Alexjc

Scotguy...can you set them up kicking the bejesus out of the London mascots again...Faarken Funny.

It does look like a Thistle though...Probibly why they design the starburst ball that way, giving that CGF pedestal thingy some use...actually it's clever.

WOW that's LOUD!!! ...Still seems ages away though... ...maybe it's the s##t winter we're having!

Pffftt...Pretty much can see which teams are in the semi's already...

More a tongue in cheek comment at the photo...Likewise, I can't see a clean break by Scotland, all very well having oil but they will still need England for everything else. I would expect to see a very 'Scottish' event next year just as they did in 1986.

...Hmmm...Why do I get the funny feeling that next year's CWGs will be a nationalistic political launch pad for devolution?

That's such a cool venue, just such a shame a Scotland National Stadium wasn't built on the docklands site next to it!

Hard to believe that whole area was was a grotty idle (cos everyone was on strike) shipyard, it's a pity they never focused a full on sports precinct for here. Amazing Google Maps still show the arena at basement level of construction.

Don't mind under 16s getting discounts...an investment for the future. BUT Babyboomers??...considering their generation have totally wrecked the world we live in!!!

Ewww Baron!! ...But then Reagan's probibly cryogenically frozen anyway.

I'm just wondering if the Baton relay, CWGs would survive in it's current form outright when the Queen dies - being realistic - within the decade.

That's how it use to be, Buckingham Palace, Heathrow, next host, previous host, host nation, city. All over within three months. And a good quick build up to and a burst of excitment.

Another long relay...anyone else believe that it should go back down to England and the host nation again? Or prehaps previous hosts. It seems the relay has lost it's sparkle since Melbourne started the full Commonwealth tour.

no...move back through the thread for explaination.

I'd like to see RWC move to SA in '23 unless Argentina raises it's hand. There seems to be some kind of prestege about Japan hosting...Clearly the money is still there in corporate Japan and Japan has always made it it to every RWC and got good spectator support...On the field they may be minnows but economically they are giants. Looking at NZ a year on...Apart from ramshackle Eden Park, and stunning Dunedin, there really isn't much of a legacy. Most grounds have gone back to their provincial modes albeit some with a few extra seats...2039 is still a long way off.

Clearly the IRB holding out for Japan in 2019 shows that the RWC will become a major FifaWC sized event from then onwards. I'm just wondering if Tokyo wins the 2020 Olympics, would this be the true reason for refurbishing the Olympic Stadium.

I can only see our three major cities hosting the YOSGs. Auckland, very capable and can use nearby Hamilton for rowing and overflow events. Wellington, youthful and vibrant, would need upgraded facilities and a new velodrome. Christchurch, the 'new' city, centralised facilities all newbuilds and Chc is owed a major event since missing out on RWC11. Winter Games...not that it's noticable could only ever be held in Queenstown, but would need major facilities built. ThThe overall factor disadvantaging NZ is the 'reverse' seasons, but as a third tier event such as the minor Fifa WCs really wouldn't matter?

Speed into the arena in his Astin Martin... Damnitt...Why did I just think of 'Pussy Galore' then!

They have a good track record...Let's hope they focus on Scotland and especially Glasgow. I EXPECT Billy Connelly to be involved in it somewhere!

Oh yeah, major geographical upheaval in a wave motion slumped both main stands and the Hadlee stand which is aready gone. They have plans to implode the stands...Most of the seating has been stripped (some of it's in London) reused at 'Christchurch Stadium' and stored for the 'new' Hagley Oval.

I don't understand what you mean intoronto...The new Christchurch facilities are replacement structures, they are not a want, but a need. They are, technically, downsizing and centralising what were essentially low use structures...For all its iconic status, QEII Park's athletics track was mostly abandond up untill ten years ago. The Pools kept the place going...

A much larger 'Dunedin' permanent cover...They crunched numbers for a moving roof...Just too costly, also the stadium will be rectangle as Cricket is being moved to an enlarged Hagley Oval where plans are to 'drop in' an athletics track.

Are they trimming back?

Agree...It would still favour Auckland as a suitable city...What we ccould be look at is YOSGs. Rols' favorite, a full OWGs is still too far out of reach. But the Covered stadium does open up possibilities. One thing in Chc's favour is the fact it's still seen as the CWGs NZ home city. Auckland's 1990 hosting simply doesn't have the same aura about it. You always see the Chc symbol everywhere while Auckland's has all but vanished.

Dave Currie, Chief de Mission of the NZOC has said Christchurch should aim for the 2026 CWGs as a finishing event for the Rebuilding of the city. He said although the CWGs are larger due to team sports, there is no reason to defer and NZ is long overdue to host again. He also said it would need a strong Government baking for it as at least $3billion would be needed. Last year the Government did mention it was now looking at a future Major event for NZ after the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup...Although they were criticized for not backing Auckland's 2018 bid proposal thus handing the Games to Gold Coast. Dave Currie also said there was probibly a slim chance of bidding for 2022 as they would likely go 'North' or to South Africa if that nation bidded. 2026 would fit in nicely and would be NZ's last chance untill the mid 2030's.