[direwolf74]

I really don't know if they COULD sell out the corel center... they haven't even sold out the civic center yet... there are still first bowl tickets available!

Same thing with the Saddledome here in Cowtown. All of the floor seats are sold out, but there are still plenty of upper and lower bowl tickets available. I hate to say it, but with the exception of Toronto and Hamilton, they just can't sell out the big rinks anymore. Five years ago they'd be playing no less than 2-3 dates in each city with each show selling out within minutes, but those days are obviously gone. In my opinion, the success of the IVL tour proved that smaller venues/theatres is where this band belongs now. Not only is the sound and lighting in these venues much better, but it's also a better way for the fans to experience the Hip's increasingly sophisticated sound. And of course my favorite thing about theatre shows is that the drunken crowd-surfing/stupidness factor is significantly toned down, which is as great for Gord and the band as it is for us. I was really surprised when they announced that they'd be doing arenas again this year.