 |
To do it up even bigger, they could fly Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito in for the unveiling.
Then again, it sounds like the plans are impressive enough on their own.
Twenty-five years after The Jewel of the Nile hit the big screen, a similar title could be placed on the seven-minute video being shown as part of a much-anticipated presentation Thursday at Carleton University’s Bell Theatre.
For the first time on public display will be the designs for what will no doubt become known as The Jewel of the Canal.
Those who have had a glimpse at blueprints for the Lansdowne Park revitalization say the stadium, which will seat roughly 24,000, is absolutely spectacular. That the view from the canal is breath-taking. That Ottawa’s new CFL home will be the envy of the league.
But details — other than the number of seats and the fact much of the construction is made of wood to reflect the city’s heritage — have largely been kept under wraps.
City councillors, who six months ago voted 15-9 in favour of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group proceeding with plans to turn Lansdowne into a world-class facility, should be more than satisfied with what they see Thursday. They’ll also be given an update on the progress of conditions they placed on the project, which need to be met by the final vote on June 28.
Along with Mayor Larry O’Brien, planning and environment committee chairman Peter Hume and OSEG’s Roger Greenberg, also in attendance will be local architects Ritchard Brisbin and Barry Hobin and Toronto-based Cannon Design’s Rob Clairborne to provide a detailed explanation of the designs for the mixed-use development and stadium renewal.
Don’t be surprised if CFL commissioner Mark Cohon shows up as an interested spectator, as well as a large number of Rough Rider alumni.
“I think sports fans in Ottawa, and all those interested in all activities relative to the stadium, are going to be very, very excited,” said OSEG frontman Jeff Hunt. “I think it will be the pre-eminent stadium in Canada.”
While the CFL has promised to return to the nation’s capital if the stadium is built, Hunt said “a lot of thought” has also gone into the requirements of a pro soccer team and its fans.
“It was not an after-thought or an add-on,” said Hunt. “Soccer needs were incorporated into the design as well as football elements. I think we’ve struck a great balance.”
Perhaps struck a chord with longtime Riders fans, as well.
Because of the placement of the more luxurious sections, Hunt noted there could be a “flip flop” of tradition.
“Fans who sat in the south side could gravitate to the north side, and vice versa,” he said. “It could be interesting.”
Indeed, but nothing sucks about this deal. Nothing at all.
Rather, it’s time to get pumped up about the development of a facility this city needs and deserves.
Oh, there’s sure to be some negativity surrounding Thursday’s landmark unveiling. The primary source is sure to be Clive Doucet, who is intent on leaving his mark as Capital ward councillor — even if it is a black one.
But his voice is getting weaker.
Other detractors also like to say the whole project is doomed because of the mostly terrible pro football played at Lansdowne over the last 20 or so years Ottawa had a CFL team.
Truth is, even when the Rough Riders/Renegades were at their lousiest — when there was an absentee owner and the team went decades without winning more games than it lost — attendance was still in the 17,000 range.
Now, ownership will be in the hands of a local group with deep pockets. The stadium will be full and vibrant, as full as new stadiums tend to be. The best example is Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal, where the Alouettes call home.
To be there for a football game is to have had a great night of entertainment.
Hunt believes free-agent players, like the fans, will want to be at the new Lansdowne as often as possible.
A good team, strong local ownership and a packed park?
Get the construction crews going, already.
“It’s been a long time coming, but I think people will say it’s been worth the wait,” said Hunt. “I think they’ll see something that’s going to be very special.”
It will be The Jewel of the Canal, at the very least.