Heritage Classic

[Drivesaitl]

For the 2003 Heritage Classic, ALL tickets were $99 +s/c ($117 all in)
I can assure you if tickets were anywhere close to that this time around, it would have been sold-out long ago. With the median ticket price this time around $350+, it's no wonder why it's not.

117bucks in 2003 equates to 192bucks today as per inflation. The average ticket price for this game is not 350bucks, its 249.

But in terms of lowest prices possible this game is actually cheaper than the 99 minimum in 2003 when inflation is factored in. It isn't a huge price increase, its a huge decrease in interest.

Finally, STH and regular seats for games were cheaper in 2003. There has also been price creep, significant, since, so this is in line with that but the increases are modest compared to overall NHL Oilers ticket pricing increases.

I feel bad for anyone who paid money to go to this game and will spend their energy and time to go to this.

You could give me a pair of front row tickets with VIP experience package and my +1 being Selena Gomez and I would still refuse

I would need an upgrade on that one..

 

[K1984]

117bucks in 2003 equates to 192bucks today as per inflation. The average ticket price for this game is not 350bucks, its 249.

But in terms of lowest prices possible this game is actually cheaper than the 99 minimum in 2003 when inflation is factored in. It isn't a huge price increase, its a huge decrease in interest.

Finally, STH and regular seats for games were cheaper in 2003. There has also been price creep, significant, since, so this is in line with that but the increases are modest compared to overall NHL Oilers ticket pricing increases.


I would need an upgrade on that one..

Source?

 

[Drivesaitl]

Bathrooms and concessions are awful.

Tear it down and build a modern 25,000 seat stadium with modern amenities and better seating. It’s way past its prime.

No, no, no. As a property tax payer I absolutely do not want futher tax increases on my already drastically increasing property tax bill.

ffs why should homeowners have to pay for other peoples wants? I didn't want Rogers Place either and have next to no use for it.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

No, no, no. As a property tax payer I absolutely do not want futher tax increases on my already drastically increasing property tax bill.

ffs why should homeowners have to pay for other peoples wants? I didn't want Rogers Place either and have next to no use for it.

Apparently taxpayers are funding a massive renovation to the dilapidated concrete shell that used less than 14 times per year on a good year. You in favour of that?

I agree taxpayers shouldn't be putting money into a stadium in what seems to be a dying league that is barely used. If private parties built a modern 20-25k football/soccer/concert stadium with modern amenities, seating, parking, etc that would be the ticket. The city could donate the white elephant land that Commonwealth is rapidly becoming, pay for demolition and help with the surrounding infrastructure. But it wont happen so no point.

Looking forward to the game now though. Two struggling teams clash in the Toilet Bowl of Alberta both literally and figuratively. Should be a good old fashioned tilt!

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

If thats the comparison its not a fair one. We live here in the North. With the exception of covered stadiums these are summer operation only. So wouldn't make sense to be building the most expensive stadiums here. Winnipeg is a shit show getting to the stadium. maybe they were getting kinks worked out but we were caught in 90mins of standstill traffic trying to get to that stadium for one of the first games there. Was bedlam. We just gave up as traffic wasn't even moving.

Mosaic isn't all that much and certainly isn't better. BC stadium is basically just BC Place with a facelift. Just as old and it gets cold in there in many areas. Actually a pretty miserable stadium.

Skydome is neat but a lot of people complain about it too. Both Skydome and BC Place suffer from indoor suck syndrome. That on a nice day you'd rather be OUTSIDE than inside. People complain about that in both facilities and the openings are such that most people are sitting in cold shade inside. Doesn't even feel like summer day. Feels like day wasted in those facilities..

As to the "choke points' in the corners theres no need for that to be the case. Commonwealth is setup to be East and West stand independent. The connections are just there for those that would want to visit those on the other side or something. The stands can exist independent of each other but just that cattle people end up getting used to the idea of doing laps of the stadium like hamsters on a wheel. Theres no reason for those choke points to exist or why so many people are doign lol laps of the stadium Just say no and sit down or stay on your side.

The LRT is on one side and is the primary means of getting to and from the game so there will always be a natural choke point at the gate closest to the LRT and both corners on the one side to it as people have to transit over the other side of the stadium.

I nearly got crushed to death at the last Metallica concert and have fond memories of being crushed at many a Western Final in those corners.

I wasn't going to go to the game because I swore I wouldn't ever venture back into the hated Commonwealth. But my son and daughter in law and buddy from Calgary talked me into it. But looking forward to the game now, think the trevails both teams are having will make for a fun game. I hope.

 

[brentashton]

The LRT is on one side and is the primary means of getting to and from the game so there will always be a natural choke point at the gate closest to the LRT and both corners on the one side to it as people have to transit over the other side of the stadium.

