http://www.blueandgold.ca/

Stadium & Multi-Sport Complex Achieves Major Milestone

April 2, 2009 – Construction of world-class athletic and recreation venues at the University of Manitoba (UM), including a new stadium for both the Blue Bombers and the Bisons, took another major step forward today following the signing of key agreements.

The financial core of the deal includes a $100 million plus private sector investment that significantly alleviates the load on taxpayers due to the retail development and economic engine at Polo Park. The project will also provide an important economic stimulus for Manitoba in terms of creating an estimated 1,468 person-years of employment and $26.2 million in new tax revenues. Signed agreements will provide for:

* $35 million in joint support from the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba. Federal funding will be strictly limited to the amateur and community sport venues
* Acquisition of Winnipeg Blue Bombers with change in ownership slated for early 2010
* Multi-year land lease by UM, subject to final approval by its Board of Governors
* Sale of existing stadium site at fair market value, subject to final approval by City Council

The exhaustive team effort, which follows two years of negotiations, clears the way for final approvals by City Council and the UM Board of Governors. It will also allow Creswin to tackle the final challenge of securing retail tenants for the project’s sister development at Polo Park.

“We’re at third and goal thanks to the determination of all our partners,” said David Asper, “plus we have an outstanding short yardage team at Creswin that will push us to victory.”

The retail marketing, leasing and financing phase, already underway, will conclude in September and be followed by financing and construction tendering with closing of the deal as early as February 2010. Other anticipated key dates in the project timeline include:

* Final stadium architectural and engineering design process – immediate
* New stadium site preparation and landscaping work – fall 2009
* Shovels in ground on new stadium – spring 2010
* Construction of phase 1 retail at existing site – spring 2010
* Stadium construction substantially complete – spring 2011
* Demolition of existing stadium site and construction of phase 2 retail – spring 2011
* Opening of new stadium – football season 2011
* Substantial completion of phase 3 retail at existing site – summer 2013

COMMUNITY INTEREST FULLY PROTECTED:

The community will be protected by a Community Interest Agreement (CIA) guaranteeing the team’s home in Winnipeg, in perpetuity. To represent the community and ensure all agreements are adhered to, a not-for-profit corporation entitled the Winnipeg Football Club Stakeholders (WFCS) has been established with its Board consisting of two members each from the Province, City, WFC and Creswin.

The WFCS will be the ultimate owner of the new stadium and will have, as its mandate, the authority to provide broad oversight and monitoring of the new facilities and corporate structure to ensure the Bombers stay in Winnipeg and operate as a community-minded organization.

“We are pleased to support this project,” said Manitoba Premier Gary Doer. “When the overall development is complete, it will be a huge vote of confidence in our economy and will ensure the Bombers stay a strong and active part of our community and national identity.”

Ken Hildahl, Chair of the Board of the Winnipeg Football Club echoed the Premier’s comments. “Once finalized, this opens up a whole new era of stability and prominence for the Blue Bombers in Manitoba and across Canada,” he said. “During these lengthy negotiations, we believe we have served the community well with agreements that ensure the Bombers forever remain a lasting legacy, right here in Winnipeg.”

BEST IN CLASS ATHLETIC FACILITIES:

Once complete, the facilities, which include the new stadium, refurbished University Stadium and new fitness centre, will be transformational for the University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus according to President, Dr. David Barnard.

“In terms of critical mass, this development will allow us to build on the strengths of the Max Bell Centre, Investors Group Athletic Centre and new indoor soccer complex,” he said,
“and help transform the University into a year-round sport and recreation destination. This will position us as a leader in athletic and community development across Canada and provide many synergistic opportunities for our institution, our students and the community.”

Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said a new stadium and additional sports venues are long overdue. “Not only will Winnipeggers benefit tremendously from these new facilities that guarantee a future home for our Winnipeg Blue Bombers,” he said, “but the new retail at the existing site is projected to generate millions annually in new municipal taxes. I’d say that’s a win-win for all.”

In closing, Asper reflected on the more than two year journey since he initially presented the Board of the WFC with a proposal to construct a new stadium. “While we won’t be able to call the new facility ‘the house that Jack built’, one thing is for sure – when it happens, it’ll have a new name - ‘the house we all built’.”

The new 30,000 seat, fan-friendly stadium (expandable to 45,000 seats) will be constructed on a 20 acre site within the sports precinct at the intersection of University Crescent and Chancellor Matheson Drive at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus.

About damn time, WPG!

CanadInns is a hole, plain and simple.

^Agreed.

The present Winnipeg Bluebomber stadium:

http://www.astroturfusa.com/resources/images/HPFields/Winnepeg_Canada.jpg

The new home of the Winnipeg Bluebombers and University of Manitoba Bisons football teams:

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/picstadium.jpg

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/uofm_cresent.jpg

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/site.jpg

Bombers!

http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca/uploads/profile_file/thumb.main.file_15.jpg

Bisons!

