Downtown!

Last night I went to an Ottawa Senators game. They won. It was fun. I've been before, I'll go again. I'm a big sports fan.

The Senator's play at Canadian Tire Centre, located in Kanata. If you are not familiar with the geography, Kanata is a part of Ottawa, in the west end, outside the green belt. In fact, it is pretty much the first thing you see when you drive into Ottawa from the west on the 417.

The arena is pretty good but it doesn't have the atmosphere of Montreal or Winnipeg. The crowd always takes a while to get warmed up and people are quick to get out of there. 

I think the issue is the arena is not downtown.

The team is competitive. The facilities and sight-lines are good. The beer is cold. However, it takes about forty minutes to get there from downtown in game traffic. If you live in the east end of the city, it's even longer. The trip to the game kills some of the enthusiasm. I'm not condoning binge drinking but a lot of people don't have a beer because they have to drive home. It leaves the what could be a great experience at the good level.

Now, the National Capital Commission has asked for proposals for an area of Ottawa known as Lebreton Flats. There are two proposals left, both with a NHL calibre arena.

Very Exciting.

The debates have started, as they should. 

The land is owned by the federal government and thus should benefit all Canadians. The current area is only twenty years old and doesn't need replacement yet. All the usual stuff.

Here's my two cents.

Professional sports arenas work downtown for so many reasons. 

Downtown is central and it shortens the trip for many patrons. Downtown is walkable which is healthy and good for the environment. People who work downtown can remain downtown after work and go to the game. It helps businesses in the area. (There is almost nothing around the current arena in the way of retail or entertainment.) If you are walking to the game you are more likely to have a couple of tasty beverages before and during the game. It loosens you up and the crowd gets into the game. After the game, local establishments are full of like minded folks having a pint or two.

Beyond hockey, a downtown area is great for other events. It sits within the community and can be the centrepiece for festivals and cultural events. People coming to our city for events can see the best part of town not a suburb outside the green belt. 

The debate will rage on and eventually a decision will be made. Then there will be all the construction. But, I think this plot of land should have an area on it. 

I'm not going to lie, I live walking distance from Lebreton Flats and that may be influencing my position.