I nearly got crushed to death at the last Metallica concert and have fond memories of being crushed at many a Western Final in those corners.

I wasn't going to go to the game because I swore I wouldn't ever venture back into the hated Commonwealth. But my son and daughter in law and buddy from Calgary talked me into it. But looking forward to the game now, think the trevails both teams are having will make for a fun game. I hope.

The bright side is that one of the teams is going to get a win on Sunday.

 

[Drivesaitl]

The LRT is on one side and is the primary means of getting to and from the game so there will always be a natural choke point at the gate closest to the LRT and both corners on the one side to it as people have to transit over the other side of the stadium.

I nearly got crushed to death at the last Metallica concert and have fond memories of being crushed at many a Western Final in those corners.

I wasn't going to go to the game because I swore I wouldn't ever venture back into the hated Commonwealth. But my son and daughter in law and buddy from Calgary talked me into it. But looking forward to the game now, think the trevails both teams are having will make for a fun game. I hope.

I was at the same Metallica concert and it was just fine. just a bit of a jam. As far as people coming in from LRT theres no reason for people to not just walk on the huge area adjacent to stadium to get to the West side bleachers. That would be much faster tahn doing it inside stadium and less long lines to get in.

"Hated commonwealth" heh. Seems like you dislike the place. I have a lot of good memories there.

Most people don't hate the stadium. It doesn't crush people either. heh.

Been to two Grey Cups, Pink Floyd, Bowie X2, U2, Stones etc and several sold out Soccer matches and never had the misfortune of being crushed that you describe. It gets congested, never worse than Rexall was everywhere and the only points it is congested just small areas. Also the South end is less congested than the North.

 

[brentashton]

My brother and I bought tickets for this event for Father's Day. Of course we were both under the impression the team wouldn't be 31st in the league at this point. I don't even really want to go anymore and find myself more interested in the Nickelback concert than the actual game itself.

This might be the last game my father sees in person.

I'm sorry, dad. f*** this team.

You and I joust a bit with each other but I mean this with all respect, regardless of the teams’ play and standings, what a great memory you are making with your Dad. Enjoy the time with him and your brother.

The game is just a “bonus”.

 

[Drivesaitl]

The bright side is that one of the teams is going to get a win on Sunday.

But it won't feel that way.

Both clubs are in hotwater even if they get a W.

Its gotta be real annoying to the Oilers that they are in this freefall and now they have to play this gimmick game in a made up rink with terrible ice and days of snowfall. The ice is gonna be shit. Not to mention the boards are different, dimensions may even feel different, nothing familiar, and the teams needs a win badly.

Worst possible timing for this game.

I guess this is the pregame thread now. lol that there were only 2 pages to a thread that had been here weeks.

 

[bellagiobob]

The LRT is on one side and is the primary means of getting to and from the game so there will always be a natural choke point at the gate closest to the LRT and both corners on the one side to it as people have to transit over the other side of the stadium.

I nearly got crushed to death at the last Metallica concert and have fond memories of being crushed at many a Western Final in those corners.

I wasn't going to go to the game because I swore I wouldn't ever venture back into the hated Commonwealth. But my son and daughter in law and buddy from Calgary talked me into it. But looking forward to the game now, think the trevails both teams are having will make for a fun game. I hope.

Back in the day when there were regularly 50K+ in the stadium, you didn't have to go into the corners to get crushed, just going to the bathroom at halftime did the trick. Especially during the playoffs, when it was usually bitterly cold, and even if you didn't have to pee, you went to the can just to warm up. And if you were lucky enough to get in, you stayed as long as you could, to thaw out for a few minutes.

 

[Drivesaitl]

You and I joust a bit with each other but I mean this with all respect, regardless of the teams’ play and standings, what a great memory you are making with your Dad. Enjoy the time with him and your brother.

The game is just a “bonus”.

Hopefully their dad isn't like my TV punching dad. Going to games with him wasn't always such a treat. heh. RIP. but man he had a temper. Took mom RIP to a game once. She swore at every Oilers D at least once. Like one looked up hearing her.... I come from special stock. lol At least mom and dad were a match for each other. When they started yelling the house would shake..they were human megaphones. Could be heard for a mile probably...

Dad refused to go to games anymore when ticketprices shotup. I get it, we're both fiscal conservative but just so much easier to watch games on HDTV now. Sharp vision, good sound, decent camerawork most of the time. Going to games now is just the frustration of people standing up or getting up all the time or standing to take selfies or standing just because they're stupid f***s. I don't even enjoy it anymore.

Used to be that the best way to watch a game was to go to it. Its sure not the case now, and especially at Cavernous Commonwealth. From row 84 it would look like ants running around. Stomp those red ants. bastards hehe

 

[K1984]

Back in the day when there were regularly 50K+ in the stadium, you didn't have to go into the corners to get crushed, just going to the bathroom at halftime did the trick. Especially during the playoffs, when it was usually bitterly cold, and even if you didn't have to pee, you went to the can just to warm up. And if you were lucky enough to get in, you stayed as long as you could, to thaw out for a few minutes.

