Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormer
I do not see them building their own stadium. I see this a negotiating ploy. They will be at one of Mosaic, Griffiths or Gordie Howe, etc.
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There was a public info session at O'Hanlone on July 21. In attendance & answering questions in a panel discussion and from the audience were Joe Belan (Canadian-born investment banker from Switzerland and prospective franchise owner), Paul Bernie (former exec. with Toronto FC of MLS and head of the proposed Canadian Premier League) and Lee Genier (former prez of Sask Rush lacrosse team and certain to be head of the Sask CanPL franchise). I wad there & Here's some of what they said:
- league hopes to kick off 1 week after the 2018 World Cup, so around
July 22/18 with six franchises
- first 6 teams will include Hamilton, Winnipeg (already announced) likely Halifax and hopefully 3 more. However, if not ready they will push back to 2019
- assuming CanPL kicks off with 6 teams in 2018, expect the Sask team to be # 7 or 8 and begin play in 2019
- no decision made between Regina or Saskatoon yet. Decision by end of this year. Plan to promote as a provincial team either way
- said they would privately fund & build a 8,500 seat, soccer-specific modular stadium in whichever city they ultimately chose. Cost would be $15-20M
- said they're not interested in using Mosaic stadium as it's far too big and wouldn't create a good atmosphere
- they would like to see Regina bid to host a World Cup game in 2026 (assuming joint Canada-USA-Mexico bid is chosen)
- ultimately, if the CanPL is successful, would love to see franchises in both Regina and Saskatoon. The inter-province derby would be a natural rivalry
Separately, I think/hope there's a good chance that On Ice Management (John Graham) will bring another international friendly like Valencia/NY Cosmos back to Regina next summer