Wednesday, August 23, 2000 The Expos still want a new stadium downtown MONTREAL, Aug. 23, 2000 - The Montreal Expos still have the intention of building a new stadium downtown, despite the decision not to renew their option to purchase the downtown property owned by Canada Lands, expiring August 31, 2000. The Expos have made the decision because the team is unable to meet Canada Lands' demand for a precise date for the start of construction on the proposed new stadium until the situation with the Québec shareholders and other stadium-related issues have been resolved. ``It is public knowledge that Canada Lands has had serious interest expressed by other potential buyers for this property that has been vacant for 20 years,'' said Jeffrey Loria, Chairman and CEO of the baseball Club. ``The Expos do not wish to stand in the way of an opportunity for Canada Land to sell the property while the issues we faces remain unresolved.'' ``However, although we realize there are no guarantees regarding the eventual availability of the land, we fervently hope that before Canada Lands finalizes a sale to another party, it will give the Montréal Expos a chance to purchase it,'' he added. Posted: January 21, 2001 07:31 AM <Back to Home Page