Comments on: Peter Wilt’s Top 20 MLS Stadia (Part II)

By: Peter Wilt

Peter Wilt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:20:23 +0000

Matt, sorry for belated answer. X games at HDC requires a complete field change. The new sod has seams that make for poor footing and odd bounces that last for weeks and often slips out of place.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15:07 +0000

I have not seen plans for any concerts at RB Arena, but it’s certainly not out of the question. The only events mentioned beside MLS matches are a series of international friendlies to take place next summer. I would assume we will also see other RB events there, such as X-Fighters. I have no idea what kind of an effect that will have on the pitch. What did the X-Games to the HDC?

There are tradeoffs in all of these decisions, of course. Personally I’d rather not have the stage, but I can see how certain owners would feel it makes economic sense.

By: McCrum

McCrum — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:57:42 +0000

I would hate to see the tracks on the field left by approximately two tons of lighting gear, a ton of staging equipment as well as the weight of band members, crew and equipment. Or were you thinking of a staggeringly expensive cantilevered stage that didn’t touch the ground?

If the latter, I don’t even want to imagine the price of a season ticket to the Fire. Such a thing would certainly exceed the price of the roster this year, including the two DPs.

By: krolpolski

krolpolski — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:49:44 +0000

How about a retractable stage?

By: Peter Wilt

Peter Wilt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:22:20 +0000

OPB, i don’t think it’s a cop out. RB Arena is obviously going to be the best stadium in MLS….probably BY FAR. The Philly artist renderings and descriptions may be deceiving, but i’d still be very surprised if it’s not better than Rio Tinto.

Krolpolski, idk if the TP roof will ever be completed. i’ve recommended a company that does solar panels for large buildings that could end up saving TP money in the long run via state grants and energy savings. Alas, nothing’s come of it.

Re: the permanent stage, i think i’d rather have a large shadow on the field than the alternative – a goal area that is completely torn up every time there’s a concert.

Matt, i agree with you that RB deserves much/most of the praise for RB Arena. Nick deserves some though.

And again, regarding the lack of a permanent stage at RB Arena…after the first concert at RB Arena next year, enjoy how nice the seating area looks without the permanent stage, because the goal area won’t look nearly as nice…or maybe they aren’t planning any concerts, i honestly don’t know.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:28:00 +0000

If Nick Sack had his way, RB Arena would have had a concert stage at one end. I know people have a hard time giving Energy Drink credit for anything, but aren’t they more deserving of praise than a guy who was not involved in the final design or construction?

By: krolpolski

krolpolski — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:09:37 +0000

Any word on when they finally finish the roof at Toyota Park? I hate the stage at TP. During day matches, the roof covering it casts a massive shadow on the field.

By: McCrum

McCrum — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:07:26 +0000

Atmosphere in RB Park? We’ll have to see April 10th if the home team gets as much support as the visitors. History is not on RBNY’s side.

By: oakparkbob

oakparkbob — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:04:47 +0000

So, LP. Your preference is for stadia that are not built? Kind of a cop out isn’t it?
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By: Peter Wilt

Peter Wilt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:34:22 +0000

Web, maybe the list makes no sense to you, but as i clearly stated, the list is my preference, so i suppose it only needs to make sense to me. i’ll admit i reached a litle, by including five stadia i haven’t been to: Robertson, Qwest, Dick’s. Union Field and Red Bull Arena. in addition to looking at those five stadia critically in photos and videos, i have also spoken to people involved in the design of the Dick’s, Union and Red Bull venues, so i hope it wasn’t too much of a stretch to include them. If u think a particluar stadium is ranked higher or lower than it should be, please suggest other stadia on the list that u think it should be higher or lower than and why. As far as criteria, i was very subjective and used a hybrid of atmosphere, playing surface, amenities, location and sightlines for my list. Others may have different criteria for their lists and that’s fine, too. Please let me know what your criteria for a good MLS stadium is.