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Moncton is hosting its third Touchdown Atlantic CFL game in four years this weekend but something seems to be different about this one, as it might not sell out. Moncton calls itself the "Hub of the Maritimes" and it positions itself as the central meeting place of the Maritimes. Within a few hours from Moncton one can reach Halifax, Fredericton, Saint John and all of PEI. Add an hour or two, and youre into the state of Maine. But something is missing this year. There doesnt seem to be the excitement, the hoopla or the drive to make it happen like the previous two times. The previous times were in 2010, when Moncton sold out close to 21,000 seats and the tickets sold out in 32 hours. Edmonton won the game over Toronto, 24-6. A year later, the first none sellout took place when there were 700 seats still available in a matchup with Hamilton and Calgary. The game saw a lot of points scored in a Tiger-Cats 56-36 win over the Stamps. This week, some 1,400 tickets were available for Touchdown Atlantic III and as of Friday night, some 900-1,000 tickets remained. So why isnt this game selling out? Or if it does sell out, why did it take so long? There are several reasons that come to mind. First of all, its no longer the novelty it was in 2010. Secondly, some that I spoke to said "its too bad that Anthony Calvillo of the Als wont be playing." But the biggest factor for the decrease in interest seems to be the fact that the game doesnt have a home team; a real Atlantic franchise. "I love the CFL and my family and I have taken in the first two games but we want to cheer for or own team," said Dave Astle, a strong CFL football fan. "They (CFL) have talked about expansion down here for years; maybe they should do it and well come back - be it in Moncton or anywhere in Atlantic Canada." Asked whether there will be more Touchdown Atlantic games in the future, CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said its too early to say. "Well analyze it later and depending on a lot of factors, there may be another game," Cohon said. "But folks have to remember that we are taking a team away from a home date, so the revenue generated from such a game (has to) at least match what a home gate will bring in. So, if revenues are there we might consider other games." Theres still talk about CFL expansion to this part of Canada. Moncton has a leg up on anyone else because they have a stadium. The stadium is under five years old but has to be expanded when the CFL plays. Seating in the stadium is 10,000 and expansion seats are almost the same amount. Cohon says it would be at least $100,000 to bring the stadium to CFL regulation size. For the first time ever, an elected public figure has come out in favour of a stadium for Halifax. Newly elected Mayor Mike Savage has come out in support and would like to build a facility that could host CFL games. Mind you, Halifax has been down that route before. Remember the 1981 Atlantic Schooners in the days of the late J.I. Albrecht? So, the third Touchdown Atlantic game will be held and Brian Warschick from the Halifax area will take it in. Hes been to all games. "I love the CFL," said Warschick, who turned 60 this year. "I grew up on Kenny Ploen, the Bombers and the CFL. Ill be wearing my Hamilton sweater at the game as they are my second favourite team," he told TSN.ca. Warshick went to the first two games with friends but this one is extra special. His son goes to St.FX University and Warshick will be going to Antigonish to pick him up but his son will have on a Montreal Als journey. "It will be a great day, regardless of the outcome," Warshick said. If Touchdown Atlantic had more fans like Brian Warshick, a sellout would not be in doubt. For TSN.ca Im Alex J. Walling Alex J can be reached via email: ajw@eastlink.ca MILAN, Italy -- Francesco Totti scored twice to show he can still dominate at 37 and Roma showed its for real with a 3-0 win at Inter Milan to extend its winning start in Serie A to seven matches on Saturday. The victory moved the Giallorossi five points clear of Napoli and Juventus, which each play on Sunday. With new manager Rudi Garcia clearly leaving his mark on a squad that missed out on Europe last season with a sixth-place finish, Roma has scored 20 goals and conceded just one. "This squads continuity is the greatest thing," Totti said. "Winning seven straight matches isnt easy. ... I dont think anyone expected this start to the season. "But the club put the players in place and when you have the right frame of mind good things happen." It was the first loss this season for an Inter squad that had also impressed up to this point. The Nerazzurri are seven points back. Totti, who recently extended his contract for two more seasons, put Roma ahead 18 minutes in at the San Siro with a powerful and precise shot from 21 metres then doubled the lead with a penalty in the 39th after Gervinho was tripped, even though it appeared the foul occurred just outside the area. The two goals gave Totti 230 for his Serie A career. He is second on the all-time listt behind Silvio Piola, who has 274.dddddddddddd. Alessandro Florenzi made it 3-0 in the 44th, finishing off a swift counterattack after being set up by Totti and Kevin Strootman. Inter thought it pulled one back in the 66th when Andrea Ranocchia headed in but the defender was whistled for a foul on Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis, who clearly had possession first as the two players leaped up to the ball. Roma could have had a fourth goal when the speedy Gervinho ran clear in the 73rd but Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic did well to deny him. Roma ended with 10 men after Federico Balzaretti, who scored the winning goal in last months derby with Lazio, picked up his second yellow card in the 79th. Inters best chance turned out to be a shot off the post from Fredy Guarin in the 25th. Earlier, Atalanta won 1-0 at Chievo Verona to move into the top half of the table, 12 points behind Roma. Argentine forward Maximiliano Moralez scored in the 16th minute with an acrobatic shot for his first goal in 30 matches. A minute of silence was observed before both matches to mourn the 100-plus African migrants killed in a shipwreck off the Italian island of Lampedusa on Thursday. On Sunday, Juventus hosts AC Milan in a high-profile clash and Napoli plays promoted Livorno. Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Authentic Cheap Jerseys Authentic Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys NFL China Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
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