Blue Bombers' new stadium to open by Sept. 21

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' new stadium will openby Sept. 21, in time for the team's match against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Bombers brass announced today.

Team officials said Wednesday they are disappointed with construction delays at Investors Group Field that mean it won't be ready for the July 26 home opener as originally planned.

Blue Bombers president Garth Buchko called the September start dateat Investors Group Field a "Plan B scenario."

Investors Group Field, which being built in south Winnipeg near the University of Manitoba, will replace Canad Inns Stadium as the Bombers' home base when it is completed.

As a result of the delays, the Bombers will play their firstfive home gamesof the CFL regular season at the old stadium, located in the city's St. James area.

However, team officials say they hope to host the Sept. 9 match against the Saskatchewan Roughriderspopularly known as the Banjo Bowlat the new stadium if it is ready by then.

Team officials say season-ticket holders who purchased seats at Investors GroupField will regain their seats at the old stadium at 2011 prices.

However, since there are more seats at the new stadium, some ticket holders could end up without seats at Canad Inns.