Bombers delay opening of new stadium

[sj-roc]

Word out of Winnipeg has the Bombers remaining at Canad Inns Stadium for their first five regular season games of 2012 — including the Lions' only visit on Aug 24 — with Sep 21 versus Hamilton as the projected opening date at their new stadium:

http://cfl.ca/article/bombers-delay-ope ... ew-stadium

[Belize City Lion]

Wow, could the Bombers have bungled things any worse? They are going to play their first 4 games on the road, now they have to try to market tickets for the first 5 home games to a fan base that is going to feel deceived. The Bombers could easily be 1-4 before even playing a game at home, imagine trying to convince fans to come out to the old park that will still reek of mothballs?

If they hadn't been so stubborn about refusing to admit their stadium would not be ready in time the Bombers could have spun the delayed opening in their favour. Each home game at Canad Inns leading up to the grand finale "banjo-bowl" could have been made into special events. Then the grand opening of the new park just in time for the stretch drive. Gee... where did we see that work out well for another CFL team?

[notahomer]

Saw one tv clip where someone from the organization said they knew a month ago. No question it's a dissappointment for the fans. Well the back half of the schedule has got to be okay. And at least they didn't have to move to a temporary stadium (ala Tempire Field) for a season and a half. Sure am looking forward to seeing some games at their new palace (via TSN of course....).

[cromartie]

You would prefer they open an unfinished stadium?

Certainly they can re-grind the marketing gears (and Hamilton is doing just that with the Final Season at Ivor Wynne campaign), but if I were a season ticket holder in the 'Peg, I'd be more concerned about where my seats were in the new place than it not being ready.

[Sir Purrcival]

This has been known for at least a month and even longer by insiders. They missed the mark by a considerable margin too. Unfortunate and it certainly won't be a benefit to the Bombers but things happen, people misjudge but at the end of the day, they will get their new stadium and it has been a long time coming. A few more games won't really make much difference.