Calgary and Edmonton, again

[E5]

A group representing Edmonton has taken the first steps towards applying for a Northern League franchise.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/Sports/2004/02/12/344504.html

Ideally, the N.L. would like to see Calgary and Edmonton come on board in 2005 and then, in 2006, have two more franchises join the league from Southeast Michigan.

Meanwhile, as far as what many observers consider the biggest obstacle to expansion into Alberta -- travel subsidies -- Stone said he didn't believe it would be significant enough to stop teams from sprouting up there.

[E5]

Also relevant:

NO SOCCER IN BURNS STADIUM
City decided to keep Burns for Baseball at least for one more year
proposals strike out

Murray Rauw
Calgary Herald


Friday, November 14, 2003

There were no clear winners, but soccer got a brush-back pitch on Thursday.

The City of Calgary declared Burns Stadium would remain a baseball-only park in 2004, rejecting three proposals for the facility.

"We were not satisfied with any of them," said city manager Randy Rohl. "It's the intent to keep Burns as a baseball-only venue next year and we will revisit the issue next year."

The new Calgary soccer team in the professional A-League, the Calgary Dawgs of the Western Major Baseball League and a proposal spearheaded by former Calgary Cannons owner Russ Park had been received.

John Torode, the president of the new unnamed soccer team, soon to be named the Mustangs, was disappointed, but stressed the loss of Burns Stadium wouldn't be a deal-breaker.

"Foothills is one contingency, but we'll consider what else we can look at," said Torode. "We have a bit of time. Burns would have been a good alternative for us. But we're committed."

Both baseball bids were adamant that soccer could not co-exist in the same bark.

Parker is at least a year away from landing a Northern League franchise, but said his efforts would end if he was expected to share the field with soccer.

He now will attempt to link with an Edmonton bid to bring two teams to the independent league.

And now that an exclusive baseball facility is available, the Dawgs will prepare for another season in the WMBL.

"I'm thrilled we will have access to the park and I'm happy that it will be baseball only," said Dawgs president William Gardner.

mrauw@theherald.canwest.com

© Copyright 2003 Calgary Herald

[patmc16]

"Ideally, the N.L. would like to see Calgary and Edmonton come on board in 2005 and then, in 2006, have two more franchises join the league from Southeast Michigan."

Being in Southeast Michigan, that is great news. I just hope it is not just another carrot being dangled out there. It looks like the possibility of a Frontier League team coming to Mount Clemens, MI is dead (see the new topic, "No Frontier League in Mt. Clemens". Mt Clemens is about 20 miles north of Comerica Park, in Detroit. Even with the addition of I-Rod and the others, we need a close alternative to the Tigers. I already have plans to see Kalamazoo Kings, Toledo MudHens, Battle Creek Yankees and Lansing Lugnuts games this year. Plans to see a Tiger game.... -0-. Only if the tickets are free and I can get around the $20 they charge for parking.

"IF THEY BUILD IT, (AT LEAST) I WILL COME."