“We are getting very, very close to concluding our agreements with the city and the province with respects to construction of a new stadium,” Asper said at a promotion to unveil what the new seats would look and feel like for Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans yesterday. “We all know the city and province have been supportive but there’s a big gap between between saying supportive and actually putting pen to paper.”

Asper wants $40 million each from the city/province and the federal government. He plans to pay the other $40 million and pony up another $25 million for retail development on site.

Once the city and province come through, all three will then approach the feds for their share.

“We will conclude those agreements as fast as possible,” Asper said. “Then, with a collective effort, we will continue the approach to the federal government and I think we’ve made some strides there.”