Blue Bombers confident stadium loan will be paid - Action News
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Manitoba

Blue Bombers confident stadium loan will be paid

The CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a plan to repay a massive loan for their new stadium by offering naming rights for the facility and by giving fans a bigger bang for more bucks.

The CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a plan to repaya massiveloan for their new stadium by offering naming rights for the facility and by giving fans a bigger bang for more bucks.

The football club will be responsible for repaying Manitobataxpayers$85 million over the next 40 years.

Bombers chairman Bill Watchorn told a news conference Tuesday the team will raise more moneyvia enhanced facility and entertainment fees, primary and secondary naming rights for the stadium, development of corporate suites and premium seating, improved hospitality, retail and concession opportunities, and future sporting and entertainment events.

"We are confident in our ability to secure the $85 million in funding to complete this project," said Watchorn. "In our plans, we have outlined increased revenue streams that were not available to the club at our existing stadium.

"Furthermore, we will also look to increasing revenue through operational changes and improvements that the new stadium will provide as well as attracting larger future events such as the Grey Cup and major concert tours," added Watchorn. "All of these elements have been built into the plan and are achievable."

Newly appointed chief transition officer Jeff Thompson is working on detailed programs for all of the new revenue streams, the team said.

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon noted the new facility will also be used for amateur and community events.

"I think it is wonderful that the club has stepped in to take charge in making it happen for the city and province. All of the clubs in the Canadian Football League support Winnipeg in this initiative and look forward to playing their first game in the new facility."