Blue Bombers score major profit in 2008

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers may have had a sub-par 2008 season on the field, but they scored big on the financial books.

The football club released its annual report Tuesday, showing a profit of $761,000 for the year. That compares to a loss of $263,000 in 2007.

'The club has definitely turned a corner. We are no longer looking over our shoulder in respect to finances.' — Lyle Bauer, president and CEO

The club credits increased revenue from tickets and sponsorships for making the difference.

Total ticket revenue increased by $239,925 in 2008 from 2007, propelled by a 20 per cent increase in season ticket revenue. The club also recorded a 15 per cent increase in sponsorship revenue, going from $3,667,523 in 2007 to $4,090,343 in 2008.

"These results characterize the progress that this club has made since 2000. The credit for the accomplishments should go to our fans, sponsors, staff and board of directors, as this has been quite a journey," said Lyle Bauer, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club.

"The club has definitely turned a corner. We are no longer looking over our shoulder in respect to finances."

The objective now remains to provide fans with a championship, said Bauer.

"It remains the only outstanding objective in our business plan."

The team hasn't won a Grey Cup since a 50-11 thrashing of the Edmonton Eskimos in 1990. The Bombers' last appearance in the championship game was in 2007, when they lost 23-19 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.