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CANADA - Stadium and Arena Development News

1M views 4K replies 460 participants last post by  Sandro14 
#1 ·
Canadian Arenas- The worlds best!

Canadian Arenas- The worlds best!
 
#2,280 ·
sublime1 said:
has anyone actually seen any renderings or what it will look like or what the final capacity will be? I have heard as low as 22,500
It will be 22,500 originally but the TiCats could expand later if they wish. There are several posts on the TiCat stadium in this thread with a very early render (likely no longer accurate). Bids are to be completed by March and no information will be revealed until July.

sublime1 said:
If that was the capacity they built the Ti-Cats wouldn't be able to use it. CFL requires all franchises to play in a stadium of 25,000 minimum capacity. But yeah, the league wouldn't allow them to play in a stadium with only 22,500 seats.
There is no such rule, merely a guideline. Montreal played several years at 20,000.

Here, yet again is the TiCat situation and why 22,500 can and will work.
 
#2,283 ·
I'm sorry, but that's a joke. That rendering looks worse than most high school football fields in Texas and Florida. I don't understand the small mindedness of the CFL higher ups; perception is everything and if they build this, then the perception will be that the CFL is minor league at best, bush league at worst.
 
#2,285 ·
I would say both are to blame. The city was hell bent on one location that didn't work for the Ti-Cats but the locations put forward by the Ti-Cats were shot down (for no good reason IMHO) because the old council were far too stubborn. Basically, the old Ivor Wynne location was a bad compromise for both sides.
 
#2,288 ·
^ Couldn't have said it better.

I think I mentioned in a previous post (maybe it wasn't here) a piece of trivia that surprises people. Two years ago the CFL had the sixth highest average attendance of any professional league in the world (it is now seventh at 27,785).

Compare that to Serie A (24,031), MLS (17,872), and Nippon Professional Baseball (25,626)

Bush league indeed!​
 
#2,292 ·
I thought high school football was only a big deal in the Maritimes? :weird:
 
#2,299 · (Edited)
Some Moncton, NB high school games draw 2000-4000 fans. Everyone goes and they make a whole day out of it. ;)
 
#2,294 ·
From BallparkDigest:

It's official: Eastern League to Ottawa in 2013

The reports were true: Conditional upon various baseball approvals, we should see the move of a Class AA Eastern League team to Ottawa Stadium for the 2013 season.

Boston-based Beacon Sports has been negotiating a 10-year lease for Ottawa Stadium, the former home of the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League). The ballpark would be renovated, with capacity going down to $8 million or so; the city will pay $5.7 million for improvements, while Beacon Sports will pay $3 million for a new scoreboard and improvements in player-development facilities (clubhouses, etc.). Including lease payments, Beacon Sports is committing $5.5 million during the 10-year lease.

Here's the full press release from the city of Ottawa:

The City of Ottawa has reached an agreement in principle with a private sector proponent for the Ottawa Stadium that will be recommended to the City’s Finance and Economic Development Committee in a report to be issued later today.

On November 9, 2011, staff presented a report to City Council outlining the process to issue a Request for Offers (RFO) to lease the Ottawa Stadium for long-term baseball use. With Council’s approval, an RFO was issued on November 15, 2011 and closed on December 12, 2011.

The City’s desired outcome for this “best offers to lease” process was to secure a long-term tenant for the baseball field with a valid business plan involving a professional or semi-professional baseball franchise, subsequently minimizing the City’s financial resources directed to the stadium facility. A Fairness Commissioner was retained to ensure the openness, transparency, impartiality and objectivity of the process.

Staff today tabled a report with the results of the RFO process, which recommends that the City negotiate a long-term lease for the use of the stadium with Beacon Sports Capital Partners as the authorized representative for a stipulated professional baseball franchise that is a member of the AA Eastern League of Minor League Baseball. This could potentially mean the return of AA baseball to Ottawa as early as the spring of 2013.

“This is an important milestone towards bringing professional baseball back to the City of Ottawa for the enjoyment of all residents,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Returning pro ball to Ottawa, will allow the City to preserve this important purpose-built facility, maximize the use of an existing City asset and provide an additional recreation venue for our residents. It also permits us to minimize the City’s financial resources being directed to the facility over the long-term.”