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04DfaK6c9O0eG/610x.jpg

http://www.astroturfusa.com/resources/images/HPFields/Winnepeg_Canada.jpg
http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca/uploads/profile_file/thumb.main.file_15.jpg
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04DfaK6c9O0eG/610x.jpg

weired 2nd tier
http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/site.jpg

weired 2nd tier
http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/site.jpg

The lower bowl is a sunken bowl. I believe the gaps in the upper bowl reveal the ground level concourse that wraps around the stadium. It also allows for capacity upgrades for playoff games and for hosting a Grey Cup.

This stadium is expandable to 45,000 seats from 30,000.

How is the new Blue Bombers Stadium expandable to 45,000?

How is the new Blue Bombers Stadium expandable to 45,000?


I'd like to know too, but they don't seem to be making that information public. I searched for about 3 hours trying to get some details, but I couldn't find any. Judging by the images released so far, 15,000 seats would entail a 50% increase in capacity. I don't see where they are going to put that amount of seating unless what is shown represents 45,000.

I'd like to know too, but they don't seem to be making that information public. I searched for about 3 hours trying to get some details, but I couldn't find any. Judging by the images released so far, 15,000 seats would entail a 50% increase in capacity. I don't see where they are going to put that amount of seating unless what is shown represents 45,000.
Wasn't the original capacity to be 40,000?

How is the new Blue Bombers Stadium expandable to 45,000?

I would guess that implied upper deck includes the 45,000 seat expansion, keep in mind how big a CFL field is.

it hosted panam 99

Wasn't the original capacity to be 40,000?

I believe so.

Very funky stadium. I like it.

The official sod turning ceremony occurred on May 20th. Looks like Winnipeg will get its new football stadium after all. Capacity will be 33,000 expandable to 40,000 for big events like the Grey Cup. Here are renders of the final design:

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/final1.jpg
http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/final2.jpg
photos courtesy of blueandgold.ca

The seating plan still calls for the a complete lower bowl below grade, and an upper tier running between the end zones. I imagine the extra 7,000 seats will be attained by adding seats in this upper bowl in the end zone areas.

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/club_sec.jpg

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/upper_deck_4.jpg

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/main_concourse_1.jpg

yes, funky or strange... i like modern stadiums, but instead of this it is better even a classic one! :) the designer was pretty drunk when he made it or was a woman... what is that? an umbrella? :))

Whats the latest on this stadium? Anybody in Winnipeg with a camera?

Whats the latest on this stadium? Anybody in Winnipeg with a camera?

This thread should be in the Under Construction tab. Excavation for the bowl has started...

http://www.blueandgold.ca/

Id rather they didn't build this stadium. They are building it where the outdoor soccer fields and tennis courts at UofM used to be. And they aren't building new fields until next year at a location farther from the core of the university.

I think it'll be an eyesore as well.

Id rather they didn't build this stadium. They are building it where the outdoor soccer fields and tennis courts at UofM used to be. And they aren't building new fields until next year at a location farther from the core of the university.

I think it'll be an eyesore as well.

Yep good reason to not build a stadium? Just be thankful Winnipeg IS getting a stadium.

Yep good reason to not build a stadium? Just be thankful Winnipeg IS getting a stadium.Why should I be thankful? I have no interest in the Blue Bombers or american football whatsoever. I'd rather them build it farther away from me so I wouldn't have to care.

Why should I be thankful? I have no interest in the Blue Bombers or american football whatsoever. I'd rather them build it farther away from me so I wouldn't have to care.
Canadian football*

Why should I be thankful? I have no interest in the Blue Bombers or american football whatsoever. I'd rather them build it farther away from me so I wouldn't have to care.

Think what you like, but the stadium is being built and the city will benefit from it. If you don't like it fine, but no one really cares.

I for one can't wait for this stadium to be built and wait with anticipation.

STADIUM CONSTRUCTION WEBCAM

Watch the live feed from the construction webcam for the new football stadium between Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

http://www.bluebombers.com/page/construction-webcam

The official sod turning ceremony occurred on May 20th. Looks like Winnipeg will get its new football stadium after all. Capacity will be 33,000 expandable to 40,000 for big events like the Grey Cup. Here are renders of the final design:

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/final1.jpg
http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/final2.jpg
photos courtesy of blueandgold.ca

The seating plan still calls for the a complete lower bowl below grade, and an upper tier running between the end zones. I imagine the extra 7,000 seats will be attained by adding seats in this upper bowl in the end zone areas.

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/club_sec.jpg

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/upper_deck_4.jpg

http://www.blueandgold.ca/images/stories/sodturning/main_concourse_1.jpg

It kinda reminds me of a smaller version of Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, Al; Auburn University),

It kinda reminds me of a smaller version of Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, Al; Auburn University),

i don't really see it, but .........

