Aviators accept move to Clarke
By SCOTT ZERR, EDMONTON SUN
The Edmonton Aviators are on the move to a new hangar, albeit on a temporary basis. Monday's doubleheader for the Aviators against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Fort Collins Force has been switched from Commonwealth Stadium to Clarke Park after city officials determined that Commonwealth's field could not handle the two games following tomorrow's four matches of Churchill Cup rugby.
The team's three-year agreement with the city allows for the club to be moved to Clarke Park should field conditions warrant.
"Our next game will be back at Commonwealth Stadium. This is a one-time thing," said Joe Petrone, the Aviators director of soccer operations. "The field is the best in North America and for it to continue to be that we had to do this so there would be no major damage.
"The city asked us for help and we said we could do it, otherwise we would have had to cancel the games," added Petrone. "Both (visiting) teams were OK with it and the United Soccer Leagues OK'd it."
Although many people in the Edmonton soccer community questioned the Aviators' decision to use Commonwealth Stadium instead of a more intimate environment, the team reiterated its intent not to permanently switch to a more intimate venue.
"We realize that Clarke Park is not an ideal venue for our games. There is no doubt that Clarke Park will not provide for the type of game-day presentation that our customers have already become accustomed to," Greg McDannold, the club's director of business operations said in a press relaase.
"We are confident, however, that our season-ticket holders and other customers understand that this situation is unavoidable and that it requires co-operation from all parties affected."
