The Manitoba government is launching an $8 million #RestartMB Event Attraction Strategy and making a bid to be the CFL’s hub city this fall
Premier Brian Pallister says Manitoba is leading in recovery with a safe plan to restart our economy, which is why we are ready to invite the CFL to safely play its shortened 2020 season in Winnipeg, “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.”
As part of the #RestartMB program, the province is accelerating an $8-million Event Attraction Strategy that aims to maximize the potential of Winnipeg and rural destinations to host large-scale meetings, conventions and events, while carefully balancing public health considerations with the ongoing efforts to restart the Manitoba economy.
The province is committing $2.5 million from that fund should Winnipeg be selected as the CFL hub city which will be spent on eligible expenses, which include:
– food and accommodations,
– practice field rentals,
– group transportation, and
– event-specific expenses in Manitoba.
The CFL has conducted extensive consultations with Public Health, and the CFL’s hub city plan for Winnipeg has been thoroughly reviewed by Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer.
“The health and safety of all Manitobans and all participants is paramount,” Roussin said. “CFL teams and anyone associated with the hub city will be expected to follow all protocols as reviewed by Public Health, at all times.”
The premier noted the province’s investment of $2.5 million would result in substantial economic spinoffs if Winnipeg were named as the CFL hub city. It’s estimated that roughly 800 participants would result in the equivalent of 55,000 hotel room night stays, which would generate approximately $3.8 million for the provincial economy. It also estimates $45 million in business sales and $4.5 million in direct tax would be generated. Should Winnipeg win the full bid to serve as hub city, it would serve as the backdrop for 60 football games televised across Canada and the CFL has indicated the 108th Grey Cup game would be played in Winnipeg.
Manitoba has a long history of hosting major world-class events like the Pan American Games, the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Canada Summer Games, Brier, the Juno Awards and numerous Grey Cup championships.
