Meanwhile, in non-Coyotes news... (LeBlanc's CFL Efforts)

[HugoSimon]

I like Maritime Marauders better, which the Halifax CFL site did a jersey concept, but I'm generally not a big fan of alliteration. Especially when it's so obvious.

On a side hockey note the unofficial name the team in Seattle has me won over on Sockeyes, where previously I favored the Seattle Metropolitans or Seattle Thunderbirds (if either of those were available).

Though I would like to see a logo first: do you do a logo of a fish or black eyes--or a fish with a black eye?

The more obvious choice is the East Coast Giants.

I can't for the life of me figure out why this isn't obvious, after the massive popularity of "East Coast Lifestyle" Tshirts to me it was obvious.

Atlantic Canada is a completely made up term, it has no emotional pull power with people on the East Coast.

You'd have more luck calling new york part of the mid west, than convincing newfies they have anything to do with the maritimes. To us maritimes mean's New Brunswick-PEI and Nova Scotia just going along with it out of politeness.

The East Coast is a far better branding, not only do newfies feel like they are the "real easterners", the term East Coast has some pull in Ontario. Especially among the Atlantic Canadian diaspora.

Than there is the whole carry over to US markets, where New Englanders etc would love to be attached to the brand.

The best part is that they already have the perfect mascot.

Giant Angus Mascaskill was a Cape Breton giant, who was famouns for lifting a massive anchor. \

To me it seems obvious that the East Coast Giants would feature the Giant lifting up a massive anchor.

 

[Habaneros]

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/tickets-sales-sluggish-for-moncton-s-cfl-exhibition-game-1.4474350

 

[sawchuk1971]

is this the same guy who tried to run the coyotes?

something tells me this guy is a fraud...

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-atlantic-schooners-2021-1.5202241

its unrealistic to get a team in two years (2020)....supposedly the year to start is 2021...

Anthony LeBlanc has tempered his enthusiasm.

LeBlanc said Friday the expectation now is for the CFL's Atlantic Schooners to be ready to play in 2021 in Moncton, N.B., while a new stadium is being built in Halifax. This past winter, LeBlanc contended if all went well, the expansion franchise could begin play in 2020.

"We want to get started as soon as possible but we have to be cognizant of the work that goes into this," LeBlanc said in a telephone interview. "It's not a surprise it's taking longer than we expected . . . and we just need to be realistic.

"I don't think it's realistic at this point to even consider 2020. Look, nobody's more frustrated with the timing than I am but the last thing we want to do is rush this. We've got to ensure we're good partners and whatever we provide we want it to be fully baked and give us the best shot at this working."

trouble selling tickets in the atlantic market....the reason? they cost too much....

LeBlanc announced SSE has lowered ticket prices for the Aug. 25 Touchdown Atlantic game in Moncton between the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts.

Admission now will be as low as $29. When the game was confirmed in March, tickets started at $65.

 

[Llama19]

Never change Anthony...never change...

 

[donghabs98]

I was originally excited about Touchdown Atlantic but then saw the price point. While they lowered it significantly I've already made plans before that. The price point with a mixture of a lack of marketing and it doesnt surprise me the game isnt selling tickets.

 

[Mightygoose]

Yup. Mr. LeBlanc never changes.

All about optics and timelines that are not in his control. Dealing with a stadium project that's going to involve all 3 levels of government in some level, how can anyone tell when or if this will be done.

Hasn't learned his lesson all from the his failed endeavor with the new Coyotes arena. Even if things do get moving and they start playing in Moncton for 2021, that place only seats 10K permanent with no suites. How do they stay afloat until then?

Touchdown Atlantic is a joke. Who did the group survey to find out if the original prices would fly? A quick search at other CFL teams would be enough to find out what they charge. Now they finally lowered them to a reasonable level but many have been turned off and/or made other plans.

Which is a shame because the attendance at this game is no indication of the viability of the CFL in the maritimes, getting a stadium built is. A quick Google search on the Schooners failed bid in the 80s will tell you that. I guess LeBlanc didn't look when making is 75 page marketing plan.

 

[Mightygoose]

https://www.tsn.ca/halifax-cfl-grou...cess-not-critical-to-long-term-goal-1.1354952

On the heels of Sunday's touchdown Atlantic game on Sunday (Als will squash Argos).

Overpricing the game (end zone seats we're originally $74 before the price drop) and scrambling to fill it is giving the NFL tilt in Winnipeg a run for their money. Hopefully it should be a full length field

Agree that what happens at this game has no bearing if expansion happens. The stadium is. Apparently SSE is going to finally submit the business plan to council at the end of August....about 5 months late

From LeBlanc

"I've been my worst enemy in putting out unnecessary timelines, he said. "These things never work at a pace that you want them to. But I am very confident that once we deliver the package to Halifax regional municipal staff, people will see that this is real."

Well no **** Tony

We'll find out if he's learned his lesson in less than....2 weeks

 

[TheLegend]

From LeBlanc

"I've been my worst enemy in putting out unnecessary timelines, he said.