In the proposed deal, Beacon Sports proposes a 10-year lease term with two five-year extension options for an AA member club of the Eastern League Minor League Baseball to play at the Ottawa Stadium The governance rules of the Eastern League preclude the acknowledgment of a specific franchise and potential Major League affiliation until approvals for the relocation and designation have been sought and secured.

Beacon Sports is proposing to invest approximately $2,000,000 into the facility for player development improvements and would also lease a new scoreboard that is estimated to cost an additional $1,000,000. In addition, both Beacon and the City would invest equally towards a lifecycle reserve fund.

Prior to the spring of 2013, the City would need to invest approximately $2,700,000 for various deferred lifecycle improvements to the stadium as well as $3,000,000 for various improvements to meet Minor League Baseball standards.

The City has secured an increase in base rent from $108,000 to $257,000 per annum for the initial 10-year term and for the first five-year extension option. This level of rent represents a 240-per-cent annual increase and will contribute significantly towards recovering various start-up costs in order to prepare the stadium for the spring of 2013.

In total, the City will invest $5.7 in capital cost and Beacon Sports will invest $5,500,000 so that baseball can begin at the Stadium in 2013.

Mayor Watson also wishes to commend Councillors Peter Clark, the ward councillor for the facility, as well as Councillors Rick Chiarelli and Bob Monette, for their hard work over the past six months in helping to move this development forward.

“This has been a real team effort involving my Council colleagues,” said Mayor Watson. “The City remains cautiously optimistic that we will be able to secure a major league affiliation – the final major hurdle in bringing baseball back to the City.”

“This is an important facility for the residents of Rideau-Rockcliffe and for residents across the City,” said Councillor Peter Clark.” If there is a cost-effective way to preserve the Ottawa Stadium for its original purpose, then of course I will be supporting the staff report.”

“I am pleased to see that City staff is recommending that the City move to finalize an agreement for the long-term use of the baseball stadium,” said Orleans Ward Councillor Bob Monette. “I have always argued that this exceptional City asset should not be demolished and that the City should do what it can, within a responsible fiscal framework, to bring pro baseball back to the Nation’s Capital. I will continue to work with the Mayor and my Council colleagues on the important next steps that remain to make this project a reality.”

College Ward Councillor Rick Chiarelli, a long-time proponent of baseball in Ottawa, is also delighted to hear that staff will be recommending a long-term lease to Council. “I will continue to be involved in these efforts and also will be voting to maintain the stadium’s original purpose,” he said. “This agreement is more desirable than mothballing this valuable public facility. I am convinced that a new team, under solid management, could market pro baseball as an exciting form of family entertainment for the residents of Ottawa. I also support the decision to protect an important asset in which the people of Ottawa have invested $17 million to build and will continue to have to invest in lifecycle to maintain the stadium over the lifetime of the facility.”

The report will be considered by the Finance and Economic Development Committee on February 16, 2012, and by City Council on February 22, 2012.
 
#2,295 ·
From the NASL website:



The North American Soccer League (NASL) today announced that Ottawa, Ontario has been awarded an expansion franchise. The new team will be owned by the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) and play home games at Lansdowne Park. The franchise will commence League play upon the completion of a major stadium reconstruction project which is expected to commence later this year. The North American Soccer League is a Division II men’s outdoor professional soccer league with teams based in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

“We welcome Ottawa to the NASL,” said League Commissioner David Downs. “As we continue to expand and collectively grow professional soccer in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, Ottawa is a natural market with a vibrant business community, large soccer fan base and an exceptional ownership group.”

OSEG partner John Pugh, who is also the CEO and Owner of the Ottawa Fury Soccer Club, has been named President of the new NASL franchise. Pugh says he’s committed to building a successful team on and off the field: "This will be, by far, the highest calibre of soccer we’ll have seen in Ottawa since the 2007 FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup,” said Pugh. “We are committed to fielding a competitive team from the get-go, providing a lively, entertaining game day experience for families and establishing strong ties with all soccer players and fans across the region. It’s a privilege to have this opportunity.”

