Full Replay:
The latest chapter in the tragic comedy that is Hamilton’s new stadium was written today during the monthly stadium sub-committee meeting.What is the latest you say? It’s the same as the old – the stadium is getting closer to completion, but it may or may not be ready for Monday’s big Labour Day Classic between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argos.
Even if it’s “ready”, it will be a temporary occupancy with approximately half the bleachers, no elevators, no upper bowl, a minimum of washrooms, temporary food concessions, and a potential “bring your own snacks” scenario.
It appears Thursday will be the “drop-dead” date for knowing if the stadium will be open on Monday.
Statements at Committee today
A couple of key statements from today’s stadium committee meeting.
- When asked by committee chair Lloyd Ferguson, Ontario Sports Solutions’ (the contractor building the stadium) Greg Stack stated the stadium 85% complete.
“Our expectation for an occupancy permit is well above 50 per cent,” Stack stating of Monday’s game. “We can’t make a 100 per cent commitment”. - Workers are scheduled on double and triple shifts to try to get the stadium to minimum standards prior to Monday
- Safety systems (Public announcement system, fire alarms, and sprinklers) are still being completed
- There will be no elevators, but approximately 40 spaces for wheelchairs on a patio at field level
- The upper bowl will not be open
- We’ll know more on Thursday if the game will be held on Monday.