Manitoba making strides towards tentative CFL hosting
Posted July 24, 2020 4:22 pm.
Last Updated July 24, 2020 6:48 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WINNIPEG (CityNews) – Manitoba has created a community-based committee to oversee the province’s plans for the CFL’s tentative move into Winnipeg for a potential 2020 season.
“A major event like the CFL’s hub city will bring positive economic benefits to Winnipeg and help return more Manitobans to work in hard-hit areas like tourism and hospitality,” said Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler. “With public health and safety at its foundation, the committee will focus on engaging the community and ensuring Manitoba gets a good return on our investment.”
According to Minister Eichler and Sports, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox, the committee will focus on the following:
• Overall economic return on investment of the province’s $2.5 million commitment, through tax revenues, direct and indirect economic impact and social indicators;
• Building and fostering community engagement, spirit and support; and
• Providing community oversight and support to the CFL and the WFC to facilitate the effective delivery of the 60-game CFL season.
“We are excited for the return of CFL football to our city and the opportunity to support the shortened season and boost community pride,” said Cox. “The games will have a different look and feel without fans in the stands, but our priority is the health and safety of all Manitobans and all event participants, so we can continue to be one of Canada’s safest jurisdictions.”
The committee will look into making plans and strategies to ensure the safety of all Manitobans and CFL team members.
International players will be required to isolate for 14 days before arriving in Winnipeg and seven days after arriving.
“Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has worked closely with the CFL to ensure that the health and safety of Manitobans comes first,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. “We will continue to do so when the season starts, to ensure that the appropriate steps are being taken so everyone involved is safe as we learn to live with this virus.”
To allow for a tight environment, the general public will not be allowed in dedicated hotels or IG Field. Only players, staff, league officials and media will be granted access to the stadium. Violations will result in penalties, which could terminate the season.
The province announced earlier in the week it would dedicate $2.5 million out of the #RestartMB action plan to support the CFL should the season go ahead.
If the CFL’s plan to do the abbreviated 15-week season proceeds, Winnipeg would serve as the backdrop for 60 football games televised across Canada and the 108th Grey Cup Championship.
The Manitoba government said the hub city event would bring an estimated 800 participants to Winnipeg and generate $45 million in business sales, $4.5 million in direct tax and approximately $4 million in hotel stays, as well as support 600 jobs.
For more details regarding #RestartMB, Event Attraction Strategy and safety measures visit the Restart Manitoba website.
