Vanier Cup university football championship could stay in Hamilton

The countdown has begun. The 53rd Arcelor Mittal Vanier Cup, the championship game for Canadian university football, is now 40 days away.

This is the fifth time that the city of Hamilton has hosted the Vanier Cup.

Last year’s attendance in Hamilton was estimated at fewer than 5,000, which was an all-time low for the event.

Graham Brown, the chief executive officer of U Sports, says they’re in much better shape 40 days out, with over 5,000 tickets sold.

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While no decision has been made yet on next year’s site, Brown said, “If the city of Hamilton embraces the Vanier Cup, it would make sense that the Vanier Cup wouldn’t travel much further.”

“The truth of the matter is, we want to see how the second year in Hamilton does,” he said. “Our objective is not to move it around the country and start over all the time.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The truth of the matter is, we want to see how the second year in Hamilton does," he said. "Our objective is not to move it around the country and start over all the time."

In addition to the game, the All-Canadian Football Awards Gala will be held Thursday, Nov. 23.

The gala will honour the best athletes in U Sports football.

The past, present and future of professional football come together to acknowledge the first and second team all-Canadians and individuals players will be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments on and off the field.

The game will be played Saturday, Nov. 25, at Tim Hortons Field.

AM900 CHML will broadcast the Vanier Cup.