Other the both having two level sidelines and single level ends I don't know how they could look more different.

Any updates on construction?

I heard that the project has stalled due to conflicts over which design to finally go with.

Webcam page shows first concrete pour was today, links to some pictures

http://www.bluebombers.com/page/construction-webcam

^^Cool!

Will the Blue Bombers' new home get naming rights?

I shudder to think that Rogers would put its name on another sports facility.:ohno:

Progress as of April 17th

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/05/StadiumAerial_forwebsite4617.jpg

Will the Blue Bombers' new home get naming rights?

And where is this new stadium being built in relation to the location of Canad Inns Stadium?

It's quite far away on the campus of the University of Manitoba. I believer the campus is south east of downtown.

^^That doesn't sound good.

How about naming rights?

^^That doesn't sound good.

How about naming rights?

The stadium is south of the downtown by about 10 km. Right on the University grounds. a Good location for most of the city, just a bit awkward for people on the northern side. But then the old stadium wasn't anymore centrally located.

Love the fact that pro and university sports can coexist in this facility. No so in many cities and stadiums these days.

Agree. Will be great for both football teams. It's nice to see a football specific facility get built in Canada. Too many of them have athletics tracks, or as is the case in Toronto, is a baseball park that hosts football.

Isn't this a 33,000 seater though?

^^Cool!

Will the Blue Bombers' new home get naming rights?

I shudder to think that Rogers would put its name on another sports facility.:ohno:

Welcome to Rogers' University of Manitoba Stadium!

The Week of August 1, 2011
http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/08/DAV306414119.jpg

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/08/DAV307024228.jpg

Both courtesy of the Canadian Football League

Any word on possible naming rights?

30000? I thought CFL was supposed to be more popular in western Canada. But Winnipeg is a small city. Cant expect them to draw 50000+.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_No9RcUMNZNM/S7s1xQ_lQ9I/AAAAAAAAI54/V0yUn3BWwGk/s1600/490a0ea.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_No9RcUMNZNM/TQEPa8lu34I/AAAAAAAAL1k/M6UloxYo4_U/s1600/14a8_stadium31.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_No9RcUMNZNM/TQEPa8lu34I/AAAAAAAAL1k/M6UloxYo4_U/s1600/14a8_stadium31.jpg
The exact opposite - this is the initial design that has been changed :)

Supports start to rise:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/trebor204/IMG_6814.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/trebor204/IMG_6834.jpg
Courtesy of trebor204

30000? I thought CFL was supposed to be more popular in western Canada. But Winnipeg is a small city. Cant expect them to draw 50000+.

Yeah, there are only 750,000 in the whole metropolitan area. The thread title says 30,000 seats, but it's a little off. The real capacity will be 33,422 with the ability to expand to 40,000 seats. The Bombers sold out their last 2 home games in 29,553 seat CanadInns Stadium, so it looks likely that this new stadium will sell out as well. Perhaps, they may even have to reconfigure the stadium at the 40,000 seat capacity. Would be nice!

The exact opposite - this is the initial design that has been changed :)

I believe 'adeaide' has it right. That 1st render is the old one. The stadium they are building will look close to the 2nd render he posted.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_No9RcUMNZNM/TQEPa8lu34I/AAAAAAAAL1k/M6UloxYo4_U/s1600/14a8_stadium31.jpg

Hard to believe that they will be able to fit a stadium like that on a college campus.:eek:

I believe 'adeaide' has it right. That 1st render is the old one. The stadium they are building will look close to the 2nd render he posted.
Nope, not really. I contacted the 'Blue and Gold Consortium' about that design a few years back (2007) and then it was exactly what adeaide has shown (apart from the arches being gold in the begining and seats blue), while later it was made less spectacular with the arches standing vertically instead of meeting one another in the central point.
So unless something exceptional happenned (because designs are usually made less impressive when coming to the real model from the initial vision), that is the old one.

But the catch is - sorry for not being precise - that the older one adeaide presented is indeed older. Both are out of date. Here is the current vision that derives from the above rendering, but is more 'realistic' (cheaper for the most part):
http://i51.tinypic.com/2089t2v.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/25rfdki.jpg

http://stadiumdb.com/designs/can/winnipeg_stadium

It's not important at this point, but your response to his question insinuated that post #40 was the current (new) design when it's not. As I mentioned (and you have since validated with the above render) the current design looks more like the 2nd one he posted. He was correct to say that the render below is the old design:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_No9RcUMNZNM/S7s1xQ_lQ9I/AAAAAAAAI54/V0yUn3BWwGk/s1600/490a0ea.jpg

Hard to believe that they will be able to fit a stadium like that on a college campus.:eek:

huh?

huh?

