Quote:
Originally Posted by q12
If you haven't listened to this interview with Mark Cohon back in August here it is (reposted from Halifax Stadium Discussion):
I believe he pointed out that London seems to be out of the question for expansion due to proximity to Hamilton.
If Moncton ever got a CFL team (which is highly unlikely) and than Halifax wanted a team, they would probably cry fowl in Moncton since they would argue it would hurt Moncton's attendance.
If the ship building contract (or even a portion of it) is awarded to Halifax than not only is development in Halifax likely to sky rocket, but it would likely increase our population growth rate substantially. Also there would be more willingness from corporations to invest in a Halifax based CFL team with a booming economy. I think this fact alone will be the final nail in the coffin for discussion on Moncton's CFL aspirations.
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Interesting interview with Cohon
Bob McCown is a doofus though, never been a fan of him and his "Toronto is the center of the universe!!!" attitude; he sounded surprised when the Comish mentioned Southern Ontario needing to better support its existing teams and changed topics..lol...heck, TSN has done more for the league than Sportsnet ever could. Maybe Argo's going to Sportsnet would be a good idea since they do a good job for the Toronto area, but outside that, TSN > Sportsnet and time of the day. Besides, I doubt TSN would give up what is now their biggest TV draw.
I agree with Quebec City, but again, they need a stadium. Great potential, but stadium!
He has good things to say about Moncton, but is also realistic about the scenario. He raved on and on about the fans; clearly he was impressed *note this interview was before TD Atlantic #2*
Also, he has good things to say about Halifax but is also cautious in general: he is keeping a close eye on the stadium developments but also notes "It needs to be up to CFL Standards"
Again, a stadium in Halifax isn't a guarantee for a team and that point of his highlights it.
IMO, he seems high on both Moncton and Halifax. That said, he has concerns for both. He does imply behind a "10th" team that Atlantic Canada would likely just have one team...so I wouldn't bother starting to argue about Halifax AND Moncton having a team, when both still have a ways to go to even place a bid for a franchise.
The formula for either Moncton or Halifax to get the CFL's attention seriously, is the same process Ottawa went through and the same process QC is going through currently for the NHL:
3 things are needed
1) A building, that meets the requirements
2) An owner, willing to support the team (though it could be community owned like the Riders; it works in Saskatchewan so why wouldn't it work in the Maritimes?)
3) A market; both in terms of fan base and corporate support
The CFL is a gate driven league, much like the NHL is, but corporate support is still important. Cohon was cautious about Moncton, yet did defend it at the same time. For Halifax, he was more concerned about the stadium; although he noted Moncton has a stadium, he said it is no where near what is required.
And its not just seats that are important.
For Halifax, they need to build one first, and get it to "CFL standards" as he noted.
So one thing I will point out to the Pro-Halifax crowd, is that you guys need to make sure the stadium your city council approves isn't a bare bones 20 000 seater with minimum concessions, press boxes, and private suits. If you've been waiting since 1983, why not go all out and build the best you can? I know a lot of people in the Halifax Stadium forum have brought that up. I bet you all agree with that notion. Fingers crossed that your city council doesn't cop out.
For the Pro-Moncton crowd, a similar story: Having an expanded stadium with permanent seats is good, but it needs to support all the concessions that are required of a modern facility. The CFL won't put a franchise in Moncton unless it has the maximum possibility to succeed, and that includes the business side of things which are directly tied to the stadium.
I wish the best for both cities, but it all starts with the stadium. Or, at the very least, ownership interest; Ottawa doesn't have the stadium yet but they are investing in one as part of a Half-a-Billion dollar investment.