I’m spending a Sunday afternoon in front of my two TV screens and two computer screens watching commercials.
Many people would suggest I’m actually watching NFL games, but that would be a misnomer. There are considerably more commercials than there is actual professional football. In fact, as I write this, there are commercial breaks on all four my screens. Did you know that there are commercials after a touchdown, then a kickoff, more commercials, then a three-and-out, more commercials, a punt, more commercials and more commercials. NFL football on TV is an exaggeration. It’s actually commercials on TV with some football in between.
Of course, it gives me plenty of opportunity to congratulate a group of people who have had a tremendous week.
Hats off to the board of directors of the Winnipeg Football Club. The most diverse group ever to head up the Blue Bombers found a way to get the new football stadium at the University of Manitoba completed with the least negative affect on the public purse. This is the best board the Bombers have ever had and their decision to make former Goldeyes co-owner Jeff Thompson, the Chief Transition Officer was inspired. He’s a brilliant guy and more importantly, a brilliant businessman. He’s quiet, dedicated and creative and he’ll do the best job possible.
This week, I had an opportunity to talk with Bombers president Jim Bell and he’s as sincerely optimistic about the future of the club as anyone in the organization since the days of Mike Riley. In fact, Bell is looking ahead to 2011 with more optimism than he did the day in 2010 that he took over from Lyle Bauer as the president and CEO of the Club.
“When we release our financial statements in April, I believe we will have some good news,” Bell said last week. “Right now, I’m reviewing the books and I believe we will looking at some black ink – not red ink – this year. I’m starting to get a feel for where we’ll be in 2011 and I think we’ll be in good shape.”
Despite the fact the teams was 4-14 in 2010, Bell is convinced the team is going in the right direction.
“Given our record on the field in 2010, the fact that we will turn a small profit this year is a testament to out loyal following,” Bell continued. “We want to win more games in 2011 and I believe we will win a lot more games, but the important thing this year is that despite all the changes we made to the organization, our fans are telling us that we’re going in the right direction. They’re telling us to play better, but they believe we’re doing the right things.
“In 2011 we’ll be a much better team on the field and we will be marching toward a June 2012 opening for our brand new stadium at the University of Manitoba.”
Bell is also convinced the Canadian Football League will have a strong year in 2011.
“I don’t think our league’s business model has ever been better,” he said. “This year we’ll hear more about the Ottawa situation and we’ll hear more about expansion to places like Moncton, Quebec City and Halifax. If there is one thing I’m confident of heading into 2011, it’s that our business is solid and our future is bright.”