Isn't this new stadium being built on the University of Manitoba?

IDK. I've asked the question before regarding the exact location of the construction site.

Isn't this new stadium being built on the University of Manitoba?

IDK. I've asked the question before regarding the exact location of the construction site.

But why is it hard to believe that a 33k stadium can be built on a college campus? Many Big 10 schools have stadiums over 70k on their campus, Michigan has over 100k, Penn State 85k, etc.

But why is it hard to believe that a 33k stadium can be built on a college campus? Many Big 10 schools have stadiums over 70k on their campus, Michigan has over 100k, Penn State 85k, etc.

I looked on Google Maps, and the University of Manitoba campus looks pretty tight.

But if the University of Minnesota could fit the TCF Bank Stadium on its campus, I guess the University of Manitoba could accomplish the same thing.

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/08/DAV314122925.jpg

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/08/DAV314092924.jpg

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/08/DAV313992923.jpg

Courtesy of the Winnipeg Bluebombers Football Team

Winnipeg has posted a Virtual Venue for this stadium

33,500 is the capacity and about 40,000 with Temporary seats too :)

http://www.bluebombers.com/page/stadium-2012

Here is an aerial shot too

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/09/1_W2534.jpg

I looked on Google Maps, and the University of Manitoba campus looks pretty tight.

But if the University of Minnesota could fit the TCF Bank Stadium on its campus, I guess the University of Manitoba could accomplish the same thing.A 2km by 1km campus is pretty tight? University land extends from Pembina highway to the Red River. Though I'm not a fan of putting up a large stadium, they have plenty of space for new construction.

With the type of harsh winters Winnipeg can get, it looks tough for them to get this finished in 9 months....their Project Manager says it is one time...anyone have any insight on this?

Here is an aerial shot too

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/09/1_W2534.jpg

Look good. A lot nicer than the last renders I saw.

I'm very excited about this one. This is exactly the type of design that will help the CFL and the Bombers prosper. It looks like a big league stadium even though it has only 33,422 seats. I would have guessed about 46,000 if I didn't know already.

Whos paying for this? The team or the city? Or both?

Whos paying for this? The team or the city? Or both?

The province (mostly), the city (a little bit) and the team. That is why it is on the U of Manitoba campus.

I am not liking the roof. Looks like the kind that all the MLS teams are using these days. Considering the kind of harsh winters in Winnipeg, I expected better protection from the elements for the fans. Overall though, it is still looking good. Now the Riders and Stamps need to get the gears in motion for a new stadium.

The province (mostly), the city (a little bit) and the team. That is why it is on the U of Manitoba campus.

The Bombers are on the hook for about $3 Million per season to pay back the province of Manitoba, but think they will get the extra revenue in the new stadium to cover that

Considering the kind of harsh winters in Winnipeg, I expected better protection from the elements for the fans.
CFL season lasts from June to November

Nice, so U of Manitoba will also use it. Good, more bang for the buck.

CFL season lasts from June to November

You don't know how cold it can get even during November and December in the Prairies :lol:

You don't know how cold it can get even during November and December in the Prairies :lol:

True but apparently they designed the stadium to try to mitigate against wind and cold. We'll have to see how well it works next year.

Nice, so U of Manitoba will also use it. Good, more bang for the buck.

It's billed as the new home of the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Winnipeg Bluebombers. The only negative is that this stadium is way too big for the Bisons. The Bisons only need about 5,000 seats tops. They're no Laval.

So tarp part of the stadium off.

It's billed as the new home of the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Winnipeg Bluebombers. The only negative is that this stadium is way too big for the Bisons. The Bisons only need about 5,000 seats tops. They're no Laval.

Well other than Laval name one university team that really needs more than 5000 seats then.

The university gets a state of the art, brand new stadium, duh of course they will use it even if it's way to big....

Well other than Laval name one university team that really needs more than 5000 seats then.

I'll name 3: Sherbrooke, Queen's and Western. But like I said, the Bisons only need 5,000 tops.

The university gets a state of the art, brand new stadium, duh of course they will use it even if it's way to big....

True, but they've also largely killed any hope of growing the Bisons football brand in Winnipeg. Every sports team on the planet knows that playing in a facility too big kills interest. MLS gets that, and I'm sure the Bisons management get that too.

Nice for the Bisons to play in, but any long term goals of building the brand to the next level are going to be very very difficult because of the size of this stadium. Maybe they're content remaining a spec on the sports landscape, who knows?

I honestly cant see how playing in a overly large stadium kills interest.

It means lower ticket prices and that means more fan interest.

If that doesnt work save money and cover parts of stadium.

I honestly cant see how playing in a overly large stadium kills interest.

It means lower ticket prices and that means more fan interest.

If that doesnt work save money and cover parts of stadium.

