Blue Bombers offer 3D peek at new stadium

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers unveiled a three-dimensional view of their new stadium on Wednesday, giving fans a peek at the $190-million facility set to open next summer.

The team also released details about some ofthe amenities the stadium will include, as well as information for season ticket holders on how to transfer their seats from the old stadium to thenew one at the University of Manitoba campus.

All 21,155 Bombers season ticket holderswill bereceiving confirmation letters explaining theVirtual Venue seat selectiontool,an interactive 3D animationthat allows anyone to virtually explore seats, sections, prices and views in the team's future home.

Current season ticket holders must secure their intent for a 2012 season ticket with a $50 deposit by Oct. 24.

Fans will then havefrom November 2011 to March 2012 to select their actual seats. Season tickets for the general public will go on sale in April 2012.

"Our introductory price point for season tickets is just $17.90 per game. This was the most important decision we madefair pricing for fans and the community," said Jeff Thompson, the Winnipeg Football Club's chief tansition officer.

The club is alsoworking withcorporate partners oncommunity programming "to ensure the kids, parents and groups who cant afford games will be very welcome" at thestadium," he added.

"We look forward to announcing these programs soon."

In addition to the stadium, the eight-hectare site at Chancellor-Matheson Road and University Crescent will feature a multiplex athletic facility for theU of Mand its Bison sports teams.

Ossama AbouZeid, WFC interim CEO,said constructionis on target and on budget.

"We look forward to opening a first-class facility next summer that will make Manitobans and Winnipeggers proud."

Stadium facts:

• Seating capacity of 33,500, with the ability to expand to 40,000 for major events.
• 46 luxury suites.
• Sunken bowl design, where the playing field dips into the ground 7.6 metres below the main concourse.
• Two video boards, each ninemetres tallby 33.5 metres wideone behind each end zone.
• More than250 video monitors located throughout the stadium.
• Six elevators.
• 28 washrooms50 per centmore than in the current stadium.
• All washroomsare wheelchair accessible.
• A 4,000-square-foot feature retail store open year-round.