Scott Stinson: Rather than finding the money for a full-size stadium for the Atlantic Schooners up front, the proponents now seek half a stadium
When a professional sports team makes a pitch for public funding for a new stadium, it is a given that some of the various bells and whistles that make the project sound so exciting will eventually not ring nor toot.
It was at the Grey Cup in November that CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie officially threw his lot in with a group of businessmen who want to own the league’s 10th franchise and base it in Halifax. There was a vague concept for a stadium, the funding of which was unclear, which if nothing else made it a little odd that the commissioner was so keen on the idea. Everyone has known for ages that the Schooners have some enthusiastic local fans, but the lack of a stadium was the major stumbling block.
It is a curious proposal. LeBlanc, in an interview, explained that the idea of a phased build was first suggested by Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. The current proposal, LeBlanc says, would “de-risk” the stadium concept for politicians leery of spending tens of millions of dollars on a large stadium that would have limited use.
At least, that’s the suggestion. Politicians, and the public, might feel otherwise. There has been nothing stopping the construction of a big public-use field and stadium in the area, and yet none was planned. Shannon Park was already slated for a mixed-use development that did not include any kind of large sports complex. This new facility might have benefits to the public, but the only reason it is now being proposed is so that the Schooners have a place to play.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Georgetti says CFLPA, CFL to turn to monetary issues very shortly - Sportsnet.caThe CFL and its players continue to discuss non-monetary issues, but union senior advisor Ken Georgetti expects the two sides to begin tackling financial matters very shortly.
Read more »
Moncton to host 2019 CFL game between Argonauts and Alouettes - Sportsnet.caThe TorontoArgos and MTLAlouettes will play a game in Moncton this upcoming season.
Read more »
Favourite room: Owners design Toronto home to minimize environmental footprintDesigning their home gave Janna Levitt and Dean Goodman the opportunity to innovate within the narrow dimensions of a downtown lot
Read more »
Former NHL defenceman Serge Savard not in running to own Alouettes - Sportsnet.caThe eight-time Stanley Cup-winning defenceman with the Montreal Canadiens says he’s not involved in any group looking to purchase the CFL franchise.
Read more »
Argos and Alouettes to play in Moncton - TSN.caThe Canadian Football League and Schooners Sports and Entertainment, the group trying to bring a franchise to Atlantic Canada, announced Friday Touchdown Atlantic is returning, with the 2019 edition to be played August 25 in Moncton.
Read more »
Moncton to host game between Argonauts and Alouettes on Aug. 25The CFL announced Friday it will be holding the 2019 Touchdown Atlantic game at Stade Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium
Read more »
'Harry Potter' books burned at Catholic parish in PolandPriests at a Catholic parish in northern Poland have burned books, including the 'Harry Potter' series, and other items that their owners said had evil forces.
Read more »
B.C. introduces landowner transparency law to prevent money laundering, tax evasion in real estateB.C.'s Landowner Transparency Act creates country’s first public registry of property owners to deter crime in real estate
Read more »
Bump stocks are turned in or destroyed as U.S. ban takes effectThe U.S. ban on bump stocks took effect this week, and there are signs that owners destroyed tens of thousands of them or handed them over to authorities as required.
Read more »
Quebec Taxi Industry Pauses Protests After Driver Self-Harms On TV'One of our distressed colleagues called out for help on television by trying to end his life,' a spokesman for the province's taxi industry said
Read more »