We’ll stay at Ivor Wynne: Young

TICAT OWNER BOB YOUNG AND MAYOR BOB BRATINA HAVE UNVEILED A PLAN TO DEMOLISH AND REBUILD IVOR WYNNE STADIUM AS A HOME FOR THE FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS.

THE PAIR ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TUESDAY THAT THE TEAM IS WILLING TO STAY IN ITS LONGTIME HOME IF IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE. THOSE INCLUDE DEMOLISHING AND REBUILDING THE SOUTH STANDS AND IMPROVING THE NORTH SIDE.

”THIS IS NOT THE BEST SOLUTION FOR US,” YOUNG SAID. BUT HE ADDED IT’S ONE THE TEAM IS WILLING TO WORK WITH.

THE TICAT OWNER SAID THAT TEAM PARTNERS MOLSON-COORS, PRIMUS AND TIM HORTONS HAVE AGREED TO PROVIDE MONEY FOR THE RENOVATED STADIUM.

THE SPECTATOR HAS OBTAINED AN E-MAIL SENT TO COUNCILLORS BY BRATINA AT 5:45 TUESDAY MORNING. IN IT, HE SAYS HE MET WITH TICAT OFFICIALS MONDAY AND REACHED A DEAL ON A 20-YEAR LEASE ARRANGEMENT IN EXCHANGE FOR A REBUILT STADIUM.

TICATS PRESIDENT SCOTT MITCHELL SAYS THE DEAL “IS NOT ABOUT PUTTING LIPSTICK ON A BAD SITUATION.

“THIS IS ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THIS IS ABOUT BOB (YOUNG) WANTING TO MAKE SURE THE TEAM STAYS IN THE COMMUNITY,” MITCHELL SAID ON CHML TUESDAY.

TSN IS REPORTING THAT THE TEAM WILL PLAY IN TORONTO FOR A YEAR AT THE ROGERS CENTRE WHILE THE RENOVATIONS ARE ONGOING. BUT MITCHELL SAID THAT IS NOT CORRECT.

IT’S NOT CLEAR IF THAT WOULD BE ON THE EXISTING SITE OR ON THE NEARBY SCOTT PARK LANDS.