I don't think the Riverhounds stadium is the worst idea in the world. While a centrally located riverfront, that is a somewhat awkwardly narrow site for development. And given the tight financing environment, our collective dream of Station Square condo towers may never materialize.
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Originally Posted by themaguffin
it's not reserve NIMBYism.
There are countless places to put a field like that. There is NO reason to put it there.
Conversely, that is prime land for centralized, smart urban, housing, or office space.. or both.
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There are plenty of reasons to place it there... especially when you think about it from the perspective of the Riverhounds.
1. Station Square is an entertainment complex. PNC Park and Heinz Field are just across the river... so this fits in with a riverfront "stadium district".
2. While there are "countless places" to put a field... few places insert the anonymous Riverhounds into the collective consciousness of Pittsburgh like a highly-visible riverfront stadium next to Downtown and the confluence. The rivers, downtown skyline and Station Square amenities will be instrumental in driving attendance in what is to date an untested soccer market. This will be huge for the growth of the Riverhounds franchise... and 3,500 seats is probably too conservative.
3. It's another pleasant diversion destination for Pittsburghers... adding to quality of life and riverfront revitalization... and should contribute to businesses in Station Square and elsewhere in the vicinity.
4. It's a dramatic improvement over what is there now. Who knows how long we'd have to wait for the macroeconomic climate to get back to normal?