Image: The venue's opening date has been delayed

Winnipeg Blue Bombers will play its first five games of the regular 2012 season at Canad Inns Stadium after the opening of the new Investors Group Field was pushed back.

The Canada-based American Football team competes in the Canadian Football League and is now scheduled to play its inaugural match at the new 33,500-seat venue in September.

Raymond SC Wan is behind the design of the Investors Group Field, which aims to boost the fan experience with 100 per cent more leg room and wider seats among other features.

A 4,000sq ft (372sq m) feature retail store will be created as part of the stadium, which will feature a sunken bowl design with the playing field 25ft (7.6m) below the main concourse.

Blue Bombers president and CEO Garth Buchko said: "Our project managers gave us a crucial date of 1 May in which we would know exactly where we stood.

"It became apparent that unfortunately we would not be able to hit our target for this date. As a result, we will play our first five regular season home games at Canad Inns Stadium."

Details: www.bluebombers.com