Ottawa’s new 24,000 seat soccer-friendly downtown stadium will be built to exact FIFA specifications. The City of Ottawa and OSEG are partners in the project and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says it’s an exciting time for the entire city: “Residents are excited about NASL soccer, our bid for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, CFL football and other events that will take place in Ottawa thanks to a newly redeveloped Lansdowne Park," said Mayor Watson. "With 65,000 registered players in our region playing the world's game, it’s high time Ottawa had a professional soccer team and a world-class stadium.”

OSEG is offering Ottawa soccer fans an opportunity to reserve the right to purchase season tickets for their NASL team before they become available to the public at large. A limited number of priority reservation numbers (PRNs) are now available for a fully-refundable $25 deposit or free for current season ticket holders for the Ottawa Fury and Ottawa 67’s and PRN holders for Ottawa’s new CFL football franchise Details for this program are available at www.ottawafury.com or www.ottawa67s.com.
 
#2,296 ·
No more baseball at TELUS Field this summer... From BallparkDigest:

Edmonton out of North American League

The Edmonton Capitals have pulled out of the independent North American League, saying only three other Northern Division teams are committed to the circuit for 2012.

The team's presence in the league was seen as iffy by insiders after it became apparent travel mate Calgary Vipers were not going to field a team this season.

From a statement issued by the team:

"With just four teams registered for the 2012 season in the Northern Division of the NAL, down from ten teams in 2009, it is no longer acceptable for the Capitals to continue operations under such circumstances. In addition to the Capitals, the other four squads are based in Yuma, Arizona, San Rafael (San Francisco), California, and Maui, Hawaii."

The team drew 125,000 customers last season at Telus Field. The Capitals are owned by Rexall Sports and Entertainment, which also owns the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.

With only three teams, the future of the NAL's Northern Division is in serious doubt. However, the league's other division -- six Texas teams playing in five venues -- has already released a schedule that calls for no inter-division play.
Some pics of TELUS Field:



Images courtesy of DGenio


Image courtesy of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation's
 
#2,297 ·
No more baseball at TELUS Field this summer... From BallparkDigest:



Some pics of TELUS Field:



Images courtesy of DGenio


Image courtesy of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation's
That's a shame. I have enjoyed many a game in that ballpark. I am glad to see that Ottawa is getting a minor league team. It is getting harder and harder to catch a minor league game here in Canada.
 
#2,305 ·
Some news out of Regina while the new stadium is being planned:

$14 Million in upgrades coming to Mosaic Stadium

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have unveiled plans today for a $14 million Grey Cup Legacy to enhance game day experience.

Phase one will add around 7,000 new temporary seats as well as corporate boxes to the north and south endzone.

The Maxtron will be replaced with a new 60 foot wide digital screen and scoreboard in the northeast endzone.

“This is a very ambitious and much needed plan for Mosaic stadium over the next few years,” stated Riders chairman of the board Roger Brandvold. “Replacing Mosaic stadium still remains our top priority, but certain upgrades needed to be made to get us through the next few years and especially the 2013 grey cup.”

Phase two of the project will add another level of bleacher seats, and bring the stadiums capacity to almost 50, 000 in preparation for the Grey Cup game.

‘While each phase of this plan is a temporary solution, its legacy will make an impact throughout Saskatchewan for decades to come.” Stated Riders president/CEO Jim Hopson. “When the new stadium is ready and the stands are no longer needed, each section can be dismantled and donated to amateur sports programs across our province.”

“The government of Saskatchewan is proud to provide a $6.2 million, low interest loan to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the legacy upgrades,” said Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and sport Bill Hutchinson. “We want to make sure every fan, every visitor and every resident has the best experience possible when they visit Regina.”

Phase one construction will start in 2012.

http://www.globalregina.com/14+million+in+upgrades+coming+to+mosaic+stadium/6442588075/story.html
There is also a video that explains the project more fully on the Global News page, so click the link if you want to see it.
 
#2,308 ·
Riders plan $14M upgrade to stadium
CBC News Feb 24, 2012



The Saskatchewan Roughriders plan to add seats in several parts of Mosaic Stadium, in several stages leading up to the Grey Cup game of 2013. (Image supplied by the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

While maintaining a new football stadium remains a top priority, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are planning $14 million in fixes and upgrades, including a new seating area, for the existing Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

The new seats, some temporary and some permanent, will be installed in time for the 2013 Grey Cup game, which will be hosted by the club.

