New stadium brews excitement in Moncton
Courtesy Regina Leader Post:
A sod-turning ceremony in Moncton to mark the spot of a new track and field stadium carried with it hopes the city could one day land a Canadian Football League franchise.
Some $3 million in additional funding came Moncton’s way Tuesday for a 28,000-seat stadium at Universite de Moncton.
It’s officially designed for the upcoming 2010 world junior track and field championships, but most people, including many officials, have professional football on their minds.
“The possibility will always be there in the future (for) professional franchise teams to be located in this region, we have a facility that can be competitive for bids,” Premier Shawn Graham said of the $27 million facility.
The city is rife with speculation despite the fact construction is not expected to begin until early next year.
“If there is any interest on the CFL, Moncton is always open and ready for discussion — that’s a chapter for another day,” said Ian Fowler, of the City of Moncton.
There’s been no official word yet from the city if and when it will pursue the CFL for a franchise, but sources say that work could begin as early as next month following the municipal elections.
The two men running for mayor of Moncton say that — if elected — there is no question they’ll be going after the CFL.
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