CFL Team In Halifax To Be Known As "Atlantic Schooners"

To the surprise of few, the Halifax entry in the CFL will be known as the Atlantic Schooners.

The announcement was made Friday night during Grey Cup festivities in Edmonton.

Schooners beat out other suggestions such as Atlantic Convoy, Storm, and Admirals.

It was picked in a contest and already has a history. The Schooners was to be the name for a proposed CFL team in the 1980s, but that dream never materialized.

The Maritime Football Partnership, which is pursuing the bid, is eyeing a parcel of land on the east side of Halifax harbour for a 24,000-seat facility. The cost is estimated at $170 million to $190 million and the group has said it will need public help with the financing.

So far more than 5,000 fans have put down season ticket deposits.

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie says the CFL is keen to have Halifax become its 10th franchise.

Earlier Friday, speaking to reporters, Ambrosie said the league has signed a step-by-step agreement of what needs to be accomplished to get the franchise launched.

"Ultimately, the big hurdle is the stadium," said Ambrosie.

But he stressed the willingness is there.

"We're totally committed to their efforts get that 10th team," he said.

"For many of us, that's been a dream now for decades the idea of this truly coast to coast Canadian football league."