Thousands paid $50 to secure a season ticket for a Halifax CFL team. Some wonder where the money went

The Atlantic Schooners CFL franchise was a dream that many fans like Rob MacCormick and Jason Mullis had invested in. With the promise of a new team in Halifax and the potential for a vibrant stadium that could host not only football games but also major concerts, the idea seemed exciting and full of promise.

When the season-ticket drive was announced in late 2018, fans rushed to put down their deposits, eager to show their support for the venture. MacCormick, who spent $100 on a deposit for two seats, hoped that the franchise would come to fruition and bring more entertainment options to the city. Along with thousands of other fans who also put down deposits, he eagerly awaited updates on the progress of the team.

However, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the CFL venture seemed to fade into the background. The affiliated companies behind the idea, Schooner Sports and Entertainment and Maritime Football Limited, had their registrations revoked. Despite receiving a $20 million commitment from Halifax council in December 2019, the project faced numerous challenges and eventually stalled.

For fans like MacCormick and Mullis, the lack of communication and updates from the proponents of the Atlantic Schooners was disheartening. While some fans took to social media to express their frustration at not receiving refunds for their deposits, others like Mullis remained hopeful that they would eventually get their money back.

In a statement, Anthony LeBlanc, a partner with Schooner Sports and Entertainment, explained that efforts were being made to set up a refund portal for fans who had requested their money back. He emphasized that the deposits were always meant to be refundable and that the organization had honored refund requests that were submitted through proper channels.

Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by the Atlantic Schooners CFL franchise, fans like MacCormick and Mullis remain hopeful that one day Halifax will have its own CFL team. While the dream may have been put on hold for now, the passion and support of the fans show that the desire for a team on the East Coast is still very much alive.