Expansion crucial for Als
Public to be tapped. Team's long-term viability hinges on added seats and luxury boxes for revenue

HERB ZURKOWSKY
The Gazette
Wednesday, May 03, 2006

The Alouettes should know by July or August if their plans to expand Molson Stadium by 5,000 seats will be approved, according to team president Larry Smith.

And, although Montreal taxpayers will have a say - probably before the end of May - in whether the project is completed, Smith remains optimistic the groundbreaking will take place in November. It had better, because Smith reiterated the team's long-term viability hinges on the addition of seats and the funding generated from those ticket sales.

"Public consultation is part of the process. The ultimate decision goes back to the government," Smith said yesterday during a CFL-initiated conference call involving himself and Als general manager Jim Popp. "We don't have a problem with making sure peoples' voices are heard."

The Als are seeking $24 million from the three levels of government - city, provincial and federal - to increase the seating capacity at Molson Stadium, the CFL's smallest venue, to 25,202. Also, 20 luxury boxes are scheduled to be built. The city of Montreal has endorsed the project through its executive committee, Smith said, but city council voted last month that the public would be consulted on the team's proposal.

Support from Ottawa and Quebec City has been "positive," according to Smith, but everything hinges on the city's approval. "The city is the shaker and mover on the project," Smith said.

Environmentalists are concerned that 100 trees on site will have to be cut down, while a second tier will be added to the south-side stands, potentially obstructing some of the view of the city's skyline. Any trees, plants or shrubs that perish will be replaced, Smith emphasized.

"There's a need for a major downtown facility. It's in the best interests of everyone to work together," said Smith, noting the organization has made more than 60 presentations to government officials. "We anticipated bumps in the road, but we've been open and responsible."

The Als already received $12 million in government assistance three years ago for the opening phase of their stadium expansion. However, that money was required to modify the structure and amenities of the antiquated facility.

The importance of additional revenue streams has never been more paramount to CFL teams, who are about to enter a brave new world. A salary-management system is being incorporated, with teams operating under a $3.8-million payroll cap this season.

Teams won't be penalized for exceeding the cap until 2007. That's good, because most, if not all, eight CFL teams will exceed that figure this season, Smith said, with the addition of players from Ottawa in the recent dispersal draft and the collective agreement about to expire.

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize (meeting the $3.8-million cap) will be a challenge to most teams," Smith said. "It'll be very difficult for most teams to make it. Collectively, some form of salary control is critical. The test is making it work. Managing the system is critical to the league's success. There must be movement in 2006 and compliance by 2007."

Budgets certainly have increased. Each team was forced to pay Winnipeg $100,000 for the Blue Bombers to move to the East Division following the suspension of the Ottawa franchise. The Als will now make three trips to Winnipeg instead of one, including a June 2 exhibition game. That alone will increase the team's travel costs between $100,000 and $150,000, Smith said.

Notes - Popp said the Als aren't interested in Edmonton rush-end Joe Montford or B.C. defensive-back James Whitley, both recently released. Montreal traded Whitley to the Lions last season. ... Before the trade for QB Nealon Greene was completed, Greene had to agree to a pay cut and new contract. He probably earned at least $150,000 as Saskatchewan's starting pivot, but might make only half that amount in base salary should he back up Anthony Calvillo.

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© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006