Bill's Journal Entry #23

Stade Olympique (Olympic Stadium)

Date: September 1, 2002

Location: Montreal, Quebec

Opponent: Atlanta Braves

Travel companion: none

Link to my photos

Game Result: Kevin Millwood of the Braves gave up two runs in 5-2/3 innings, and hit a two-run double, leading the Braves to a win. Michael Barrett and Fernando Tatis had RBI hits in the eighth for the Expos to close the score to 5-4, but Julio Franco scored on a wild pitch in the top of the ninth to extend the lead to the eventual 6-4 final score.

Stadium Summary: I've been trying to find the best way to describe the exterior appearance of Olympic Stadium. Here's what I've come up with: First, I need you to picture the architecture of the Tomorrowland section of either of the Disney parks. Think of the odd, curving, spaceship-like structures that the people of the '50s and '60s thought the buildings of today would look like. Second, picture one of those futuristic movies that show a recognizable building or structure of today, aged several thousand years. A good example is the Statue of Liberty at the end of the original "Planet of the Apes". Now combine these two images: Tomorrowland, buried halfway and significantly eroded. You might have a pretty good image of Olympic Stadium.

And the worst part is, the outside is the attractive side. Inside, you have a dark, dreary stadium, with an ugly tarp roof, awful artificial turf, and a confusing scoreboard (confusing even to the French-speaking locals).

I've heard lots of people say that the main reason baseball should leave Montreal is because the fans don't support them. I don't think that's fair. I would find it hard to come out to see any team that played in this stadium, regardless of what city it was in. But regardless of whether baseball leaves Montreal, it must leave Stade Olympique.

Play that made Major League Baseball most resemble a video game: Ever play a baseball simulation video game, have the left fielder able to throw out runners at first, and say, "That never happens in real life"? Well, it happened this afternoon. Rafael Furcal led off the seventh with a sharply hit shot to left for an apparent hit. Orlando Furcal dove for the ball, and threw to first from his knees, to erase the hit.

Best way to avoid being treated rudely by most French-speaking Canadians: One thing I had heard about Montreal prior to my visit is that the French Canadians are as rude as their French European counterparts supposedly are. For the most part, I found this to be an unfair accusation, although I could see how some could see it that way. At the game, though, I got a tip from a primarily-English speaking local on how to avoid this, and it proved to really work. The tip is this: When someone approaches you speaking French, it is not sufficient to simply say that you don't speak French. You should also state that you are American. Why is this important? Canada is supposed to be a completely bilingual country, and all residents are supposed to be able to speak both English and French fluently. This is definitely evident in Quebec, but as you go westward in the country, compliance to this rule diminishes, which does not sit well with many of the French Canadians in Quebec. So if you state that you don't speak French, their assumption is that you are Canadian, but out of compliance with this rule, and you have therefore earned their disdain. However, once you point out you are American, the expectation that you should speak French is lifted, and instead they strive to be gracious hosts. Try it. You'll likely enjoy your visit to Montreal far more!

Best concession item you will never find in an American baseball stadium: Poutine. It's french fries, covered with crumbled cheese (that mostly melts), and brown gravy. Regardless of how you think it sounds, try it! It's a great combination!

Worst seats in the Majors: No, I'm not talking about the view of the game from the seating location. I'm talking about the physical structure you park your rear end in. I'm sure these seats were designed to tie into the 'futuristic' look of the rest of the stadium. But they now just look like something taken out of a 1960's high school classroom. The shape is meant to conform to the shape of your body, but it really doesn't work. And, worst of all, they're unbelievably loud, making a loud clap that echoes through the entire stadium when you fold down the seat. Of course, anytime the Expos are showing signs of a rally, every kid in the place needs to start slamming as many empty seats as they can, which can be quite deafening, even with a small crowd.

Most blatant violation of local law: There were "No Smoking" signs and regulations throughout the concourses of Olympic Stadium, but that didn't seem to stop anyone. In fact, the largest congregations of smokers seemed to be right in front of those signs at the seating-area entrances. But at least they did keep the seating area smoke-free.

As good of a reason as any for an Expos celebration: It was the birthday of Youppi, the Expos mascot. Before the game, there was a big carnival for kids on the field, with plenty of cake. I was told that the phrase "Youppi" (pronounced like the letters "U.P.") is basically a French-Canadian version of "Yippee".

Most pleasant surprise of a city: I came to Montreal really not knowing much about the area. It's in Canada, they speak French, and a couple years ago there was a push for independence. That's about it. Wow, was I in for a pleasant surprise! Montreal was one of the most beautiful cities I visited all year! Montreal proved to be a thoroughly modern city, with what has to be some of the most gorgeous historical architecture in North America. It was like visiting Paris, but with all the Parisians able to understand English. They even have a (slightly smaller) version of Notre Dame Cathedral. If you're looking for a great French vacation without leaving the continent, this should definitely be a consideration!

Stadium grade: F  Get ready, Washington D.C. When this is the alternative, you should have a team quite soon.

Overall grade of my experience at the game: D-  A fairly boring game in an awful park-which seems even worse when contrasted with the wonderful city around it. But again, like in Miami, there's no such thing as an 'F' experience if you get to watch a baseball game.

-- Bill Verkuilen  biggbill@hotmail.com