When St. John’s Memorial Stadium was being repurposed and the new Mile One Stadium (now Mile One Centre) being built, there was no shortage of arguments as to the benefit of the latter as a long-term community resource. And in the short term, to minimize the fears of anxious taxpayers over improvident
Decision-making, two occupants for every seat, year round, was the rallying cry.
That such a venue would likely be subsidized beyond mortgage and maintenance obligations, rhetoric notwithstanding, was taken for granted by anyone in the know. As I recall, most of the furor was directed over whether our mini-Colosseum should be built under the Southside Hills (our version of Olympic Cavern Hall in Norway) or closer to the city centre.
I commend the city for not falling into this trap even though their management of the facility through St. John’s Sports and Entertainment has been less than desirable.
But now all the talk is about selling a venue indelibly linked to a modern convention centre to private interests during an economic downturn acerbated by a pandemic. A building less than 20 years old (it opened in May 2001) and requiring annual subsidy is being described as decrepit and in need of major repairs. Its worth is being low-balled in an apparent attempt to get the public on side and supported by some sports media types who appear to be amplifying the private-sector acquisition strategy.
As there was no private-sector interest shown when the structure was initially considered, I can only surmise that acquiring taxpayer equity on the cheap now makes it a worthwhile venture.
I commend the city for not falling into this trap even though their management of the facility through St. John’s Sports and Entertainment has been less than desirable. Hopefully, the current “have not” environment will force the necessary concentration, creativity and assembly of the intellectual resources required to restore this public facility to its original high intentions.
Selling it at a “going out of business” sales price in an economy and city temporarily down on its luck would show a demonstrable lack of vision.
Tom Hawco
St. John’s
