After an extended absence, the Canadian Football League (CFL) is returning to the city of Ottawa. The league has revealed their intention to have three-down football back in the nation’s capital by 2013.
Despite the excitement from commissioner Mark Cohon, the scene is eerily similiar to a 2001 decision that launched the ill-fated Renegades franchise.
If the city wants to avoid dropping the ball for a third time with the CFL, things need to be much different.
The ownership scenario, which has caused major headaches in the past, seems to be on the right track. For the first time in two decades, the team will be run by local investors with a personal connection to the city.
But boardroom issues aside, the franchise must be competitive on the field if this experiment has any chance of success. The initial hype will be more than enough to carry the team through its first two seasons in the league. Win or lose, year one and two will generate revenue.
Then the real test begins.
If results begin to go south, Ottawa has proven they have no problem turning their back on a football franchise, as demonstrated with the Rough Riders and Renegades.
The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group has stepped up with $7 million to make this dream a reality; it’s about time football fans do their part and make sure this commitment does not go to waste.