In a historic move, the Edmonton Elks football club is now under private ownership, after 75 years as a community-owned team.
After a couple of days of reports, the news was made official Thursday with the announcement of Larry Thompson as the team’s new owner.
While he didn’t have a lot of specifics relating to his plan, Thompson spoke of being a lifelong fan who wants to see the team return to being a success both on and off the field.
Who is Larry Thompson?
Thompson is the former owner of Thompson Construction Group, a heavy civil construction company, which he headed up for four decades. He sold the company last year to Hillcore group. Thompson said his success with his construction company “afforded him the opportunity” to buy the Elks. At the time of the sale last year, the company had grown to 1,500 employees and 2,000 pieces of equipment.
According to a press release Thursday from the Elks, “Thompson continues to actively invest in the business community through Thompson Enterprises.”
What do we know about him and his family?
He was joined at the media conference by his wife Deb, and added that they have “four kids and eight grandkids.”
“Well known for their charitable work in the Edmonton area – particularly for causes benefiting children – Thompson, his wife Deb, and the entire Thompson family will continue the Club’s commitment to giving back to the community,” Thursday’s press release said.
What’s his connection to football?
In Thursday’s press conference, Thompson talked about being first watching the team when he was 12 years old and becoming an instant fan. He’s a long-time season ticket holder, gesturing during the press conference to the area of Commonwealth Stadium where his front-row seats are.
Why did he want to buy the team?
He spoke fondly of the football club and talked about wanting to make it a success again, after several years of financial and on-field losses.
Thompson said the team’s sale price was confidential.
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