Ivor Wynne Stadium to be turned Pan-Am by 2014

For all the conversation over stadium venue location and tax-payer contributions, one thing is still not entirely clear: is Hamilton going to see a new (or even renovated) sports stadium?

The answer? Yes.

On August 31, the Ti-Cats announced that an agreement had been reached regarding the construction of the Pan-Am stadium. The new stadium will replace the Ivor Wynne Stadium, home to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and will open in 2014. The Ivor Wynne Stadium will be closed in 2012 and demolished to make room for the new stadium.

The project will cost approximately $154 million, 44% of which will come from Hamilton’s pockets. $70 million in funding will come from the provincial and federal governments.

A site decision to replace Ivor Wynne Stadium was not the only option on the table. Burlington had put forth a proposal in December 2010 at the encouragement of the Ti-Cats. However, in early January, Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring released a statement saying that such a site would not be feasible without financial help from Hamilton.

The discussion surrounding the Pan-Am stadium has been colourful. In summer 2010, the Hamilton Spectator published a series of articles regarding the proposed sites and their implications on the city of Hamilton. One site was city-favoured. The other was Ti-Cats favoured.

The Ti-Cats considered leaving Hamilton, but after the city of Toronto threatened to move the Pan-Am stadium to Mississauga or Brampton, the team reconsidered and opted involvement in the pending stadium.

Ultimately, revamping the Ivor Wynne Stadium was a priority for Hamilton. Ti-Cats fans love the Stadium, and the plumbing is already in place.

However, the reality for the Ivor Wynne Stadium is that, unless you are a Hamilton resident, you have no idea where or what it is. The Stadium was built in 1930 for the British Empire Games and is the home of the Canadian Football League club. It has been home to the Ti-Cats since 1950 and has hosted a variety of outdoor concerts including Rush and Pink Floyd.

A completely rebuilt stadium promises more seats, a bigger field and easier downtown access. Construction is to begin following the 2012 Ti-Cats season. According to the Globe and Mail, season ticket holders of 2012 will be able to retain their seats for the same price in the 2014 opening season.

There is no indication as to where the Tiger-Cats will play during stadium construction.

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