The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be making a long-awaited bid to host the 2020 Grey Cup and if they’re successful, it could produce an economic windfall for the city.
The Tiger-Cats haven’t made an official request to partner with the city yet; it’s far too early in the process to do that, but a collaboration between the football team and the city is essential for a successful bid.
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Apparently, City staff are crunching some numbers about what a Grey Cup Festival and game would mean to the city and they’ll present those projections to City Council next month.
Having attended the last four Grey Cups, I can tell you that the economic benefit of hosting the Grey Cup is significant, and unlike the costly Pan Am involvement, a Grey Cup bid carries no major infrastructure costs; the stadium and the hotels and convention facilities already exist.
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I’m told that a number of business and community leaders have expressed support for the bid, including a letter of support from Mayor Fred Eisenberger, and after council sees the business plan and financial benefits, we hope they’ll be on board as well.
I know that there may still be some acrimonious feelings between some councillors and the Tiger-Cats over the controversial stadium issue. It was not the finest hour for either side, but with a lucrative Grey Cup Festival within our reach, it’s time to set aside past differences and do what’s best for Hamilton.
Bill Kelly is the host of the Bill Kelly Show on Global News Radio 900 CHML.