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

When the proposed Atlantic Schooners CFL franchise announced a season-ticket drive in late 2018, Rob MacCormick spent $100 on a deposit for two seats.

The Windsor Junction, N.S., sports fan wanted to support the team. He also hoped that if the franchise came to fruition, more concerts would come to the city because of the stadium the team needed to construct as part of the venture.

MacCormick wasn't alone in placing a deposit. The Canadian Press reported in December 2018 that 6,000 people had done the same. At $50 a ticket, that's at least $300,000.

CBC News spoke to 10 people who said they paid the deposit. Eight — including MacCormick — said they did not receive refunds.

"When you go a pair at a time, it certainly does add up, and maybe somebody should be accountable to this," said MacCormick.

As the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, the CFL venture disappeared from the public conversation. Two affiliated companies behind the idea — Schooner Sports and Entertainment and Maritime Football Limited — have had their registrations revoked in the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.

Schooner Sports and Entertainment sought municipal and provincial funding to build a 24,000-seat, $110-million stadium in Shannon Park. The space would have been used for community sports and major concerts as well.

In December 2019, Halifax council voted to give the proponents $20 million, but only if a list of conditions were met.

"We're thrilled. We thank council for their due diligence and very spirited debate. We're very excited to move forward," said Schooner Sports and Entertainment partner Anthony LeBlanc.

By April 2020, LeBlanc had taken an executive role with the NHL's Ottawa Senators. However, he remained a director with Maritime Football