With the CFL currently considering playing a shortened season this fall the provincial government announced on Monday that they are making a bid for Winnipeg to be the CFL hub city.
$2.5 million had been earmarked to pay for things like Food and accommodations, Practice field rentals, group transportation and event specific expenses in Manitoba should Winnipeg become the hub city.
“Manitoba is leading in recovery with a safe plan to restart our economy, which is why we are ready to make another important investment that supports the restart of our economy and invite the CFL to safely play its shortened 2020 season in Winnipeg,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “We are excited to work with Travel Manitoba and key economic stakeholders to develop our #RestartMB Event Attraction Strategy that will benefit the entire provincial economy, but in particular, the hardest-hit sectors of tourism and hospitality, namely restaurants and hotels.”
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The premier said that the $2.5 million investment would result in substantial spinoffs. It is estimated that close to 800 people, including players, team personnel, league officials, technical crews, media and others would result in about 55,000 hotel room night stays. That would generate about $3.8 million for the Manitoba economy. The province estimates that business sales related to the season would be around $45 million.
The shortened CFL season would see a total of 60 games plus the grey cup that would be nationally televised.
The province is in the process of putting together an event committee that will work with the CFL and the Winnipeg Football Club to successfully serve as a hub city.
© News4.ca 2020
