For the first time in it's 40 year history, the Vanier Cup the symbol of Canadian College Football supremacy, will not be fought for in Toronto. The season ending game never really caught fire in Toronto. Ignored by one and all, unless a Toronto team, or one nearby was contesting for the title. And even then the crowds were never huge, finding a parking spot near Skydome never a game day problem.
The CIS, governing body of College football in Canada has decided to move the game around a bit. Hamilton will be the host in 2004, with a possibility to host again in 2005. Saskatoon brings the championship game to the West in 2006. Financial concerns were one consideration, the rent at Ivor Wynne is only $15,000 for the required three days, Skydome costs over $100,000 for the same period. And the novelty of a championship game in a new city each year, should help increase not only the gate receipts but the interest in the event.
It's about time the game was moved around the country, there are some very hot spots in college football these days, the Atlantic provinces and Quebec are both areas that follow the college game with a lot of interest, it's time for them to host the national championship. And football in the West has many fans who will no doubt take the national championship to their hearts as well.
It took over 40 years, but finally somebody realized that there is life outside of Toronto, and even if it's just a short drive down the QEW to Hamilton it's a start, just leaving the city of Toronto limits is progress. With the current revival of football interest in Hamilton, the timing couldn't be better. Already the Ti-Cats are talking about incorporating the Vanier Cup into the season ticket package for Ti-Cat fans, a purely sensible decision, one wonders why it took so long to move in the right direction.
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