Manitoba wants Winnipeg to be the CFL hub city
Posted Jul 20, 2020 1:00 pm.
Last Updated Jul 20, 2020 6:23 pm.
WINNIPEG – While the NHL and NBA get ready for their playoff seasons in their respective hub cities, Manitoba is hoping the CFL will do the same in Winnipeg.
The provincial government is dedicating $2.5 million for a bid to make Winnipeg the CFL hub city this fall.
It’s a part of an $8-million spend to attract events to Manitoba.
“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 Monday, announcing the #RestartMB campaign.
“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.”
The province is hoping the cash injection will help maximize the potential of Winnipeg and rural destinations to host large-scale meetings, conventions and events. But the government is also making efforts to balance the pandemic and health considerations as it reopens the economy.
The CFL hub city bid has even been reviewed by Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin.
“The health and safety of all Manitobans and all participants is paramount,” Roussin said in a release.
“CFL teams and anyone associated with the hub city will be expected to follow all protocols as reviewed by Public Health, at all times.”
Pallister added that being a hub city would have economic spin-off gains and that the province is putting together a committee that will work with the CFL and the Blue Bombers to successfully serve as a hub city.
