Vanier Cup
For the first time in 39 years, the Vanier Cup is picking up and moving. That’s right, the pinnacle of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football is leaving its Toronto roots behind and taking a jaunt down the QEW to beautiful Steeltown. The CIS announced last week that next year’s Vanier, to be played Nov. 27, 2004, will be held in Hamilton’s Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Since the first championship game, the Vanier has been played in Toronto, and for the last 14 of those years at the overwhelmingly large SkyDome. Now, the CIS brass have decided to expand their horizons.
“Moving to an outdoor stadium like Ivor Wynne will bring back a true Canadian football feel to the game,” said Ward Dilse, executive director of the Ontario University Association (OUA).
Football coaches from across the country are also supporting the move. “As coaches and players,” said Brian Towriss, president of the Canadian University Football Coaches Association, “the ideal scenario will always be to play the game in a controlled environment, but short of that, Ivor Wynne Stadium and its new surface make for one of the best facilities in the country. And let’s face it, it may provide a better atmosphere.”
Back here in Toronto, we bid the Vanier adieu, and wish it happier and healthier times in 2004.
