York University issued the following statement yesterday about the decision by the Toronto Argonauts football team to withdraw from involvement in York’s planned stadium:
Yesterday’s decision by the Argos to remain at the Rogers Centre is disappointing, although not wholly unexpected. It provides final confirmation that the University and its partners are dealing with a significant funding gap for the York stadium project. As stated last week, the University is reviewing its options and working through all the requirements to build a stadium, without the involvement of the Argos, that would also serve as the host-site for the FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Youth Championships.
“At this time we are focusing on updating the project requirements and plans to reflect the decision by the Argos, in order to develop a viable solution,” stated Gary Brewer, York’s vice-president, finance and administration. “This has been a very time-sensitive project from the beginning. We continue to work to tight timelines and will be dealing with many variables over the coming weeks.”
Brewer emphasized that York’s Board of Governors will make the final determination on the stadium project once the available options have been presented and all the information has been assessed.