About 50,000 seats will be in place for the game. After that, the ongoing capacity of the stadium will be around 33,000, about 3,000 more than it currently holds for a sell-out game.

The club will also upgrade the video scoreboard.

"The $14 million plan will enhance the game-day experience," the club said in a news release issued Friday.

"Replacing Mosaic Stadium still remains our top priority, but certain upgrades needed to be made to get us through the next few years and especially the 2013 Grey Cup," Roger Brandvold, chair of the club, said.

The changes will be done in stages and will begin with the addition of about 7,000 temporary seats -- and some corporate boxes, to the north and south end zone areas. They will include concessions and washroom facilities.

The team said the temporary elements will be donated to amateur sports, if the team moves into a new facility.

"When the new stadium is ready, and the stands are no longer needed, each section can be dismantled and donated to amateur sports programs across our province; allowing friends and family to watch their little, future all-star in comfort," Rider president Jim Hopson promised.

Part of the project is being supported by a low-interest loan from the provincial government.
 
#2,309 ·
Riders announce stadium upgrades
Leader-Post February 24, 2012

Here’s the official release:

RIDERS UNVEIL “GREY CUP LEGACY PROJECT”

The Saskatchewan Roughriders unveiled plans today for the Grey Cup Legacy Project. The $14 million plan will enhance the game-day experience, add thousands of temporary seats, create new revenue opportunities, and leave a legacy for amateur sport programs across the province.

“This is a very ambitious and much needed plan for Mosaic Stadium over the next few years,” stated Riders Chairman Roger Brandvold. “Replacing Mosaic Stadium still remains our top priority, but certain upgrades needed to be made to get us through the next few years and especially the 2013 Grey Cup. I’d like to thank our partners at the Government of Saskatchewan and City of Regina for their support in this undertaking.”

Phase one will add approximately 7,000 temporary seats, as well as corporate boxes, to the north and south end zones; complete with their own concessions and washroom facilities – and creating a bowl-like atmosphere for fans.

The SaskTel Maxtron will be replaced by a new, 60-foot wide, fully digital LED screen and scoreboard in the Northeast endzone; accompanied by a vertical, digital billboard for use exclusively by our sponsors.

This state-of-the-art, new SaskTel Maxtron will be visible from most points in the stadium. But for those in the east stands and north endzone a 55 foot wide digital LED display and scoreboard attached to the West grandstand.

Additional LED ribbons will also be placed at field level on the East side and along the grandstand fascia of the west side, adding more areas to display statistics and player profiles.

Phase two of the Grey Cup Legacy Project will add another level of bleacher seats, and bring the stadium’s capacity to almost 50,000 in preparation for the Grey Cup game.

After Grey Cup, only the second tier of temporary seats will be removed, maintaining the bowl-like atmosphere for up to 33,000 Rider fans.

“While each phase of this plan is a temporary solution, its legacy will make an impact throughout Saskatchewan for decades to come,” stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. “When the new stadium is ready, and the stands are no longer needed, each section can be dismantled and donated to amateur sports programs across our province; allowing friends and family to watch their little, future all-star in comfort.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to provide a $6.2 million, low interest loan to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the legacy upgrades”, said Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Bill Hutchinson. “We want to make sure that every fan, every resident and every visitor has the best experience possible when they visit Regina. We are also pleased that communities from Saskatchewan will benefit from the program by receiving the seating afterwards to help grow local sport and recreation – this truly is part of the Saskatchewan advantage.”

“The City of Regina’s priority is the Regina Revitalization Initiative, which includes replacing Mosaic Stadium and redeveloping the current stadium site into a new neighbourhood with housing and commercial opportunities,” Regina City Manager Glen Davies said. “The City wholeheartedly supports this innovative project that will improve the fan experience during the final years of Mosaic Stadium, and in the long-term benefit the whole community at limited cost to Regina taxpayers.”

Mosaic stadium is owned and operated by the City of Regina. The Regina Revitalization Initiative includes plans to re-develop large areas of land in the heart of Regina with housing, commercial and retail opportunities and replace Mosaic Stadium with a state of the art facility. Construction of the new stadium is scheduled to begin in 2013, with completion in 2016.
 
