2007 Grey Cup awarded to Toronto
Published on November 16, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
Toronto, ON (November 16, 2005) - The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced today that Toronto, Ontario will be the site of the 95th Grey Cup to be played on Sunday November 25, 2007 at Rogers Centre. In making the announcement on behalf of the Board of Governors, Commissioner Tom Wright spoke to the Toronto Argonauts' success both on and off the field and the team's reconnection to its fans and its community. "Through the commitment of its ownership and the strength of its leadership, the Toronto Argonauts have done an outstanding job at revitalizing its brand and this market's passion for Canadian football. As the right choice for the 2007 Grey Cup game, we are excited to be bringing Canada's Championship back to Southern Ontario."
At the top of Toronto landmark the CN Tower, Commissioner Tom Wright was joined by Argonauts co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, Argonauts President and CEO Keith Pelley, Argonauts Head Coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons, host of CFL on CBC Brian Williams, CFL and Grey Cup Champion alumni Nick Volpe, Joe Krol, Norbert "Nobby" Wirkowski, Russ Jackson, Tony Gabriel and Kent Austin, and CIS Chief Executive Officer Marg McGregor.
Pelley announced that the weekend would be a Celebration of Football and include games at the amateur, high school and university level. Additionally, the prestigious Vanier Cup will be held on Friday, November 25, 2007 at Rogers Centre. This marks the first time that both the Grey Cup and the Vanier Cup will be held in the same city on the same weekend.
Commented Pelley, "We are ecstatic to host such an historical weekend. The development and strengthening of grassroots football is a key focus for the Toronto Argonauts and combining amateur, high school, university and professional football in one incredible weekend demonstrates this commitment. I grew up in the City of Toronto and am thrilled that the CFL has given the Toronto Argonauts the right to host 2007 Grey Cup game and that we can bring it back to the city where it was first played."
Added McGregor, "The Vanier Cup and Grey Cup weekend of football will be an unforgettable experience for CIS student-athletes, coaches and football fans. We look forward to showcasing the university championship and elevating the university sport brand."
At the press conference, Pelley announced the appointment of Brad Watters as General Manager of Grey Cup 2007. The CFL and the Argonauts also unveiled the official 2007 Grey Cup logo. As a distinct mark for the 95th edition of Canada's Championship, the consistent use of the Maple Leaf reinforces the Grey Cup's unique connection to Canada, the internationally recognized landmarks symbolize the host city and the application of Argo Double Blue celebrates the history of CFL football in Toronto. The logo was developed by Barnstorm Communications of Vancouver, the creative house responsible for the design of Grey Cup marks for the past four years.
Tourism Toronto will be a marketing partner and will help sell national Grey Cup Unlimited packages in promotion of the event across Canada. Tickets for the historic weekend go on sale to Argonauts season ticket holders on Wednesday, December 1. A waiting list will be in place for the general public as of Monday, November 21 at www.cflgreycup.ca/toronto or 416-341-ARGO.
The Grey Cup is Canada's largest professional sporting event. Celebrated by Canadians coast-to-coast, this unique Canadian championship game has attracted an average television audience of more than 4.2 million viewers over the past three years. In addition to the thousands filling the Rogers Centre, the Grey Cup will be watched by millions of fans across Canada on CBC and RDS and in more than 160 countries around the globe. Toronto last hosted the Grey Cup in 1992 when Calgary defeated Winnipeg 24-10.
About the Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) operates in nine leading cities across Canada. Building on a strong past toward a stronger future, the CFL celebrates Canada's game with fans across the nation. The 93rd Grey Cup will be played in Vancouver, British Columbia on November 27, 2005. For additional information, visit www.cfl.ca.
Canadian Football League Stories from November 16, 2005
- Fleming, Montford and Wiltshire earn Rogers CFL Player of the Week honours - Edmonton Elks
- Tis the season for giving Bomber gifts - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Calvillo nominated for Tom Pate Award - Montreal Alouettes
- Anthony Calvillo named Offensive player of the Week - Montreal Alouettes
- Rogers CFL Players of the Week - CFL
- Argonauts sign David Porter - Toronto Argonauts
- 2007 Grey Cup awarded to Toronto - CFL
- CFL, CIS team up for a celebration of football in 2007 - CFL
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