Quote:
Originally Posted by wespidel
Fenwick there is another CFL model that I believe can be build for probably under 100 million if built right and that`s the Montreal McGill Als CFL stadium that was recently renovated and expanded to 25 thousand permanent seats and they added an additional 19 skyboxes and other revenue features, an open face concourse with permanent washrooms and concession stands, etc., to make their owner more viable and I believe this type of CFL stadium could be built for 80 million.
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Yes, I agree that once parking and land costs are included then the total stadium cost could easily reach $80 million. If a CFL team is obtained, and it is successful, then the cost might go even higher but at that point it would be justifiable. However, the entire $80 million dollar stadium doesn't have to be completely built next year. The first stage could be built for $30 million - $40 million and then the remaining 25,000 seats could be built through fund raising.
The way that I see this unfolding are a couple different ways:
1) It could be decided that a large stadium is unaffordable and the SMU Stadium will be expanded, but probably it won't be able to host 25,000 spectators for the CFL. This would be disappointing as far as the CFL goes, although it would be better than what currently exists in the HRM.
2) The first stage of a large stadium could be built in the HRM which might start at 12,000 - 15,000 seats but could be expanded in the future through fund raising. This is my hope since I don't expect a $80 million dollar stadium to be built strictly through funding of only the HRM and provincial government.
In order for the number 2 option to occur, people will have to stop relying on the HRM and province to go it alone with funding (the federal government doesn't seem interested in providing funding). Alternate options will have to be found. This is based on what is stated in the media by Mayor Kelly and others - that private investors will be required. In my opinion, these private investors don't have to be found for the first part of the stadium to occur. Just a stadium design is important so that sufficient space is allowed for expansion and in order to get individual and corporate sponsors.
Most people on this forum felt a year ago that financing would be a problem (since both levels of government were cutting costs). At that time a stadium wasn't even being discussed; at least now it is being discussed. Now residents in the HRM and ex-Nova Scotians throughout Canada have to work with the HRM to find a way to finance it. Let the HRM and province start with phase I (12,000 - 15,000 seats) and then let others find a way to finish it. At least give them a chance to do so. This has been done numerous times throughout the US and Canada to fund university stadiums.