Published on February 28, 2014 8:22 PM
No specifics from the players, but it appears they will be pushing for more than what has been suggested before.
For those who are misinterpreting, misunderstanding and misrepresenting the facts, do some reading and research less you are OK with looking foolish. The $60K referenced here is from a report on the 2010 negotiations, so for 2009 salaries (5 seasons ago) and the salary cap has increased $200K since. The average (mean) salary is also not a good representation of a player’s pay. The average starting player’s salary is certainly above $100,000 and in 1987 roster sizes were much smaller so there were fewer lower salaried players to pull down the average. The fact is trying to make comparisons based on some statements in a few media reports without any raw data and assuming everything else is the same is foolish. It is fine to be for raising player salaries, but shoddy arguments don’t help.
Published on February 28, 2014 4:29 PM
Saying it is impossible without showing why is a childish argument. This analysis shows how it is possible. However, rather than their plan to move both end zone bleachers to accommodate the CFL field, only one has to move. Yes, that will create an asymmetry between the stands and field, but if you look at the surrounding area, there is no room to move the stands farther north. Making the south stands moveable, rather than both, should be both cheaper and easier to accomplish.
It will be interesting to see new architecture plans that incorporate what MLSE has talked about for their plans for the stadium.
Published on February 21, 2014 10:34 PM
Players are expected to ask for an increase in the $45,000 minimum wage and (sic) if the league will concede to a 46-man active roster
Interesting negotiating points if they are accurate: minimum salary increase for active roster of 46 players. I’m beginning to think that the negotiation points will be very narrow.
On the other point, I can’t see how players will take advice from agents and fight for terms that largely benefit first contract players. If agents start driving things, the players have lost their union.
Published on February 13, 2014 8:11 PM
Great idea if that is what it takes, but you need something concrete (size, location, funding split) to vote on.
Published on February 10, 2014 8:24 PM
It will be a battle convincing many at the political and private citizen level what such a project will accomplish for the city and region. But the conversation will happen. Getting some money from the feds seems like it would be key. They’ve funded every other stadium in the CFL the past 60 years.
The CFL needs to bring more to the table than dangling a franchise and offering suggestions for community ownership. I’ve suggested it before, but raise money from fans across the country. They are just as vocal about a 10th team. Get $2 for 10% (conservatively) of the 2 million fans through the turnstiles each year, that’s $400,000. Over 5 years, that is $2 million. $2 that no one will miss, but a nice contribution for a community that doesn’t have an established team to commit funds.
Published on February 7, 2014 7:50 PM
Cohon will be (and already has been) characterized as a Lyle Lanley, selling a monorail, but the decision lies with the region. The business, community and political (at the local, provincial and even federal levels) leaders have to come forward and put in the hard work (with the result years away) to get this done. These things don’t happen over night with some gift out of the blue. There will be opposition.
The point is Atlantic Canada (and Halifax now specifically) has been targeted because of the long-time dream of uniting all regions with a national sport and the belief the city can host that franchise. The city has until the end of the year to decide, yes we can do it in the next 5-7 years or not now. If not now, the league will move on, and perhaps a 10th franchise will land elsewhere, like Quebec City, making an 11th franchise less of a priority.
Published on February 6, 2014 8:46 PM
Interesting tidbits: as filtered out yesterday expect the schedule to be released next week and the two sides don’t plan to meet until March to start discussions on the new CBA.
Published on February 5, 2014 10:34 PM
Seems like the right way to approach this. I think some are surprised this is occurring so fast, but if Mayor Savage is correct and a decision on a stadium is made by the end of the year, this is the right time to start exploring partnerships and interests.
Published on February 4, 2014 7:58 PM
Stop any wild and crazy stadium discussions in Halifax because it might be heading towards public funds being spent. Until you know the result, let the leaders lead. There is plenty of opportunity in our system for plans without public support to be stopped before money is spent. The mayor’s leadership just might attract the private interest needed.
Characterizing it as a CFL stadium is the start of the misrepresentation of the issue. No stadium hurts Halifax’s standing with Canadian Soccer too, and many other events and opportunities.