Opening date of new Bomber stadium in doubt again

By: Paul Wiecek Posted: 12:18 PM CDT Monday, Jun. 4, 2012

There have been significant new "challenges" in the construction of the new football stadium going up on the grounds of the University of Manitoba and officials are now "evaluating" whether a promised opening in September is still possible.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/06/2012 (4887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

"We’re currently evaluating," said Rick Graumann, vice president of Stuart Olson Construction. "We’ve had some challenges the last few weeks with the heavy rain and the high winds. (An opening in September) will be a challenge, but as I say, we’re looking at that right now.

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press
Construction continues at the new Winnipeg Blue Bombers football stadium at the University of Manitoba. — Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Construction continues at the new Winnipeg Blue Bombers football stadium at the University of Manitoba.

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"We’ve had some very tough weather conditions the last couple weeks that have shut us down quite literally. Heavy rains and high winds. We’re in the process of evaluating the schedule at this stage… We’re doing everything we can to accelerate and mitigate some of those issues with weather."

Graumann made the comments this morning at the construction site, where he was helping lead a tour of the project with CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and Bombers CEO Garth Buchko.

Buchko initially refused to speak to the media gathered for the event, but after Graumann spoke to the media Buchko relented to make a couple brief comments, saying the Bombers are awaiting a new update from Stuart Olson this week but haven’t given up hope on the September opening they promised Bombers fans last month.

"I wouldn’t say (the September dates are in doubt) yet," said Buchko. "We’re getting later on this week an up-to-date assessment."

Buchko declined any further comment.

The comments were a little embarassing for the Bombers, coming just moments after Commissioner Cohon told the media that the Bombers had told him that everything was proceeding right on schedule.

"What they’ve told me is they are still on schedule for the Sept. 21 date and they’re working hard to see if they can make the Sept. 9 date," Cohon told reporters.