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Post by Darren Ford on Jan 15, 2007 20:53:27 GMT -5
I feel the new stadium proposal is a very pro-active, good fit for Winnipeg and the future of it's football team. Although my main objective is to see NHL hockey back in Winnipeg very soon, I think that both dreams can become a reality and that Winnipeg can be taken into a new and exciting era of professional sports. This stadium and subsequent retail development is a spectacular design. One that looks both modern and innovative. It is time we start "doing" in Winnipeg and stop "debating". If anyone can pull together governments, it should be the Asper family. Lets hope they get the hockey bug too! I fully support this wonderful concept and hope to see both the NHL and a new Bomber home in Winnipeg for 2008. Darren Ford Founder The Return Of The Jets Campaign www.JetsOwner.comreturnofthejets@mts.net
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Post by Darren Ford on Jan 15, 2007 20:57:12 GMT -5
Call them out a little!
But seriously, this stadium design is first class. I only hope that people don't squash it like everything else in Winnipeg. I don't see any other wealthy family ponying up for this. Yeah, it benefits the Asper family, but the stadium remains public and we all benefit. Besides, what businessman gets involved in something that makes no financial sense?
I love all of it. Bombers private. Team to get better. New stadium. Game experience to get better. Best building in the CFL. City to get better.
NHL and new stadium 2008? Dare to dream fellas! Write anyone you can!
DF
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Post by blackthorne on Jan 15, 2007 21:08:37 GMT -5
But Darren, that's $40-$60 million David Asper COULD be using towards helping finance the purchase of an NHL team!
What do we need more? NHL hockey or a new home for the Blue?
That $40-$60 million would sure come in handy if Houston outbids us for Nashville by $10 million in the spring of 2008...
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Post by BigMac15 on Jan 15, 2007 21:20:32 GMT -5
I think what this does answer is all those critics who claimed the Aspers have turned their back Winnipeg by moving to Toronto, etc...This is not only a business proposal, but a commitment to the city where the Aspers prospered. Though I'm sure they'll make a buck or two out of this one, there are underlying philanthropic principles which should applauded. The Aspers have a vision, which may not be shared by everyone, but at least they are trying to forward something which will improve the city.
I may be in the minority here, but I think the best bet for a return of NHL Hockey in Winnipeg is to wait. I believe the NHL will have 3-5 teams for sale in the next 2-3 years. Then it will be a buyer's market, not a seller's market ($175 M).
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Post by Jari on Jan 15, 2007 21:30:00 GMT -5
In my opinion this stadium will mark the end of the NHL returning to Winnipeg for now. Asper is not going to own both the Bombers/put $60 Million into stadium AND purchase an NHL team. He should be using this money to get an NHL team here.
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Post by blackthorne on Jan 15, 2007 21:39:18 GMT -5
I've never once believed that Asper, and Asper HIMSELF would purchase an NHL team for Winnipeg. He would be one of several (perhaps as many as 30) owners of the team.
However, I *have* believed that his financial contribution would be considerable... I know the man is quite wealthy, but I can't foresee him ponying up another $30 or $40 million towards buying the Nashville Predators in addtion to the $60 million he intends on spending for the Bombers...
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Post by razorsedge on Jan 15, 2007 21:40:47 GMT -5
I just finished writing a letter to Asper's stadium feedback addresse. I forgot to save it so i could paste it here. Anyways, I basically said it's a great idea and that it's nice to see the Asper's continuing to grow Winnipeg with such business developments. I finished off with a few lines of stating that I hope this will lead to more ventures such as a return of NHL and that when my term of service is done, I'd like to move back to Winnipeg but not until NHL returns.
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Post by BigMac15 on Jan 15, 2007 21:47:31 GMT -5
I think David Asper and clan can spend their money any way they want to spend it.
I think if the NHL comes back to Winnipeg, they will be part of a consortium.
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Post by Darren Ford on Jan 16, 2007 0:24:43 GMT -5
The Asper bank account can handle a Bomber development and a part ownership of an NHL franchise without blinking. He may not lead the way, but he'll step up when needed to do his part. Like we assume, it will likely be a group of 15+ so that doesn't leave any significant investment from any of the parties involved.
Purchase 50% of a team valued at $130 million
That leaves $65 million to go 15 ways.
That makes someone invest $4.33 million each.
Existing owner retains 50% stake in the team while getting an arena and great hockey market to play out of. Also has option to sell remaining stake in team down the road if he chooses.
This sort of thing.
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Post by Darren Ford on Jan 16, 2007 0:34:07 GMT -5
ps -
Big difference BT....
Asper can't get the government to pony up 2/3 of the capital to own an NHL team. He is essentially getting the gov. to chip in $80 million (out of $120 million) to fund his development plan while he'll end up with the Bomber franchise, the land and the retail development to generate money from. The stadium remains public. It's really a win-win. He gets great business synergies and his own football team, we get a better football stadium, the Bombers get a fresh start.
His investment ($40 million team/stadium + $25 million retail) really isn't all that much considering the scale of the project. But someone needs to do it.
Even if he were to buy a full half of an NHL team, he'd only be doubling his investment into this stadium project. If he bought a quarter of an NHL team....that's half of his proposed investment in the stadium deal.
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Post by blackthorne on Jan 16, 2007 0:39:12 GMT -5
Well, that certainly gives me a little piece of mind...
2008 has the potential to be the greatest year in Winnipeg's history.
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Post by The Unknown Poster on Jan 16, 2007 7:26:27 GMT -5
Also consider this, Asper is not proposing this as a charity. He stands to make a considerable return on his investment. With everything else the Asper's have a piece of, David will become a major real estate and development mogul with this deal. He'll make back his investment quickly...this isn't $65 M he's throwing away. He'll get it back and a whole lot more and be in a position to put more into an NHL team.
Plus, as the private owner of the Bombers, one could argue Asper would be THE sports guy in WPG...owning both the Bombers and an NHL team with all the synergies therein sounds pretty attractive. Imagine related marketing, media synergies and the sweet ego boost to owning both. "Synergy" is the big thing with moguls now...Asper having a piece of both (and thus, having a piece of the MTSC as well) would make him THE man in this town.
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Post by leer2006 on Jan 16, 2007 12:14:10 GMT -5
But would Chipman want to be 2nd fiddle when right now he is the big shot? How much is Chipman going to be will to share when right now he doesn't have to?
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Post by mcguire4 on Jan 16, 2007 13:00:19 GMT -5
chipman is a big shot in a small pool. he knows that.
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Post by rtabaracci on Jan 16, 2007 13:07:11 GMT -5
But would Chipman want to be 2nd fiddle when right now he is the big shot? How much is Chipman going to be will to share when right now he doesn't have to? Mark Chipman is a business man above all else. He stood to make more money through an Asper owned NHL team in his arena, he'd do it. Not to mention the fact, its undeniable that Mark Chipman is a legit hockey fan and it takes a pretty Go Jets Go hockey fan not to want the NHL.
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Post by hawker14 on Jan 16, 2007 17:49:44 GMT -5
only in winnipeg, where it's downtown core is in dire need of rejuvenation, could a suburban football stadium receive glowing praise.
i shake my head boys. i really do.
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Post by selanne405 on Feb 26, 2007 21:09:57 GMT -5
I love the design, a awsome stadium like that will do wonders for the Bombers, I'd love to see our fans get even more deicated
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