Rookie mistake haha

At least for me warming up at half time was a kiss of death for the second half. Just as your body acclimatizes to the cold it gets warm, then gets shocked into cold again. Any time I've warmed up at half time I've been a shivering mess for the rest of the game.

 

[brentashton]

But it won't feel that way.

Both clubs are in hotwater even if they get a W.

Its gotta be real annoying to the Oilers that they are in this freefall and now they have to play this gimmick game in a made up rink with terrible ice and days of snowfall. The ice is gonna be shit. Not to mention the boards are different, dimensions may even feel different, nothing familiar, and the teams needs a win badly.

Worst possible timing for this game.

I guess this is the pregame thread now. lol that there were only 2 pages to a thread that had been here weeks.

Yes agreed that neither teams wants in on this hokey, Bettman extravaganza. I’m thinking even the NHL doesn’t want this kind of a showcase for their sport/league, two northern Canada outposts that are basically awful this year slugging it out.

Something has to go right for the Oilers, maybe this is the turn for them.

Aaaahhh, ever the optimist.

 

[bellagiobob]

Rookie mistake haha

At least for me warming up at half time was a kiss of death for the second half. Just as your body acclimatizes to the cold it gets warm, then gets shocked into cold again. Any time I've warmed up at half time I've been a shivering mess for the rest of the game.

I can still picture one brutally cold playoff game, I finally made it to the can, everyone is dressed head to toe in their winter gear, and there was this young kid, maybe 16 years old, one of the outdoor concession sellers, in his tshirt, jeans and runners, sitting on the floor, clutching his popcorn tray, basically frozen in place.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Amateurs complaining about the cold at Commonwealth. Last Grey Cup was 25below in the sun. Was glorious if properly dressed, and if one happened to bring along a mickie of Dark Rum antifreeze to mix with the coke (please hold the ice)

Unlike urban myths the rum keeps you warm long enough to last through the event prior you don't consume it all in the first quarter. It also makes a Grey Cup game between the Riders and Als a whole lot more enjoyable, trust me.

The only piss off, literally was that none of the LRT stations had washrooms that were open. We watered a few trees at Century park and I was worried about opening up the zipper in -35 windchill. hadn't done that too many times. Had to line up properly with the wind direction obviously. Theres science to it..

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Amateurs complaining about the cold at Commonwealth. Last Grey Cup was 25below in the sun. Was glorious if properly dressed, and if one happened to bring along a mickie of Dark Rum antifreeze to mix with the coke (please hold the ice)

Unlike urban myths the rum keeps you warm long enough to last through the event prior you don't consume it all in the first quarter. It also makes a game between the Riders and Als a whole lot more enjoyable, trust me.

The only piss off, literally was that none of the LrT stations had washrooms that were open. We watered a few trees at Century park and I was worried about opening up the zipper in -35 windchill. hadn't done that too many times. Had to line up properly with the wind obviously. Theres science to it..

I went to the last grey cup and I was freezing my ass off.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I went to the last grey cup and I was freezing my ass off.

You weren't drinking the Dark Rum. Thats the whole problem. heh. Rum is medicine. Just sneak one in inner lining of parka or in boots or something. If worried about getting one mickie in just have a bunch of airplane size bottles stuffed away somewhere... Bet they can't find all of them...

Yeah it was cold. Randy Bachman was halftime afairc. I got stomping around to his music and that warmed us up as well. its good stomping music, his hits and BTO. heh The game was kind of boring. Had entertainment razzing the AL's fans but they got the last laugh winning. f***ers. heh

ps longjohns. Gotta have em. Makes sitting down on frozen seats so much more enjoyable. Good to have a large quilt too, large enough to stick under your bum and around your body. its optional but it makes things warm and cozy. Better if a wife or GF around, then it can get steamier..

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

You weren't drinking the Dark Rum. Thats the whole problem. heh. Rum is medicine. Just sneak one in inner lining of parka or in boots or something. If worried about getting one mickie in just have a bunch of airplane size bottles stuffed away somewhere... Bet they can't find all of them...

Yeah it was cold. Randy Bachman was halftime afairc. I got stomping around to his music and that warmed us up as well. its good stomping music, his hits and BTO. heh The game was kind of boring. Had entertainment razzing the AL's fans but they got the last laugh winning. f***ers. heh

Me at half time. Beers didn’t help.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Me at half time. Beers didn’t help.

Cold beer is definitely the wrong fuel my friend. hehe. Rum is the particular recommendation. The Darker and stronger the better.

Good citation though. best movie of alltime.