#2,310 ·
Roughriders, provincial government team up on stadium facelift
REGINA - The Canadian Press Feb. 24, 2012

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the province are teaming up to give Mosaic Stadium a facelift in time for the 2013 Grey Cup.

The CFL team will spend $14-million to improve the facility as part of a Grey Cup legacy project the Riders unveiled Friday. The provincial government will also provide a $6.2-million loan.

The plan is to turn the stadium into a bowl and boost its seating capacity to 33,000. An 18 metre-high LED screen will be also be added.

Club chairman Roger Brandvold says while the goal remains to build a new stadium, the improvements to Mosaic were needed with Regina hosting the 2013 Grey Cup.

“This is a very ambitious and much needed plan for Mosaic Stadium over the next few years,” Brandvold said Friday in a statement. “Replacing Mosaic Stadium still remains our top priority, but certain upgrades needed to be made to get us through the next few years and especially the 2013 Grey Cup.”

The project's first phase will see the addition of 7,000 temporary seats as well as corporate boxes to the north and south end zones. The first phase will also include new concession and washroom facilities to create a bowl-like atmosphere and boost the seating capacity to 33,000.

The second phase will add another level of bleachers to increase overall capacity to almost 50,000 for the Grey Cup game.

Following the Grey Cup, only the second tier of temporary seats will be removed to maintain the bowl-like configuration for up to 33,000 fans.

“While each phase of this plan is a temporary solution, its legacy will make an impact throughout Saskatchewan for decades to come,” said team president Jim Hopson. “When the new stadium is ready, and the stands are no longer needed, each section can be dismantled and donated to amateur sports programs across our province.”

Construction of a new stadium is scheduled to begin in 2013 with completion expected in 2016.

Mosaic stadium is owned and operated by the city of Regina.
 
#2,311 ·
PHOTOS: Sask. Roughriders announce Grey Cup Legacy Project

Will spend $14M on enhancing Mosaic Stadium and province to loan $6.2M.
Samantha Maciag Feb 24, 2012

The Riders have announced they're spending $14 million to enhance Mosaic Stadium.

It's part of a Grey Cup legacy project and they're not doing it alone. The province has also provided a $6.2 million loan.

The Riders want to turn the stadium into a bowl. They're adding a new 60-foot LED screen and moving the scoreboard to the northeast corner next to Section 23.

They're also adding seats -- capacity will be increased to nearly 50,000 prior to Grey Cup with a second level of bleacher seats. After the big game, the second tier will be removed but the bowl-like atmosphere will stay and capacity will be 33,000.

Chairman Roger Brandvold insists their goal is still to build a new stadium, but says improvements are needed for the 2013 Grey Cup and to keep pace with the league. Construction on the new stadium is to start in 2013 and finish in 2016.

No substitute for new stadium

To many, the Mosaic upgrades would seem to dash dreams of a new stadium.

Mayor Pat Fiacco says it couldn't be further from the truth.

"The City of Regina will not be investing dollars into Mosaic Stadium. That's not what we're doing, our money is going to be invested in a new facility," he said.

"This is a temporary fix for a very important event that's going to happen in Regina, and that is the Grey Cup."
 
#2,312 · (Edited)
Mosaic Stadium getting $14 million upgrade
Ian Hamilton, Leader-Post February 24, 2012

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have decided to dress up their aging home - but they still plan to move.

"Our focus and drive has not changed for a new stadium," Roger Brandvold, the chairman of the Roughriders' board, said Friday during a media conference announcing the Grey Cup Legacy Project — a $14-million plan to upgrade Mosaic Stadium.

"You certainly heard the message from His Worship, Mayor Pat Fiacco, and city council's commitment to the new stadium. Trust me: We will not give up on this goal."

"Overall, we feel very good about this (new) project from a business point of view, what it offers to our fans over the next four years and our partners," added Roughriders president-CEO Jim Hopson. "But we must stress that this is not a permanent solution. It is a temporary solution and our ultimate goal still is to move into a new stadium in 2016."

The "temporary solution" is a two-pronged project to renovate Mosaic Stadium, not only for the CFL seasons before the club moves but also for the 2013 Grey Cup.