It doesn't work that way. A quarter or half full stadium kills the atmosphere in a stadium and damages the appeal of a team in the eyes of the public. Marketing departments seek to keep supply below demand, not the other way around. You want sell outs and waiting lists for tickets to create buzz.

Lower ticket prices? The Bisons could make it free and they'd still only fill about 20% of this stadium. What sports leagues around the world understand is that you build capacity at or below demand. Olympic Stadium killed the Montreal Alouettes and its only the return to a vastly smaller, intimate Molson Stadium that led to a football boom in that city.

This phenomenon has been repeated over and over and over again all around the world. MLS has insisted that franchises play in MLS sized facilities rather than 70,000 seat NFL stadia. Why? Because there's nothing worse for a fan and the MLS brand than sitting in a stadium that's 80% empty.

A key part of the Canadian Football League's long term strategy is building CFL appropriate facilities. That means 25,000-35,000 seat stadia. Ottawa, Hamilton, and Winnipeg will all build stadia in this capacity range.

Commonwealth in Edmonton is far too large for the Eskimos. BC Place is too big for the Lions, but they have the option of the smaller soccer configuration (we'll see if that works as planned). The Skydome/Rogers Centre in Toronto is much too big for the Argonauts. That stadium is killing the franchise. Blocking the upper bowl out with bits of tarp and calling it a 30,000 seat facility doesn't fool anybody.

The atmosphere at football games in Toronto is absolutely terrible. I'd rather go watch high school football in the Maritimes. 4,000 people packed like sardines into a high school facility is far better than 20,000 in cavernous Skydome.

I'll name 3: Sherbrooke, Queen's and Western. But like I said, the Bisons only need 5,000 tops.



True, but they've also largely killed any hope of growing the Bisons football brand in Winnipeg. Every sports team on the planet knows that playing in a facility too big kills interest. MLS gets that, and I'm sure the Bisons management get that too.

Nice for the Bisons to play in, but any long term goals of building the brand to the next level are going to be very very difficult because of the size of this stadium. Maybe they're content remaining a spec on the sports landscape, who knows?


When will you realize that Canada and university sports up here are not American?

University football here is still about education first, football second the way it should be. I for one hope college sports here remain like they are, first and foremost.:bash:

University football here is still about education first, football second the way it should be. I for one hope college sports here remain like they are, first and foremost.

You're entitled to your opinion. Thankfully, some schools in this country are waking up to the revenue potential and marketing value that a good football program can provide for their institutions.

Laval was the first. Sherbrooke and Saskatchewan are following suit. If some schools don't want to unleash that potential due to the concerns you've listed, they are welcome to find money elsewhere. No one's putting a gun to their heads.

Athletes in this country deserve the same opportunities as science students. They shouldn't have to leave the country because some one decided that sports wasn't a worthy endeavour. Deeming some pursuits worthy and stifling others is just wrong. That some schools are recognizing that their mandate evolves is encouraging. Thank you Laval, Sherbrooke, and Saskatchewan! :okay:

I don't think athletics and academics should be inversely proportional. In the US, a lot of top football schools are also amongst the best public schools in terms of academics. Heck, Harvard and Yale have pretty big football programs as well and I think we can all agree that those two place quite a bit of importance to academics and research to say the least. My brother attended the annual "the Game" between the two schools and the stadium was packed and the atmosphere was better than any CIS game.

I agree. It's not an either/or proposition. Why not excel at everything you do? Stunting potential in sports to protect academia is a false logic.

Btw, I've been to a number of CIS games that had better atmosphere than any NHL game I've attended. It depends which school you go watch. Most do leave a lot to be desired, but some have dynamite atmosphere.

I agree. It's not an either/or proposition. Why not excel at everything you do? Stunting potential in sports to protect academia is a false logic.

Btw, I've been to a number of CIS games that had better atmosphere than any NHL game I've attended. It depends which school you go watch. Most do leave a lot to be desired, but some have dynamite atmosphere.

Meanwhile back to the topic at hand......

Any updates?

Here is the framework for the EastSide stands almost done. I still find it difficult to believe that this stadium will be ready for the start of the 2012 CFL season in July. Even if they put Winnipeg on thr road for the first few weeks and not have the pre-season games there, can they have this ready in 9 months? If they can, VERY impressive

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/gallery/2011/09/September28_0332901.jpg

This stadium is going up fast.

I visited Winnipeg just last week. I'd have to say that this new stadium is a pain in the arse to get to. You have to drive almost a half hour from downtown Winnipeg to the U of M campus, which is well south.

