Sports Article #2

The new proposed stadium to be built at the University of Manitoba is officially underway. The new stadium is set to be ready for the start of the 2012 season. $90 million, the estimated financing amount has been given from the government to David Asper. The financing will help Asper’s company, Cre(s)win Properties Inc. with the overall construction costs of the stadium ($115 million) and the fitness centre ($22 million) of $137 million. But how will this loan affect taxpayers? And is a new stadium worth the money?

Nick Andrelunas is a Winnipegger against the proposed tax increase. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” retorts Andrelunas. What if Asper can’t pay the money back? In the beginning when this proposed stadium was just a future plan, Winnipeggers were told that the new proposed stadium wouldn’t affect taxpayers. Andrelunas is not pleased with the outcome, “I think it should have been more straight forward from the start, “he says.

Another vast concern is location. For most people who currently bus to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers games, the rapid transit system to the University of Manitoba is crucial. Some might think the location is not convenient.

Chas Vokey is a long-time Bomber fan, “I think it’s a good idea,” says Vokey who is pleased that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are getting a new stadium. Vokey doesn’t feel that the location is a big deal at all. “It could be worse,” adds Vokey. “It could be outside the city.”

The rapid transit system which has been in construction since October 22, 2008 is estimated to be finished by the time the new stadium will be complete.

In addition to Winnipeg proposing a new stadium, Saskatchewan is planning on investing in a new one as well, a bigger one. Are they trying to outdo us? Vokey doesn’t think so, “As much of a Bomber fan I am, Roughrider fans are much more die-hard… so a bigger stadium there makes sense.”

Unfortunately, I failed this article, due to accessing TSN's article to find out David Asper's company's name which is actually Creswin Properties Inc. but not according to this TSN article.

Third paragraph - second line


Thanks TSN!