gei wrote:Double Helix wrote:It's aging faster than Lindsey Lohan, has had nearly as much work done, and almost as many people inside.
Do people just parrot opinions like this because other people say them? I've been to many MLB stadiums and think the SkyDome is a perfectly fine venue. The concourse is very modern and the retractable roof is practical and has always worked well. The sightlines even from way up in the 500s are quite decent.
The location is absolutely excellent - far better than many in the league (that are stuck way out in the suburbs) - perfectly accessible via public transit and walking distance for thousands of downtown residents. For those who choose to drive in from the burbs it's more or less right off the highway and there is plenty of parking around - which is amazing for a downtown stadium. I can't think of a single major problem with the place and think it's a great home for the Jays.
Once it fills up again during the playoffs (hopefully), perhaps people will stop their meaningless whining. I think the problem has ultimately been the performance of the team rather than the stadium. Also once they put in a real grass playing surface it will be even better.
Well, to be fair, they've made some solid and timely upgrades throughout. The restaurants have especially come a long way from even just 5 or 6 years ago. It really just comes down to atmosphere for me. For a place that has some incredible memories it really lacks that magic that some of the other ballparks have. I agree with you that grass would help a lot. It's better than it used to be and I think most of the jokes about the dome stem more from where it was at 8 years ago than where it is today.
Nobody's complaining about the location but the decision to build most of the exterior in cement was a little uninspired. The painted murals that followed the re-brand added a little more life to the place but it still has a very gloomy feel in comparison to many of the other multi-surface, better textured exteriors of the past along with some of the retro-modern mergers that have followed which feel more historic, even if they aren't.
My other issue is that even with the dome open you still feel disconnected from the city of Toronto in a way that isn't there in other ball parks. Maybe some see that as a good thing. The Dome becomes a get-away from downtown within downtown. I can understand that argument but I like those ballparks that let in a little more light (Even if it's filtered by glass) and let you see a little more of the city. Due to how the dome retracts, and the size of the outfield seating, AND the hotel... you still kinda feel like you're inside more than you should with the dome open. I've never stayed in the hotel. I'm sure it's cool. I'm sure it would be a bucket list type of thing to have some fun in there with a special lady while a game is taking place but imagine if the dome retracted more to the left the way Marlins Park retractable dome does, and instead of the hotel you had some character architectural touches like arches combing with some filtered glass, and the view was a little more North East instead of directly North, allowing you to see more of Toronto's downtown skyline in addition to the Tower.
So, in summary:
- More expensive exterior touches and building materials than flat concrete to give the exterior of the building more character
- Grass
- A home plate view that looked more North East toward Toronto's biggest skyscrapers instead of North
- The dome retracting to the left more like Marlins Park (Which I don't like overall but I do like the dome setup better). I realize their retractable dome is 30 years newer in technology so I'm asking a lot here.
- Open air, or pillars, or glass where the hotel currently is to allow more light and skyscraper views through, giving a greater sense of connection to the city of Toronto.
If they had all of those things going for it I think it could be a top 10 ballpark in the league and age far more graciously. Comerica Park is a great example of the old and new coming together in a way that provides modern amenities while still providing a little bit of a retro feel.