I think I’ve just found my new signature line.

Thanks for finding that Goose.

 

[Mightygoose]

Looks like LeBlanc and co. finally submitted the business case to the city late last night.

Group trying to land CFL franchise in Halifax submits business plan to city - HalifaxToday.ca

This was first mention to be given in December, then March...maybe even June. Granted the project was scaled down a few months ago.

So...3rd...maybe 4th time is a charm?

Good to see this stage is finally done and with very little fanfare.

Should be about 6 months of review before any recommendation is made to move forward or not. At least this is not LeBlanc's timeline.

 

[Mightygoose]

Details (some of them) of stadium released.

https://www.halifaxtoday.ca/local-news/details-of-cfl-stadium-proposal-released-1714739

Phase 1. Cost under 94 million plus 10 million in land acquisition costs

12K permanent seats on one side. 9K semi-permanent on the other. About 1575 endzone seats plus about 2K standing room 'party zone'

The SSE proposal assumes that some or all the funds for the municipality’s financial support would be generated from a tax incremental financing (TIF) model

 

[TheLegend]

Follow up story just released....

Stadium risk "very low" for HRM, says Schooner's co-founder - HalifaxToday.ca


-------------
"One option in the proposal asks for Hailfax to contribute $2 million per year to the cost of the stadium. According to LeBlanc, some of that would be returned via a $10 surcharge added to tickets.

"HRM will have its full $2 million back, one million out of a cheque that we'll write every year, the second out of the surcharge," LeBlanc offered.
--------------

And then.....

--------------
On Monday, Bedford councillor Tim Outhit suggested the money was a lot to ask considering HRM will not own, operate or control the facility. As well, District 5 councillor Sam Austin questioned what would happen to the money HRM is told to expect from ticket sales should a potential CFL team go "belly up".

"The ownership of the facility is not super important to us, it's how it's going to be financed to be built, and then being operated," said LeBlanc "I think from HRM's perspective they want to be crystal clear they're not on the hook operationally, which we're willing to do regardless of the ownership structure."
---------------

 

[Mightygoose]

LeBlanc's Stadium dreams lives on after a motion to scrap the plan early is defeated 9-8 by HRM

Austin's motion to scrap analysis of CFL stadium defeated - HalifaxToday.ca

Another motion passed 10-6 to have an update by the city staff in December on the file. A recommendation is expected late Winter/Early Spring.

Mr. LeBlanc needs to up the ante it seems

 

[Llama19]

LeBlanc's Stadium dreams lives on after a motion to scrap the plan early is defeated 9-8 by HRM

Austin's motion to scrap analysis of CFL stadium defeated - HalifaxToday.ca

Another motion passed 10-6 to have an update by the city staff in December on the file. A recommendation is expected late Winter/Early Spring.

Mr. LeBlanc needs to up the ante it seems

"I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."
-- Anthony 'J. Wellington Wimpy' LeBlanc

 

[Mightygoose]

New proposal submitted

Schooner Sports and Entertainment submits amended stadium proposal - HalifaxToday.ca

Some highlights

Mitigating HRM's Risk and Economic Benefits

• SSE to contribute tens of millions of dollars directly to Stadium Construction
• SSE will fund all ongoing Capital expenses
• SSE will take on all operational expenses, regardless of ownership structure
• SSE to repay HRM's FULL annual contribution
• HRM to share in excess surcharge profit, forecasted to be hundreds of thousands in annual revenue
• Thousand of jobs created
• Millions of dollars in tax revenues

• 
  How much does tens of millions mean? Does that mean some up front $$$ now?

• 
  Part of the pitch includes more larger events including an NHL stadium series/Heritage Class a la Regina a few weeks ago. SSE has already reached out to the league.

 

[TheLegend]

New proposal submitted

Schooner Sports and Entertainment submits amended stadium proposal - HalifaxToday.ca

Some highlights

Mitigating HRM's Risk and Economic Benefits

• SSE to contribute tens of millions of dollars directly to Stadium Construction
• SSE will fund all ongoing Capital expenses
• SSE will take on all operational expenses, regardless of ownership structure
• SSE to repay HRM's FULL annual contribution
• HRM to share in excess surcharge profit, forecasted to be hundreds of thousands in annual revenue
• Thousand of jobs created
• Millions of dollars in tax revenues

• 
  How much does tens of millions mean? Does that mean some up front $$$ now?

• 
  Part of the pitch includes more larger events including an NHL stadium series/Heritage Class a la Regina a few weeks ago. SSE has already reached out to the league.

Seems like we've seen all this before, eh??

 

[Mightygoose]

Details of the new proposal.

https://www.halifax.ca/sites/defaul..._campaign=halifaxtoday.ca&utm_medium=referral

Still no upfront money by SSE but pays back city's cost (2 million per year) through.

1 million per year from SSE to cover 1st half of the city's cost
Ticket surcharge to cover the balance
$10 ticket/per CFL game. Based on 10K per game (which is low) and 10 games (9 regular season + 1 pre season) earns the other million. Playoff games/Grey Cups and one off events should earn more...in theory

Previous deal anything above 1 million/year from the ticket surcharge went back to SSE. Under the new proposal it's split 50/50 with the city.