 

[brentashton]

Amateurs complaining about the cold at Commonwealth. Last Grey Cup was 25below in the sun. Was glorious if properly dressed, and if one happened to bring along a mickie of Dark Rum antifreeze to mix with the coke (please hold the ice)

Unlike urban myths the rum keeps you warm long enough to last through the event prior you don't consume it all in the first quarter. It also makes a Grey Cup game between the Riders and Als a whole lot more enjoyable, trust me.

The only piss off, literally was that none of the LRT stations had washrooms that were open. We watered a few trees at Century park and I was worried about opening up the zipper in -35 windchill. hadn't done that too many times. Had to line up properly with the wind direction obviously. Theres science to it..

Lol.

Me and Mrs Brent were at that game too.

We dressed smartly/appropriately being that we both are avid outdoors people and did a lot of winter outdoor activities at that time in our lives. We had also brought an old quilt to layer over us as well. (Strictly for warmth there was zero funny shit going on under that cover in those temps!!).

After the game as we headed to the LRT in the mob of disappointed green humanity, there was a lady, older than me at the time, wearing jeans, a shirt and a jean jacket. No toque, mitts or other winter garments. Nice Canadian tuxedo for Canada’s Football Party but wholly inappropriate for what she had just sat through. She was at the point that she was shivering convulsively. I actually thought about getting her back to the stadium and EMTs but we’d be like salmon swimming upstream at that point. I took our quilt and wrapped her in it and told her to get home as fast as she could and I wished her well.
2 days later I saw a letter to the editor in the Journal where she thanked the anonymous couple that had come to her aid. Of course me being a rabid newspaper reader, saw the letter and knew it was her. I didn’t care about the accolades, I was just happy to know that she was well and I assumed hadn’t succumbed to severe frostbite, loss of body parts, pneumonia etc..

To this day I still wonder what went through her brain to think that her attire was going to be sufficient for 4 plus hours sitting in those temps.

I don’t think I warmed up until Vermilion myself.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

I was at the same Metallica concert and it was just fine. just a bit of a jam. As far as people coming in from LRT theres no reason for people to not just walk on the huge area adjacent to stadium to get to the West side bleachers. That would be much faster tahn doing it inside stadium and less long lines to get in.

"Hated commonwealth" heh. Seems like you dislike the place. I have a lot of good memories there.

Most people don't hate the stadium. It doesn't crush people either. heh.

Been to two Grey Cups, Pink Floyd, Bowie X2, U2, Stones etc and several sold out Soccer matches and never had the misfortune of being crushed that you describe. It gets congested, never worse than Rexall was everywhere and the only points it is congested just small areas. Also the South end is less congested than the North.

They should put you in charge of crowd control. I have nearly been crushed twice there, at Metallica and at a West Final in total gridlock. Your experience doesn't mean I didn't have my experience but you always talk as if your experience is the one and only experience anyone should have had.

I have been to all of those events you mention and a half a million CFL games as I used to be a STH to the Eskimos before I lost interest in the CFL. Hated Commonwealth then. Hate it now. Anyway, enjoy watching the game from the comfort of the couch. I will try to avoid being crushed as per other past experiences there and try to enjoy an Oilers win!

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

Hopefully their dad isn't like my TV punching dad. Going to games with him wasn't always such a treat. heh. RIP. but man he had a temper. Took mom RIP to a game once. She swore at every Oilers D at least once. Like one looked up hearing her.... I come from special stock. lol At least mom and dad were a match for each other. When they started yelling the house would shake..they were human megaphones. Could be heard for a mile probably...

Dad refused to go to games anymore when ticketprices shotup. I get it, we're both fiscal conservative but just so much easier to watch games on HDTV now. Sharp vision, good sound, decent camerawork most of the time. Going to games now is just the frustration of people standing up or getting up all the time or standing to take selfies or standing just because they're stupid f***s. I don't even enjoy it anymore.

Used to be that the best way to watch a game was to go to it. Its sure not the case now, and especially at Cavernous Commonwealth. From row 84 it would look like ants running around. Stomp those red ants. bastards hehe

My dad has loved the Oilers since day one, but times have changed. As he would say,

“Marriage is like a bath, after a while it’s not so hot.”

 

[rickysusedsht]

I’ve read the football stadiums in Regina and Winnipeg are great and BC Place is nice. But compared to the football stadiums in the US it is brutal.

Commonwealth has choke points on the concourse corners which we will see Sunday where with large crowds the congestion is so bad you don’t move and get crushed.

Bathrooms and concessions are awful.

Tear it down and build a modern 25,000 seat stadium with modern amenities and better seating. It’s way past its prime.

Been to a few Rider games ...even the cheap seats are awesome 40.00 for these

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

 

[Kerberos]

Is Jack Michaels delusional? Who, exactly, is anticipating this game between two terrible teams?