That season, Regina is to play host to the CFL's championship game for the third time; the trophy also was presented on Taylor Field in 1995 and 2003.

Having seen recent Grey Cups staged in upgraded facilities in Edmonton and Vancouver, the Roughriders decided to revamp Mosaic Stadium. As Brandvold said Friday: "The Grey Cup will be one of the biggest single events in the history of this province and requires appropriate facilities to provide a quality experience."

As a result, the Roughriders came up with the Legacy Project.

The provincial government has loaned the Roughriders $6.2 million, while the club will cover the remainder of the cost through its capital account. Hopson said the club believes the renovation ultimately will create revenue, so the Roughriders view the project as an investment as opposed to an expenditure.

The first phase involves the construction in the end zones of approximately 7,000 individual seats — 3,000 in the north end zone and 4,000 in the south — along with 27 corporate suites, creating a bowl. The new sections are to feature enclosed concourses as well as their own concession and washroom facilities.

The current Maxtron is to be replaced by a 60-foot-wide digital LED screen and scoreboard in the northeast end of the stadium as well as a 55-foot-wide digital LED scoreboard attached to the west grandstand.

As well, LED "ribbons" are to be mounted at field level on the east stands and along the west grandstand.

Hopson noted construction crews already are on site, as the team hopes to have the new pieces in place for the 2012 season.

The second phase of the project includes the erection of another level of temporary seats that would bring Mosaic Stadium's seating capacity for the Grey Cup to approximately 50,000.

Bill Hutchinson, Saskatchewan's minister of tourism, parks, culture and sport, said the cost to provincial taxpayers will be minimal because the government is making a loan to the Roughriders that will be paid back, with interest.

The province has been involved in the process of looking into a new entertainment facility in Regina — a building in which the Roughriders would play — but Hutchinson said there wasn't any disappointment that the government was helping with the Legacy Project instead of funding a new facility.

"This is a different kind of a project," he said. "We need to get ready for Grey Cup '13. We have a stadium in need of some improvements in order to host that game properly and to give fans the experience that they are looking for and deserve. That's what this project is going to do.

"The other half of the project that's very exciting from our perspective is, it is indeed a legacy project. A significant portion of the seating will be dismantled after Grey Cup and distributed to communities around the province to enable them to attract more fans to their local games."

The second level of seats is to be donated to interested amateur sports programs around Saskatchewan following the Grey Cup — hence the "legacy" aspect.

Fiacco feted the Roughriders for that part of the project, as well as for making Mosaic Stadium more hospitable for Grey Cup patrons.

He noted that while the city will continue to invest in Mosaic Stadium as its owner — in terms of maintenance and operations — it remains committed to a new building.

"Make no mistake: Construction starts in 2013, (there will be) a brand-new facility in 2016 and in the meantime, this is a bit of a teaser what the fans are going to be able to experience with a new facility," Fiacco said. "This is temporary and I don't think anybody wants a permanent temporary facility."
 
#2,319 ·
^^How else would you propose adding the extra 20k seats necessary to host the Grey Cup? I'd say what they've done is the best option available. I like that there is angling in the corners; better than a straight across end zone set of stands that doesn't point the spectators to the field in the corners.
 
#2,320 ·
Just noticed this thread on the Stockholmsarenan in Sweden. Despite early allusions to the FargoDome in North Dakota, the Stockholmsarenan was to be the model for the new Regina stadium.

I'm a little fearful that some of the momentum is being lost on the Regina stadium project. The Riders aren't as successful on the field as they were a few years ago and project booster Mayor Pat Fiacco is stepping down.

However, Fiacco's preferred successor Michael Fougere is in favour of the project.
 
#2,322 ·
Nah, it's not lost. There's a lot of work going on in the background. The city just approved I think 4 positions to manage the project (business models, negotiating with investors, planning, etc) so I think it's more of a case of lining up all the ducks before pushing forward.
 
#2,323 ·
Bombers announce update on Investors Group Field
BlueBombers.com Staff February 27, 2012

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Football Club announced today an update on the construction and the opening of Investors Group Field.

