And that changes the conversation, says Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats owner came up with the surprise promise of a $74-million boost for a Pan Am Games stadium at an east Mountain location yesterday.

The Ticats would run the stadium for the city, covering the estimated $3 million per year operating costs for 10 years and contributing $15 million to construction.

In a letter to Eisenberger, Young asked city council to consider his proposal as the Cats are set to sit down with the city and the Ontario Realty Corporation, which owns the property, and work on an agreement.

Young wrote: "It's time to move forward. There is so much more that binds the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats than divides us."

Eisenberger said the "money is substantial, which is what we have wanted, but we can't be hasty. There is much we don't know about this site."

Of the $74-million commitment, Young cited $14 million to win the rights to two Grey Cup Games in the next 10 years and $10 million to operate the club at Ivor Wynne.

He said the club would work with the city to stage Grey Cup festivities in the west harbour and North End communities to showcase the waterfront across Canada. Continued...