stadium construction
This entry was posted on 10/3/2007 10:19 AM and is filed under uncategorized.
Much has been made of the stadium and the debate. I won't talk about the SLC mayor race other than to say I really, really don't like Jenny Wilson. The fact that she graduated from Harvard makes me really suspect of a degree from that institution, maybe someone needs to redo their accreditation.
A couple of points and my thoughts:
1-The stadium location-While Sandy isn't as desirable as downtown, I don't see this as a huge drawback especially in light of the new Front Runner trains that will run from just north of Ogden to Salt Lake. If the projections are right on this, It will make my commute to matches about the same as what it is now driving to RES. As for lack of nightlife around Sandy, much as I and most of my friends would prefer something like that, for the vast majority of fans, it will not be an issue since they just go home after matches. Also, if projections are correct, the stadium will spur new development in the area and some of that will likely be things that promote nightlife.
2-Natural grass of full regulations size-How other fans around MLS have in their head that the pitch will be plastic, I don't know. RSL has a long-standing relationship with Chanshare Sod Farm and will buy their sod from them. It has not been said, but I would assume that RSL will do something similar to Colorado and have as wide a pitch as possible. Even if not that wide, it will still be much better than RES.
3-Beer-I don't get why this is even an issue. Beer is sold at the Jazz and Bees and nobody seems to care. If you don't want a beer, don't buy one, just because it's there does not mean you have to drink it. I still think that there needs to be "family" sections and "supporter's" sections so that the drunks don't ruin the experience for those who want to bring their 5-year-olds. I'm sensitive to that and I know that RCB as a whole has been advocating for this sort of thing since 2005. Give us a place where we can do our thing and not bother those who don't want to participate and everyone will be happier. I don't agree with the arguement that family sections should not have beer in them. Sorry but I know plenty of families where beer is a welcome beverage. Really I think this is, like so many things in Utah about religion. I'm sure I'm going to get people saying I'm a bigot or something for this, but Mormons do not have a corner on the market on the concept of family. Why don't we just label the "family' sections the "Mormon" sections? That's in efffect what is going to be done. Religion in Utah politics is the big elephant in the closet, it's the subject that nobody can talk frankly about, but it's influence is felt in so many different aspects of life in this state. You just can't say Mormon or LDS in public, so you have to use euphemisms like "family-friendly" and others that really translate into Mormon, but are more acceptible. That's just my little rant. If you don't want to drink beer, great, don't buy it. But let me have the right to drink (responsibly) while I watch the match.
Otherwise, the stadium will be beautiful. I had the chance to drive by the site on Friday and it definately is starting to look like a stadium. It's certainly exciting to see the progress.