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/inside/2011/04/FutureHomeGraphic5633.jpg

http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz4.jpg?w=934&h=599


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz1.jpg?w=936&h=557


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz3.jpg?w=938&h=593


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz5.jpg?w=939&h=595


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz7.jpg?w=942&h=590

In the second rendering, there's mountains in the background. :lol::lol:

http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/wpg/images/inside/2011/04/FutureHomeGraphic5633.jpg

http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz4.jpg?w=934&h=599


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz1.jpg?w=936&h=557


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz3.jpg?w=938&h=593


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz5.jpg?w=939&h=595


http://markosun.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/stadiumz7.jpg?w=942&h=590

this stadium will be look nicer without roof

The roof gives it real character.

Does Canada's mens national soccer team only play in Toronto or they tour the country? Seems like a great stadium to use potentially one day if the national team replicates some of the success of the US.

I didn't know the men's national soccer team were based in Toronto. I assumed they were based in either Edmonton or Vancouver.

this stadium will be look nicer without roof

I agree with you, but this stadium is on the Canadian prairie. It gets very cold towards the end of the season. Some games are being played in -25C. This roof won't make it warm, but it will make it slightly more tolerable for fans and players.

Winnipeg Bluebombers football players
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2009/10/10/winnipeg-snow-w-cp-7468603.jpg

I like the roof as well, and so will Bomber Fans in November :)

As for the Canadian Mens National Soccer Team, they are based in Toronto but are able to move games around, I think the bog factor is Natural Grass. BMO has it now and FIFA games I believe are supposed to be played on grass at least for WC qualifiying etc.

Is it the women's team that's based in Vancouver then?

In the second rendering, there's mountains in the background. :lol::lol:

You're right! Because it couldn't possibly just be clouds.... :cheers:

I like the roof as well, and so will Bomber Fans in November :)

As for the Canadian Mens National Soccer Team, they are based in Toronto but are able to move games around, I think the bog factor is Natural Grass. BMO has it now and FIFA games I believe are supposed to be played on grass at least for WC qualifiying etc.

WC qualifying games can be played on turf. Costa Rica and Russia have been doing that for years. Of course, grass is much more preferred.

I stand corrected on Turf and WC qualifying.....

I think it would be good for the game in Canada to move friendlies and qualifiers to different cities and stadiums to expose more people to it

I stand corrected on Turf and WC qualifying.....

I think it would be good for the game in Canada to move friendlies and qualifiers to different cities and stadiums to expose more people to it

The national team used to move matches to Montreal just so they could play on grass. That's less of an issue that BMO has grass, but I think it would keep from most matches and certainly any of importance from going to Winnipeg.

You're right! Because it couldn't possibly just be clouds.... :cheers:

Dude, I know what clouds look like. Look again on both sides of the stadium renders next to the billboards are mountains. On the left side next to the billboard that ends with "ONS" are mountains that taper down and go slightly underneath the scoreboard in the middle and on the right side they're behind the 10 Grey Cup Champions sign. See them and admit you were wrong.

Dude, I know what clouds look like. Look again on both sides of the stadium renders next to the billboards are mountains. On the left side next to the billboard that ends with "ONS" are mountains that taper down and go slightly underneath the scoreboard in the middle and on the right side they're behind the 10 Grey Cup Champions sign. See them and admit you were wrong.

Those are shadows on a the white stadium wall that you see tapering down. Not mountains.

Those are shadows on a the white stadium wall that you see tapering down. Not mountains.

You're right, they're shadows off of the walls. I didn't see that at first, thanks for pointing that out, my bad. DOH! :nuts:

I can't believ how much they are getting done on this stadium, I hope the weather does not slow them down...

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I can't believ how much they are getting done on this stadium, I hope the weather does not slow them down...

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/11/13204237932313.jpg
yeah overall they lost a few weeks worth of work on the MTS Centre construction due to winter weather

http://www.mtscentre.ca/construction/040130/image1.jpg

http://www.mtscentre.ca/construction/040130/
Temperatures in the -30 Celsius to -40 Celsius range with wind chill creating even harsher conditions have resulted in a halt to all outside work at the MTS Centre site several days this week. A total of six days of outside activity have been lost to cold weather in January although most of the 135 workers currently engaged in building the facility are assigned to tasks in the heated and hoarded areas when weather shuts down work outside.

wait will it have a roof or not? i am kind of confused with the renderings

Now that's a football stadium! Awesome.

wait will it have a roof or not? i am kind of confused with the renderings

It will have a roof. The renderings without the roof are seating plans which one can't fully see if the roof is depicted.

apparently it will be ready for next season. they have something like 200 people working on it around the clock, it's coming up very fast, and looking good too!

went to the last game at canad inns stadium. they can't possibly blow that place up soon enough, it's embarrassing.

Can you get to the University of Manitoba by rail or is it only accessible by road?

Can you get to the University of Manitoba by rail or is it only accessible by road?Rail in Winnipeg? No, of course not. Only road. And at that, only a pair of two lanes each way divided highways. One of which is in horrible shape.

