“Atlantic Schooners CFL Ticket Holders Await Refunds”

In late 2018, Rob MacCormick made a $100 deposit for two season tickets when the proposed Atlantic Schooners CFL team launched a season-ticket drive. Hailing from Windsor Junction, N.S., MacCormick wanted to show his support for the team and also hoped that the stadium construction required for the franchise would attract more concerts to the city.

According to The Canadian Press, around 6,000 people, including MacCormick, placed similar deposits, amounting to at least $300,000 at $50 per ticket. However, MacCormick and eight other individuals who spoke to CBC News stated that they did not receive refunds for their deposits.

As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, discussions about the CFL venture, including Schooner Sports and Entertainment and Maritime Football Limited, faded away from public view. Both companies, associated with the CFL franchise idea, had their registrations revoked by the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.

Schooner Sports and Entertainment had sought financial support from the municipal and provincial authorities to construct a $110-million, 24,000-seat stadium in Shannon Park for sports events and concerts.

In December 2019, Halifax council approved $20 million for the project under a set of conditions. Anthony LeBlanc, a partner at Schooner Sports and Entertainment, expressed gratitude for the council’s decision and looked forward to progressing with the initiative.

By April 2020, Anthony LeBlanc had transitioned to an executive position with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators while still maintaining a director role at Maritime Football Limited.

MacCormick mentioned receiving occasional communications from Schooner Sports and Entertainment but noticed a decline over time. He expressed disappointment over the deposit but acknowledged the situation.

The CFL still maintains the Atlantic Schooners website, although it lacks recent updates on the franchise’s status. The platform continues to pull in new articles from the league’s website.

Jason Mullis, a devoted CFL enthusiast from Gatineau, Que., also deposited money for season tickets to support the potential East Coast franchise, aiming to expand the league and establish a 10th team. Despite his geographic limitations, Mullis planned to donate most of the tickets.

Mullis mentioned observing online complaints from fans regarding refunds but personally wasn’t concerned about the money, believing that persistent complaints could lead to refunds.

After communication with CBC, Anthony LeBlanc indicated plans to launch a refund portal for deposit holders. He stated that the company had been offering refunds to ticket holders for the past five years.

LeBlanc emphasized that the CFL venture involved substantial financial commitments, which were fulfilled by partnering with various organizations for support.

Schooner Sports and Entertainment collaborated with the CFL on a 2019 game in Moncton, N.B., resulting in financial losses. LeBlanc cited a lack of financial support as a key reason for discontinuing the CFL franchise.

With the pandemic impacting public sector decisions, LeBlanc mentioned the prudent suspension of discussions and agreements related to the project.