SSE is open to either the city owning the building or not. City is not interested in owning or operating it. SSE claims they will pay operations costs.

This should be discussed early next month.

 

[Mightygoose]

Council vote is likely to happen on December 10. If the stadium plan dies....LeBlanc's CFL efforts may not..



If true, this guy is all over the place....from one coast to another...

 

[Mightygoose]

Meeting minutes up for council meeting on December 10

https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/regional-council/191210rc1514.pdf

Looks like the city is open to fund their share but not on the site SSE prefers - Shannon Park

*****

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Halifax Regional Council
1) Authorize the CAO to negotiate a Contribution Agreement substantially in accordance with terms
outlined in Table 1 of this report, to provide for a one-time contribution of $20M towards the cost of
construction of a community stadium to be payable upon substantial completion of construction.
The Contribution Agreement is to be subject to the selection of a site with optimal access to major

transportation routes and necessary infrastructure acceptable to Regional Council and further; and
2) To return to Regional Council for approval of the site and the Contribution Agreement

*****

The SSE submission proposed construction of the stadium on lands within the Shannon Park site.
However, the CAO and his team do not recommend that Regional Council provide a one-time
contribution for a stadium at that site. The reasons for not supporting the Shannon Park site are
detailed in the discussion section of this report and summarized below:
• The site is not conducive to a robust transportation plan. The site is severely encumbered by a CN

rail line and the MacKay Bridge, and would require an extensive public transportation infrastructure
investment;
• The proposal for Shannon Park as a site does not include an associated developer. Thus, there is

not proper analysis and advice on what infrastructure is needed from a transportation and
storm/waste water perspective;
• A community stadium at Shannon Park would possibly necessitate HRM investment in a new ferry

terminal and ferries. A new ferry terminal is estimated at $15M - $20M, and would require 3 new
ferries which would cost approximately $15M - $20M. The demand for infrastructure could change
HRM’s investment in terms of investing in the construction costs of a new stadium vs investment
in public infrastructure such as a ferry terminal and ferries.
• The absence of a developer and a master development plan makes it very difficult for staff to assess

the potential of a TIF model;
• Canada Lands has completed significant community consultation and development of a master

plan for Shannon Park which includes affordable housing;

****

So not a complete 'no' but back to the drawing board it seems. Is Mr. LeBlanc open to another site? The Wanders grounds where HFX Wanderers place is too small, but it seems like the city is still open minded.

After Tuesday....your move Tony....

 

[Llama19]

LeBlanc would likely blow through that $20 million in his first year of operation...

 

[Mightygoose]

Mr. LeBlanc can never say no to other people's money!

It appears, he's open to other patches of dirt



According to Mr. Barnes sources, this 'rejection' via this recommendation is good news for SSE. Who on earth would say no to 20 million so fast?


From Mr. LeBlanc


Meeting is scheduled to start on Tuesday December 10 at 9:30 am AST/8:30 am EST

 

[Llama19]

Mr. LeBlanc can never say no to other people's money!

It appears, he's open to other patches of dirt



According to Mr. Barnes sources, this 'rejection' via this recommendation is good news for SSE. Who on earth would say no to 20 million so fast?


From Mr. LeBlanc


Meeting is scheduled to start on Tuesday December 10 at 9:30 am AST/8:30 am EST

And...how many piles of dirt...er...sites did LeBlanc state he had to choose from in the Phoenix area...for that new hockey arena...

 

[TheLegend]

Any entity looking to build a major project always has more than one site under consideration. Each are going to have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages but they’re still options.

The NFL Cardinals has no less than 15 site proposals under consideration before they ended up in Glendale.

It’s smart business.

Those who have nothing to offer but smarmy references are simply showing their ignorance.

 

[DoyleG]

Any entity looking to build a major project always has more than one site under consideration. Each are going to have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages but they’re still options.

The NFL Cardinals has no less than 15 site proposals under consideration before they ended up in Glendale.

It’s smart business.

Those who have nothing to offer but smarmy references are simply showing their ignorance.

You ignore that this is Halifax that we are considering here.

Shannon Park is an old military housing site that has been decommissioned and is being parceled off. Its certainly one of the largest pieces of land that hasn't been developed in the city's inner core. Much of the opposition comes from the people who hope to have it as a form of housing project rather than a stadium.

Those that oppose it haven't produced a viable alternative to Shannon Park. They got uptight when Halifax Wanderers built their stadium site there, even though the land it was on was designated for sporting purposes.

 

[Mightygoose]

LeBlanc's stadium quest lives on after a significant vote.



Now among other things, he needs a new patch of dirt....bring on some development partners on that site.....provincial support for implementing a 2% car rental tax and increase of hotel tax from 2% to 4% and having something for council in June...with a municipal election coming in October


Overall this is......super progressed....

 

[cutchemist42]

Really glad to hear the news!!