“As we all know, construction of a major facility is dependent on many different factors,” said Jim Bell, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

“We were given a comprehensive construction overview last week, and were advised that the construction team has lost over 60 days due to weather. While we are enjoying mild temperatures, high winds have hampered the very dangerous work associated with the erection of the partial roof canopy. Workplace safety is of foremost importance and we support our construction team’s decisions as to when it’s safe to operate the cranes and when it is not. In light of this information, we will play our preseason game on June 20 at Canad Inns Stadium, and plan to open the regular season at Investors Group Field on July 26.”

The July 26 date is dependent on a milestone being met in early May.

“I can assure people that our construction team is working around the clock to make this time up with whatever resources are necessary, and to meet the dates required,” said Ossama AbouZeid, Stadium Project Manager.

“We are asking our fans to bear with us as we work through this process. We are focused thoroughly on giving our fans the best and complete game day atmosphere and experience possible. With that in mind, we are hoping that with our preseason game being held at historic Canad Inns Stadium, and our first four games on the road to the start the regular season, we will be in a position to open Investors Group Field on July 26,” said Bell.

As the organization continues its season ticket allocation program, season ticket holders for 2012 will be credited the difference to equal the value of the 2011 preseason game ticket.
 
#2,324 ·
SASKATOON EXPRESSES INTEREST TO NHL FOR A FRANCHISE
BOB MCKENZIE
3/1/2012 1:57:00 PM

No one is suggesting the NHL is considering relocating an existing franchise to Saskatoon.

But it is fair to say there have been expressions of interest from parties in the prairie city to purchase, relocate and house an NHL franchise in Saskatoon's Credit Union Centre.

Obviously, if the NHL is faced with relocating another franchise -- those options may have to be legitimately explored in the coming weeks or months with regards to the long-term future of the Phoenix Coyotes -- the most logical landing-spot candidates are Seattle, Quebec City, Kansas City and perhaps Las Vegas.

But interested parties in Saskatoon have contacted the league and suggested there are individuals or parties in Saskatoon who would be willing to ante up the required purchase fee while various levels of government in Saskatchewan would make necessary arrangements to expand and make NHL-suitable the 15,800-seat Credit Union Centre.

Even though Saskatoon's actual population is around 250,000 -- which at face value would seem to be far too small to support an NHL franchise -- the Saskatoon interests are pitching that an NHL franchise there would be supported by the entire province and it would be a viable operation.

In 1983, the St. Louis Blues almost moved to Saskatoon. Then-owner Ralston Purina were going to sell the franchise to Bill Hunter, who was going to relocate it to Saskatoon. The league blocked the move, took the franchise over when Ralston Purina effectively abandoned it and sold it to Harry Ornest, who kept the team alive in St. Louis.

Meanwhile, the NHL continues to focus on negotiations with three groups who have expressed varying degrees of interest in buying the Coyotes from the NHL and working out a deal with the City of Glendale to keep the franchise there long-term. But if those negotiations don't progress in the coming weeks, it's believed the NHL willl have no other option but to begin pursuing a parallel track to look at its relocation options while still trying to make the Phoenix scenario work.

Either way, one would assume by the end of the NHL regular season -- in mid-April -- the league will need to know whether it's staying in Phoenix for another year or relocating the franchise. Conventional wisdom is the league can't wait as long as it did last spring when Atlanta was relocated to Winnipeg in a process that started in late April and was consummated in late May. Ownership group True North in Winnipeg had an existing infrastructure in place that permitted a relatively smooth transition at such a late date.

But as interested as parties may now be in Seattle and Quebec, for example, none are as fully developed or operationally sound as True North was.

In the meantime, the short-term focus of the league is entirely on trying to nail down a completed agreement to purchase in Phoenix.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=389234
 
#2,326 ·
The ironic part is that they'd draw far better in Saskatoon than they would in Phoenix.
 
#2,327 ·
There is no doubt about that. They would probably sell out every game just like in Winnipeg. Unfortunately for NHL teams, gate receipts are usually far less than even player expenses and account for less than half of team revenue. You need a lot of corporate support to make an NHL team work and that would be an issue in Saskatoon. Hockey is a great sport but evidently a lousy business (unless you own the Leafs, Rangers or Canadiens) as according to Forbes, 18 NHL teams lost money last year.
 
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