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“They’ve got a very credible ownership group. I think you’ve got government there that wants to see this happen, so I think the pieces are there to finally see a team in Halifax and finally see a 10th team in the CFL, which would be outstanding.”

Hunt said Savage visited Ottawa two years ago to look at what OSEG did at Lansdowne Park. The Redblacks franchise has become a model for what other teams might want to do if they’re interested in building a new stadium.

OSEG got its idea from Los Angeles and the L.A. Live development near the Staples Center, which has become a destination every night of the week and not just when there are events. That atmosphere also exists in Ottawa.

OSEG partner John Ruddy spent Grey Cup weekend with Leblanc and Drummond, giving them insight on what it would take.

“When the mayor of Halifax came up to Ottawa, I hosted him, and they were looking at Ottawa as the inspiration for what could be in Halifax,” Hunt said. “The owners that are looking to bring a team to Halifax are all here at the Grey Cup.

“I know John Ruddy has been extremely involved with the Halifax group in going down, visiting with them and trying to share with them what we’ve done. There’s no doubt that this whole Lansdowne development model is something everybody is looking at it as far as a model. It’s such a unique experience for fans on a day-to-day basis. There’s such a buzz here.”

Hunt added: “We don’t use Lansdowne Live much anymore, but that name invokes energy and there’s so much energy here. Even when you go downtown on Tuesday night, there’s restaurants and bars at Lansdowne that are packed.”

bgarrioch@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/sungarrioch