The CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers' new Investors Group Field "has seats with obstructed views, and season-ticket holders are getting discounts or moved to new seats because of it," according to Kirk Penton of the WINNIPEG SUN. The Bombers on Sunday said that there are "approximately 150 affected seats and that they knew this was going to be an issue well in advance." Blue Bombers Dir of Communications Darren Cameron in an e-mail wrote, "We began calling identified fans and inviting them down to the new stadium to offer them solutions to their obstructed seats. ... We are offering a number of solutions, including seat discounts if a fan chooses to stay in their same seat or the opportunity to change seats in the same price category. Our goal is to ensure we address all fan concerns." The "problem with some of the upper-deck seats is the sideline closest to them is not visible due to railings." It is also "difficult to see the corners of the end zones, which are extremely close to the concrete wall that surrounds the field" (WINNIPEG SUN, 10/29).
BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE: In Winnipeg, Paul Friesen wrote at the new stadium "the view, generally, is spectacular. And it’s not exclusive to one segment of society." The C$20 upper corner seats for "the penny pinchers might be the best deal in pro football, while the high rollers will love to be seen in the four-seat 'loges,' complete with swivel chairs and table service" (WINNIPEG SUN, 10/30). Also in Winnipeg, Kevin Hirschfield reports Blue Bombers fans will "get a chance to own their piece" of the 59-year-old Canad Inns Stadium when the team moves into Investors Group Field next year. The team yesterday announced plans "for an asset sale, where seats, lockers, and even the infamous urinal trough ... will be available for sale to the public." Season-ticket holders will "get first dibs on the items, as the sale is exclusive to them from Nov. 29-Dec.1." Everybody else will "then get their crack at the sale from Dec. 2-16, or until inventory is gone" (WINNIPEG SUN, 10/31).
