Lowell Ullrich
Vancouver Province

VANCOUVER -- David Braley did not try to suggest there was armed combat in the boardroom when the CFL's board of governors voted to award the 2011 Grey Cup game to Vancouver.

"There was a little struggle, a little arm-twisting," the Lions' owner said yesterday. "But we prevailed."

That may account for the fact Braley looked composed as ever after it became official at a downtown Vancouver news conference. After all, Braley said he has known the game would be coming to B.C. Place Stadium for better than four months.

"I can keep a secret, you know," he said.

The goal for Lions and the Grey Cup organizing committee will be to top the success of the 2005 Grey Cup held in Vancouver, which was sold out eight weeks in advance and derived an estimated $76 million in economic benefits for the province.

Braley said the goal this time is to generate $100 million. To do it, he said, the majority of events connected to the Grey Cup festival this time will be staged at the new downtown Trade and Convention Centre.

They are lofty goals. The trick for the Lions will be not to raise ticket prices past an acceptable level. Last time the game was held in Vancouver, the top ticket cost $225. In Montreal at the 2008 game, the top ticket cost $274.

When this year's title game is held in Calgary, the best tickets will cost $375.

What became clear yesterday, however, was that the fact the Lions are about to be playing in an upgraded facility, thanks to refurbishments for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, had a direct effect on the board of governors' decision.

"In today's modern Grey Cup you need a facility," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said.

In three years, Vancouver should have everything it needs to stage another party.

Courtesy: www.vancouverprovince.com