Access will be terrible after big events.

Rail in Winnipeg? No, of course not. Only road. And at that, only a pair of two lanes each way divided highways. One of which is in horrible shape.

Access will be terrible after big events.

I see. I'm not from Manitoba so I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of how developed your transportation infrastructure is. Any plans for light rail to the U of M then?

I see. I'm not from Manitoba so I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of how developed your transportation infrastructure is. Any plans for light rail to the U of M then?There's plans for a bus corridor to the U of M, but the rising cost of the thing and disputes over who will pay for it are putting that on hold. The city government is constantly flip-flopping on whether to build light rail or bus corridors for rapid transit; the issue has lingered for a long time now with only one short bus corridor being built. As of now, there are no concrete plans for any light rail in Winnipeg.

Thanks. At least it's on the radar, which is a starting point. Looking forward to the Bombers home opener next year. Winnipeg's really turning some heads these days for a number of reasons. Nice to see.

Looks like it is still nice weather and this is coming along nicely, I think the Yellow Columns being erected and for the roof trusses (does anyone know for sure?

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13231167712611.jpg

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Yep roof trusses for sure, if you check the webcam there are 3 up already

http://www.bluebombers.com/page/construction-webcam

looks like the new Roof is starting to go up, looks impressive

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13234650971137.jpg
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It's looking good! Still think it should have been a bit bigger though. It should have been 40,000 seats to plan for the long-term. Winnipeg always does this (see: MTS Centre)

It's looking good! Still think it should have been a bit bigger though. It should have been 40,000 seats to plan for the long-term. Winnipeg always does this (see: MTS Centre)

It's expandable to 40,000 with temporary seating in case of a Grey Cup bid.

Yes, the thread title isn't accurate. This will have 33,422 permanent seats. Adding end zone seats on the 2nd tier will bring it up to 40,000. Even 40,000 seems slightly small for Winnipeg. I would have preferred 36,000 expandable to 48,000. There are almost 800,000 people in Winnipeg and the CFL is hugely popular in this part of Canada.

Yes, the thread title isn't accurate. This will have 33,422 permanent seats. Adding end zone seats on the 2nd tier will bring it up to 40,000. Even 40,000 seems slightly small for Winnipeg. I would have preferred 36,000 expandable to 48,000. There are almost 800,000 people in Winnipeg and the CFL is hugely popular in this part of Canada.

I think it is right to keep the capacity where it is, to help create demand. If there are too many availble seats demand goes down.I If you look at the end zones they have room to expand in the future either on a temp or permanant basis if demand warrants it

Filling the end zones is what bumps it up to 40,000. I understand the need to keep supply lower than demand; perhaps I'm over estimating Winnipeg's ability to fill a 36,000 seat stadium. :dunno:

Filling the end zones is what bumps it up to 40,000. I understand the need to keep supply lower than demand; perhaps I'm over estimating Winnipeg's ability to fill a 36,000 seat stadium. :dunno:

I think day in day out and now that they have to compete for $$ with the Jets, I think 33,422 is just the right size

I think Regina needs about 40,000 with their new one

Yes, the thread title isn't accurate. This will have 33,422 permanent seats. Adding end zone seats on the 2nd tier will bring it up to 40,000. Even 40,000 seems slightly small for Winnipeg. I would have preferred 36,000 expandable to 48,000. There are almost 800,000 people in Winnipeg and the CFL is hugely popular in this part of Canada.

I guess Winnipeg is big enough to get this.
The new stadium has a name, Investors Group Field. Meh, not exactly memorable, but it is what the club has to do to pay for the stadium and get as much income as possible, it is a 12 year deal, but does not say how much per year

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13238784390039.jpg

Here is the full article

http://www.bluebombers.com/article/blue-bombers-to-call-investors-group-field-home

Hmmm, it's not that often you see the upper tiers being constructed before the lower ones in a new build. http://i39.tinypic.com/a0cozn.gif

I guess Winnipeg is big enough to get this.
The new stadium has a name, Investors Group Field. Meh, not exactly memorable, but it is what the club has to do to pay for the stadium and get as much income as possible, it is a 12 year deal, but does not say how much per year
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I called it! When this stadium first broke ground, I knew it would get naming rights from a Winnipeg-based company. And only two came to mind: Great-West Life Assurance or Investors Group.;)

Personally, I was betting on Great-West Life Assurance getting the naming rights deal.:)

I guess Winnipeg is big enough to get this.
The new stadium has a name, Investors Group Field. Meh, not exactly memorable, but it is what the club has to do to pay for the stadium and get as much income as possible, it is a 12 year deal, but does not say how much per year

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13238784390039.jpg

Here is the full article

http://www.bluebombers.com/article/blue-bombers-to-call-investors-group-field-home

I was hoping for an old fashioned name like Winnipeg Stadium or Bomber Stadium. But I guess it could have been worse (like the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville).

