The following statement was issued today by Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands and MHA - Virginia Waters, at a news conference held at Fairmont Newfoundland to announce details of opening celebrations for the new Mile One Stadium. Mr. Noel represented the province at the news conference.

I appreciate this opportunity to participate in announcing details of opening celebrations for the new Mile One Stadium. 

Mile One is a magnificent facility which, in combination with the new convention centre, will add a lot to community life in our provincial capital region. I'm happy it's in St. John's. But it is truly a provincial centre. People from across the province will watch the Leafs perform, enjoy and benefit from the contribution it will make toward enhancing entertainment and sporting activities, and share in the resulting economic development and tourism growth. The provincial government assistance responsible for helping build this project will prove to be a wise and justified investment.

The number of out-of-province delegates to various events is expected to range from 15,000 to 25,000 annually � injecting millions of new dollars into our economy. It's estimated out-of-province visitors will generate annual spending between $12 million and $20 million. Major events, such as the Skate Canada Junior Nationals next winter and the AHL All-Star Game, will generate in excess of 2,000 room nights of business, in addition to related spending.

Our community is awaiting the completion of this project with great interest and anticipation. 

Now we have a tremendous program planned to help celebrate the opening of Mile One. This program will appropriately celebrate our culture through featuring some of Newfoundland and Labrador's best-known artists and performers. This is truly a community-based project. These new facilities will be the centrepiece for our sports, entertainment, and tourism industries well into the future.

Mile One Stadium is a remarkable project made possible through the commitment of many individuals, the Maple Leafs organization, and the cooperation of various levels of government. On behalf of the people and government of our province, I thank everyone responsible for making this exciting dream a reality.


Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 04 17                                  4:30 p.m.