Recent news articles by the local media and "unofficial" comments by
the team president and city mayor are hinting that tem****ary seating
will be in place within a month (prior to the Labour Day Classic). Up
to 2000 seats (complete with washrooms and concessions) in the
south-west corner of the stadium could be built (assembled) in 1-week.
That's great news for local fans as it is getting very tough to get
tickets for upcoming games. A number of the games were sold out as of
June 1st and so far this year the paid attendance has been 100% of
capacity (28,800) for the pre-season and 2 regular season games with
10 straight complete sell-outs going back to last year.
In other news (i.e. rumours), the City and the team have been
discussing a more permanent solution for the green ravenous fans. Up
to $50 million has been discussed for renovations including expansion
to 32,000 seats, permanent seating at the north end, new seats instead
of benches, elevators for the west side, renovated washrooms,
concessions, electrical and lighting upgrades, expanded perimeter for
tail-gate parties and vendors, and additional practice facilities. The
study being conducted right now, and due in the fall, is even looking
at the possibility of a brand new stadium. (That won't happen but they
have to do the feasibility study in their due diligence.) With the
current budget surpluses of the Provincial government, the time is
ripe for them to kick in for the renovations.
Expansion - if it's good for the Riders, it's good for the League.
"If you build it, they will come..." :)
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