|
|
MARKHAM FAN SITTING IN ON
TORONTO HOCKEY HISTORY The 42-year-old Unionville resident has been a season ticket holder for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 1978, and has many fond memories of his times spent in supporting the boys in blue and white, through thick and thin, in the fabled facility at 60 Carlton Street. Any sad thoughts, though, will likely be shortlived.
Just seven days after the Maple Leafs finish business at the 67-year-old hockey shrine, Bremner will be in the stands at the gala opening of the team's new home at the Air Canada Centre. MARKHAM MAN IS SAD TO SEE MAPLE
LEAF GARDENS CLOSE, BUT WAS IMPRESSED BY TORONTO'S NEWEST SPORTS PLAYGROUND After visiting the 665,000-square-foot building, which is being developed on the old Canada Post delivery building site near Yonge Street and the Gardiner Expressway, Bremner came away with a good feeling for the $260-million project that will accomodate 18,800 spectators for the Maple Leafs and 19,800 for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association. Attending his first Maple Leafs game when he was 10-years of age, Bremner confessed he will miss the atmosphere of Maple Leaf Gardens on game nights. But he conceded it has gone the way of the dinosaur when it comes to staging professional sports and entertainment events. "A lot of people say that new is not always positive. But a change is needed and this (Air Canada Centre) looks pretty nice," said Bremner, who is president of Restoration Environmental Contractors. "There's a lot of tradition behind the Gardens. We will leave behind a connection with the past glories. Maple Leaf Gardens is a part of Canadian heritage. It's a great old building." "But this will be refreshing. Now we have a new venue for other events like rock concerts and skating shows," added Bremner. Prior to setting foot in the centre, Bremner was aware of the negative press the new building has received from some long-time Maple Leafs season ticket subscribers, voicing displeasure over the reallocation of their seats. Bremner said he could sympathize with those individuals. He was, however, quick to point out times have changed in the sports business. As president of the Markham Waxers Junior A franchise, Bremner understands the finances involved in operating a sports team. Professional sports, he said, is now a big business and those wishing to watch an event must pay the price. "Obviously everyone won't be happy," he said. "There were people who had seats at the Gardens since 1931 (whe Maple Leaf Gardens opened). But the people at the Air Canada Centre have done (the reallocation) the best way they could under the circumstances." "Don't forget that player salaries have escalated. When (Harold) Ballard owned the Leafs a top guy like Borje Salming was paid maybe $300,000 a year. Now a top player might get close to $3 million a year. Management had to do something. Originally they were talking about license fees for each ticket." "Instead, a lot of people might be knocked back 9, 10 or 11 rows now. But it's done in a fair way. Don't forget the Blue Jays do it with their club seats," he said. An owner of golds and greens at Maple Leaf Gardens, Bremner had no qualms with his relocated seats. In addition to having a good view of the action, Bremner was impressed with the new upholstered seats, which measure 19-inches in width and possess more leg room than the 14-inch seats at Maple Leaf Gardens. Bremner was also relieved to hear that the new building will be air conditioned and have a state-of-the-art video replay scoreboard.
"People don't talke about good things. They often talk about the negative part. But I think there's a lot of positive things." Maple Leaf Gardens will always be special, though, said Bremner. "People who love hockey will have a soft spot for the Gardens. It's the last old building and plenty of great teams and players played there. I'm sure (the Air Canada Centre) won't feel the same as the Gardens. But it won't be a negative. I think they're doing a first-class job." The only thing needed now, Bremner said, is for the Maple Leafs to field a team that can contend in a new division that includes the Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. That's something that has not been done in a few years. "I hope the Leafs do well and I hope management does a good job. Let's make the playoffs."
|
