IanO
Superstar
Starting to heat up.
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Canada Soccer
- Thread starter realkevbo
- Start date
IanO
Superstar
Goooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaalllllllll
IanO
Superstar
We were lucky to get out of that alive and what a save!
Gronk!
Senior Member
TAS
Senior Member
EDMONTON 2026
ChazYEG
Senior Member
It was AMAZING! I was right in the southeast lower corner when we had our first goal! A pity that the weather scared off a lot of people and we did't break the Canadian record for attendance (but might have for the coldest football game ever, if we beat -16 with windchills).
Overall, well organized (halftime was a bitch, though), bathrooms were kept very clean and the whole experience of getting there by transit was quite easy and fast. Took us 45 minutes to get from Stony Plain Rd/124 St to be (not so) cozy in our seats.
My take is: is these games didn't show FIFA that we can host a major sports event, and the Canadian Football Association that we're the best place to host Canada's opening game in 2026, I don't know what will. Add in that we'll have at least one more LRT line already operational (and I'm really hopeful that the VLW will be ready too), and we have a very, VERY solid bid.
Overall, well organized (halftime was a bitch, though), bathrooms were kept very clean and the whole experience of getting there by transit was quite easy and fast. Took us 45 minutes to get from Stony Plain Rd/124 St to be (not so) cozy in our seats.
My take is: is these games didn't show FIFA that we can host a major sports event, and the Canadian Football Association that we're the best place to host Canada's opening game in 2026, I don't know what will. Add in that we'll have at least one more LRT line already operational (and I'm really hopeful that the VLW will be ready too), and we have a very, VERY solid bid.
Edmcowboy11
Senior Member
I think if we officially get are awarded specific games that may be incentive enough for the city to encourage Marigold to get their stretch completed by then and hopefully south extension to heritage valley too by then.
Gronk!
Senior Member
Canada proving to be contenders both on and off pitch in World Cup qualifying
While a frosty 2-1 win over Mexico Tuesday night in Edmonton is more tangible evidence that Canada can football now, where we could not before. It also shows that this team is ready to compete not just on the pitch, but just as importantly, off of it.
JONES: Canadian soccer history made on freezing night at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton
It was a game that, before it was played, was guaranteed to go down in Canadian sports history no matter what happened.
edmontonjournal.com
bodsbods9090
Active Member
Maybe another hotel or two pops up as well in the downtown area?
ChazYEG
Senior Member
If we get confirmed and, especially, get the five games we might (plus Canada's opening, hopefully), I would say that it is a given. With these many games, the chances of Edmonton hosting:
a) a memorable game between two major contenders;
b) a national team with more media attention.
Increase significantly. That would mean more visitors, staying longer and it will most certainly prompt the addition of a few hotels, from higher end to budget ones. With the action mostly happening around the Stadium and Downtown, I would be on these being build/converted in the DT.
It's all conjecture, but is a lot more possible than people realize.
IanO
Superstar
Here's hoping it helps drive another new 3.5-4 star hotel in the core and perhaps a new 3 star, for our overall hotel stock needs updating and more quality options.
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Gronk!
Senior Member
'Change it': FIFA encouraged by Edmonton's World Cup bid, but artificial turf has to go
FIFA has previously said that it will make a hosting announcement in late 2021 but now says it will finalize the selection process in the first half of next year following a “thorough assessment.”
ChazYEG
Senior Member
I bloody hate FIFA and their whiny behaviour over artificial turf... --''Change it': FIFA encouraged by Edmonton's World Cup bid, but artificial turf has to go
FIFA has previously said that it will make a hosting announcement in late 2021 but now says it will finalize the selection process in the first half of next year following a “thorough assessment.”edmonton.ctvnews.ca
realkevbo
New Member
I usually hate people that bitch and moan about having to play on turf constantly, but I have to agree with FIFA here, the WC needs to be on grass (women's should have been as well). The pitch was atrocious for both games, no one had good traction, the ball wouldn't settle down and it's just not ideal. Any other time I don't care, but for this they need it.
Also anyone have any ideas on how to deal with the concourse and stair congestion? Can we build a second level concourse above the 2001 expansion for the upper deck?
Gronk!
Senior Member
Estimated $30M-$40M in economic benefits to Edmonton from World Cup qualifiers - Edmonton | Globalnews.ca
It's estimated Edmonton will feel between $30 million and $40 million in economic benefits from the two World Cup qualifiers played in the city.
globalnews.ca