Here are some more updated Photos...a ton of work going on, but it is still difficult to believe it will be ready in 6 months

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13245651724612.jpg

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I like how the stadium is coming along, but I'm starting to fear Saskatchewan is going to eclipse us. They've been talking about a $1 Billion redevelopment in downtown Regina with almost half of that for a stadium. And they have major private investment too from something like 19 different companies? Winnipeg has ZERO private investment ALL taxpayers and it's pretty cheap.

It will look nice but I guarantee Saskatchewan will make it their mission to have something better.

It will look nice but I guarantee Saskatchewan will make it their mission to have something better.

You may be right, but it's good to have populations that are fanatical about our game. If they raise the bar, it's good for our sport, our league, and our culture.

I like how the stadium is coming along, but I'm starting to fear Saskatchewan is going to eclipse us. They've been talking about a $1 Billion redevelopment in downtown Regina with almost half of that for a stadium. And they have major private investment too from something like 19 different companies? Winnipeg has ZERO private investment ALL taxpayers and it's pretty cheap.

It will look nice but I guarantee Saskatchewan will make it their mission to have something better.

Here are some more new Photos, looks like the 1st roof arch should be going up soon. Until Regina actaully puts a shovel in the ground, this is better right now
I think if the NHL had an outdoor Heritage Classic at this stadium, it would be outstanding:)


http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2012/01/13257779003820.jpg

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Can we also update the name of this to "Investors Group Field" with an official capacity of 33,422 ??

Here are some more new Photos, looks like some big changes in the last few weeks
http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2012/01/13263826743754.jpg

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Will be interesting to see how they assemble and affix the arch that will hold the roof up ....

Wish they would turn the webcam back on

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2012/01/13257779003820.jpg
Courtesy of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club

Will be interesting to see how they assemble and affix the arch that will hold the roof up ....

Wish they would turn the webcam back on

Webcam is back up :)

http://www.bluebombers.com/page/construction-webcam

I guess Winnipeg is big enough to get this.
The new stadium has a name, Investors Group Field. Meh, not exactly memorable, but it is what the club has to do to pay for the stadium and get as much income as possible, it is a 12 year deal, but does not say how much per year

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13238784390039.jpg

Here is the full article

http://www.bluebombers.com/article/blue-bombers-to-call-investors-group-field-home

So are the seats going to be red, or blue? That looks like the new name on an old render.

I think this will be the best stadium in Canada when it's finished. looks very intimate.

So are the seats going to be red, or blue? That looks like the new name on an old render.

I think this will be the best stadium in Canada when it's finished. looks very intimate.

If you look at the Virtual Venue and renderings on the bluebombers.com website it looks all Blue Seats with about 8-10 rows of Gold at the very top of the 2nd teir, and as Blue is one of the primary colours for the football team, that makes sense.

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2011/12/13238784390039.jpg


With that logo, I think Investors Group kind of ripped off the Cowboys Stadium logo.

With that logo, I think Investors Group kind of ripped off the Cowboys Stadium logo.

They both have big arches that are distinctive so of course the both are going to be incorporateed into the logos, but to say it is ripped off seem like a bit of a stretch

They both have big arches that are distinctive so of course the both are going to be incorporateed into the logos, but to say it is ripped off seem like a bit of a stretch
Actually, these logos are almost completely different. One cannot expect that a stadium logo will not incorporate features of the stadium...

Looks like the first roof arch should be going up soon, looks good. Still difficult to believe this will be ready for July
http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2012/01/13276768170657.jpg

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So they say the stadium is 2 months behind schedule all of a sudden, what a surprise! We might not get a home game until September. For some reason they can't use the old stadium for a few games? The Bombers are not going to win many games with a schedule like that. Total baloney.

So they say the stadium is 2 months behind schedule all of a sudden, what a surprise! We might not get a home game until September. For some reason they can't use the old stadium for a few games? The Bombers are not going to win many games with a schedule like that. Total baloney.

I read an article this morning from the new team CEO that said they are only about 14-16 days behind schedule and think they can make most of that up in the spring when the weather is better and the days are longer. We shall see......

So there's a possibility that the Bombers home opener will be at CanadInns?

So there's a possibility that the Bombers home opener will be at CanadInns?

The new CEO said absolutely not, they have shut it down and that they have even shut down water and services to CanadInns

He said they may play the pre-season game the new stadium (even if it is 85% complete) and then have requested with the league to go on the road the first 2-3 weeks of the season.
I think they will get it done, but with a TON of overtime and extra costs that will push it over budget....

http://adams.uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wpg/images/general/2012/01/13276766510411.jpg
Courtesy of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football club.

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All courtesy of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football club.