Quote:
Originally Posted by blueandgoldguy
we'll see. Funding arrangements for these stadiums seem to take several years. See Winnipeg, Regina and Hamilton and Ottawa. I will be surprised if all the details for stadium funding will have been ironed out in less than 2-3 years, assuming it happens at all.
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You don't have to convince me. I'm the one who's been saying the average time from the original concept idea (with a drawing) to final completion is eight years. Regina did it a little quicker.
This article was from December 23/2004, and if people wonder why I post the whole article, that link is now dead.
New Winnipeg stadium in 2013
Daring to dream
Bold first step on stadium project taken
FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Winni...793057-sun.html
In a matter of years, Winnipeg may have a new 30,000-seat stadium on the western edge of the city. An ambitious plan was unveiled yesterday to look at the feasibility of constructing a $165-million "destination complex" at the 450-acre Red River Exhibition Park on Portage Avenue west of the Perimeter Highway.
The complex would include a partially-covered stadium, 200,000 square-foot exhibition facility, 250-room hotel and a 40,000 square-foot water park. The water park would be accessible to the public, not just hotel guests.
EXPANDABLE TO 50,000
The stadium -- expected to cost more than $90 million -- would be home to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who have played at the Maroons Road stadium since 1952. It would be expandable to 50,000 seats for events such as the Grey Cup.
"Fans of this city and province deserve the best," said Paul Robson, CEO of the Red River Exhibition Association, one of three partner's in the project -- which also includes Canad Inns Corp. and the Winnipeg Football Club.
An artist's rendering of the proposed complex depicts a rounded stadium with an ultra-modern hotel at one of the end zones. Two grandstands on either side of the field are covered by a partial roof.
Hotel guests could watch games from the comfort of their rooms.
Leo Ledohowski, CEO of Canad Inns, said the idea is to create a complex that would attract tourists from Ontario, Saskatchewan and the U.S.
"It's a concept whose time has come," Ledohowski said.
If the project goes ahead, Ledohowski said it could be another two years before a shovel is in the ground. Construction would be expected to take another two years after that.
The group does not have funding in place yet for the stadium and exhibition portions of the complex, but Robson said there are "creative people at the head table" who will find it. The hotel and water park would be funded, owned and operated by Canad Inns.
"We are not entering into this stage of our planning with unrealizable expectations," said Gene Dunn, chairman of the football club. "All major undertakings begin with a vision."
Federal Treasury Board president Reg Alcock said Ottawa would be willing to pony up some cash for the stadium as it did for the MTS Centre. The three levels of government contributed more than $40 million to the $133.5-million downtown project.
"What we've learned is governments shouldn't lead on these projects," Alcock said. "But when it's building for the public good, I think you'll find us contributing."
Manitoba Industry Minister Jim Rondeau said the province may also be willing to help, depending on the outcome feasibility study. However, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said it's too early for such talk.
"We're not even going there right now," said Katz, noting the city is still in the process of handing over the operation of Canad Inn Stadium to the Winnipeg Football Club.
"We think it would be premature right now to discuss anything when we haven't even finalized the agreement for the current facility," Katz said.
The feasibility study -- estimated to cost $250,000 -- is expected to be completed by spring or summer. Ottawa is picking up half the tab, with the remaining money coming from the three private-sector partners.
The complex would be located within city limits.