Any local areas suitable for a 200 000 people concert?

Cre47 · #1 Posted: **Jul 20, 2008, 3:47 PM**

As Paul McCartney will held a concert in front of 200 000 people today in Quebec, this event has sparked me a question. Is there a location in the Ottawa-Gatineau area that could be suitable for a concert with 200 000+ spectators?

In Gatineau, there is one location that could be suitable for a very large corridor which is the La Baie Park the site of the Hot Air Balloon Festival. It had concerts with 70 000 to 80 000 in the past and that is despite that the area where the balloons are launched is not open for more spectators. In addition, I'm not sure if there are spectators behind the scene unless there is a giant screen. I think the Park can easily hold well over 100 000 people.

In Ottawa, I'm thinking of Lebreton Falls, but the location will be filled out in the long range. Although, I think it could easily hold at least 100 000 in one shot, although closing the Transitway and the Parkway at the same time possibly.

Are there any other location for a large scale concert similar to today's in Quebec.

Rathgrith · #2 Posted: **Jul 20, 2008, 4:14 PM**

Well seeing as Sir Paul is full of hot Air, I think the Hot Air Balloon Festival would be a perfect time and place for him to perform.

c_speed3108 · #3 Posted: **Jul 20, 2008, 5:32 PM**

A few ideas come to mind:

-The old Rockcliffe Air Force base (would need some site preparations, but do-able)

-Take a big stab of Greenbelt somewhere.

-Probably any airfield if the place was shut down (to air traffic)

-Anywhere in Rural Ottawa.

Mille Sabords · #4 Posted: **Jul 21, 2008, 1:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rathgrith

Well seeing as Sir Paul is full of hot Air, I think the Hot Air Balloon Festival would be a perfect time and place for him to perform.

Mille Sabords · #5 Posted: **Jul 21, 2008, 1:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_speed3108

A few ideas come to mind:

-The old Rockcliffe Air Force base (would need some site preparations, but do-able)

-Take a big stab of Greenbelt somewhere.

-Probably any airfield if the place was shut down (to air traffic)

-Anywhere in Rural Ottawa.

Or without ever leaving downtown:

- Parliament Hill (I'm still shaking my head over the Feds' arrogance in saying no to the Live8 concert and then giving it to Toronto FOR FREE, without even picking up the phone and asking Ottawa City Hall if they would maybe like to take a stab at hosting it somewhere else...)

- At the top of Elgin Street, with the stage in front of the National War Memorial and 200,000 people on the street itself all the way to Laurier. With big screens on the NAC's blank walls for those far away.

Acajack · #6 Posted: **Jul 22, 2008, 1:17 PM**

In the 1970s, I believe that Rideau-Carleton Raceway was used as the site for a huge concert by the Eagles. I can’t recall how many people were there, but I think it was probably the largest “paid”, non-festival concert in Ottawa history.

Cre47 · #7 Posted: **Jul 22, 2008, 3:00 PM**

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=...,0.021286&z=15

That could have been another potential area if we remove all the tall grass and make it a public place. I'm wondering though what would be the capacity for the future Square de la Cite which is still not completed - right near the sports complex (currently only some ground work was done now) and the future Transit corridor.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=...05322&t=h&z=17

Outside Scotiabank Place may be another option - occupying part of the parking area it would only work if the Transitway can finally be extended to there.

Acajack · #8 Posted: **Jul 24, 2008, 8:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cre47

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=...,0.021286&z=15

That could have been another potential area if we remove all the tall grass and make it a public place. I'm wondering though what would be the capacity for the future Square de la Cite which is still not completed - right near the sports complex (currently only some ground work was done now) and the future Transit corridor.

Actually, the base and overhang for the stage are now up, as is the small building that will house I guess the technical equipment (sound, lighting, etc.) It looks like the base for the skating rink and some hardcaping (large rocks) are being done as well.

This will not be a place for very large crowds, and might actually be smaller than Place des Festivals (Festival Square?) in front of Ottawa City Hall.