium have been designed with that retro-look in mind. One exception may be Nationals Park.

who plays there?

They just have arena football and NCAA at the moment, but they were trying to nab an expansion or transplanted NBA and/or NHL team. They even offered the Pittsburgh Penguins free rent before Pittsburgh got their arena deal worked out.

Yes it did, it was the first retro stadium in MLB. After Oriole Park just about every MLB stadium have been design with that retro-look in mind. One exception may be Nationals Park.
So the Orioles were the first ones...to copy the past.

So the Orioles were the first ones...to copy the past.

no they were the first ones to show that older stadiums could be a good source for inspiration. If Fenway or Wrigley were so great then why werent they used for inspiration until Camden Yards was built?

Baseball: Wrigley Field or Miller Park
Football: Soldier Field (Redesigned)
Baskeball: United Center

no they were the first ones to show that older stadiums could be a good source for inspiration. If Fenway or Wrigley were so great then why werent they used for inspiration until Camden Yards was built?

I don't think you can measure a stadiums greatness in terms of how many ballparks built after it copied it. Fenway and Wrigley are both very unique ballparks and that fact, at least in my mind, makes them better than Camden Yards and any of the newer ballparks.

PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Petco Park in San Diego are easily my 2 favorite stadiums in the US.

Now if only a city would opt to not sell out the name.

I don't think you can measure a stadiums greatness in terms of how many ballparks built after it copied it. Fenway and Wrigley are both very unique ballparks and that fact, at least in my mind, makes them better than Camden Yards and any of the newer ballparks.

Which is how you would like to define it. Fine. But not everyone is going to define it that way. From an Architectural History standpoint Camden is very influential and historic. It completely changed the way Baseball parks are designed as it was the very first of it's type. That is important in the same way the Astrodome is important because of the new ground it broke, for better or worse, in its design.

I don't think you can measure a stadiums greatness in terms of how many ballparks built after it copied it. Fenway and Wrigley are both very unique ballparks and that fact, at least in my mind, makes them better than Camden Yards and any of the newer ballparks.

my point must have just gone way over your head. If Wrigley and Fenway are better stadiums than Camden Yards then they should have been copied for years. Instead it took the groundbreaking design of Camden Yards to reverse the trend of multipurpose stadiums. Camden Yards has been significantly more influential than Fenway of Wrigley.

my point must have just gone way over your head. If Wrigley and Fenway are better stadiums than Camden Yards then they should have been copied for years. Instead it took the groundbreaking design of Camden Yards to reverse the trend of multipurpose stadiums. Camden Yards has been significantly more influential than Fenway of Wrigley.

It did not go over my head, I understood the point you were trying to make in that Camden has been copied at least 9 or 10 times by other teams. I understand that in terms of stadium designs today, Camden is more important than Fenway or Wrigley, but I was looking at it from every angle. Not just the design.

PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Petco Park in San Diego are easily my 2 favorite stadiums in the US.

Now if only a city would opt to not sell out the name.

Atlanta has two that aren't named for a sponsor...the Georgia Dome and Turner Field, which is named for the former owner Ted Turner.

PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Petco Park in San Diego are easily my 2 favorite stadiums in the US.

Now if only a city would opt to not sell out the name.

It's such a rare situation in todays times for a pro sports stadium not have a sponsored name attached to it. It's a great way to make millions a year. With a team like the Pirates, that extra revenue is greatly needed.

Thank God Green Bay has held out. Can you imagine calling Lambeau Filed something like "Chase Bank Stadium"? Almost sinful to even think about.

^^ Better than Washington Mutual Stadium, right? :)

^^ Better than Washington Mutual Stadium, right? :)

Heh, true.

^^ Better than Washington Mutual Stadium, right? :)

Is Safeco Field going to remain since Safeco is no more?

football: arrowhead or Laumbeau
http://home.everestkc.net/husker2008/arrowhead1.jpg

baseball: My favoarite park is hammons field, Springfield MO
http://www.adventurist.net/baseball/hammons/photos/night-shot.jpg

Beavers co-owner sees Portland as a two-sport star
"There's a real benefit to cities in sports, and you need a public investment to make it happen," says Merritt Paulson, co-owner of the Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers. Paulson, here at PGE Park, is working on arranging $85 million in public financing to renovate PGE Park and build a new baseball stadium in the Lents neighborhood.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/10/beavers_coowner_sees_portland.html

I say roughly because it's not all-seated.

I don't have any pictures of it, but here's a map image (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&om=1&z=18&ll=35.218178,-80.828251&spn=0.003318,0.005032&t=h).

No suites, those boxes are for coaches and media.

It was finished in 1936, making it Charlotte's oldest sports venue. It was recently in the news because it's being highly considered as the venue for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's (49ers) football team because due to the economy they're facing a real mountain to build a new stadium.

You can probably tell by the satellite image, it's in pretty bad shape. But believe it or not, it does have some charm. The stone work separating the field from the stands is quite nice and the view of the city out the open end is really nice.

What can be done with it is pretty limited as it's bounded on one side by Charlotte's busiest road (and with other work going on in the area, a vital artery), and on another by a college that serves over 40,000 students.

I really don't know what to do with it. Actually, I'd tear it down, give the land to CPCC (the college) and build a 20-30,000 seat "green" stadium in Eastland as a replacement.

There's a university called the University of North Carolina Charlotte (Charlotte for athletics purposes) that's starting up a football team. They could use the stadium as their home field.

Work to start soon on the SSS in Philly:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=598223&sec=mls&cc=5901

great news

Red Bull Arena:

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww49/rozwell08/t4.jpg


Finally an MLS stadium done right.

I think the final result will tell us if it was done right.

I think the final result will tell us if it was done right.

You're joking right? If they played in it as is it'd be better than the shite they've produced thus far.

You're joking right? If they played in it as is it'd be better than the shite they've produced thus far.

Yeah, HDC is just terrible. *rollseyes*

Like they need a roof for more than shade in southern california.

you cant claim anything is great until we see the finished product.

Yeah, HDC is just terrible. *rollseyes*

Like they need a roof for more than shade in southern california.

HDC is wonderful? *rollseyes*

you cant claim anything is great until we see the finished product.

What is it exactly you think is going to go wrong? Will they forget to put the roof on? They'll accidently leave the seats out?

no point arguing my point when you have all already made up your mind.

HDC is wonderful? *rollseyes*


Like they need a roof for more than shade in southern california.
..