2022 Vanier Cup game officially headed to London, Ont.
U Sports' national football championship set for home of reigning champion Mustangs
For the first time, the Vanier Cup championship game will be played in London, Ont.
Canada's national university football championship will be contended on Nov. 26 at Western Alumni Stadium, the home of the reigning champion Mustangs, U Sports announced on Thursday.
The news was first reported by the London Free Press and confirmed by CBC Sports on Tuesday.
The 2022 game will mark the 57th edition of the Vanier Cup. Western beat Saskatchewan 27-21 last year for its first title in four years, and will become the second team ever with the opportunity to defend its championship on home soil.
"It's just wonderful to be hosting the Vanier Cup," said Western University president Alan Shepard. "We're excited for the opportunity to celebrate Western's proud football tradition, showcase all the great things our University and City have to offer, and welcome fans from near and far to the newly renovated Western Alumni Stadium."
WATCH | Mustangs down Huskies in 2021 Vanier Cup:
Stadium upgrades include a CFL regulation-sized field and a seating capacity over 10,000 people.
The game has bounced between Hamilton, Ont., and Quebec City since 2013. It wasn't until 2004 — the 40th Vanier Cup — that the game was held outside of Toronto.
While Western owns the most Vanier Cup appearances with 15, the Laval Rouge et Or can claim the most championships with 10. The Quebec City school appeared in three consecutive finals between 2016 and 2018, winning two, but hasn't been back since.
The 2020 Vanier Cup was cancelled due to the pandemic.
U Sports also announced that London would play host to the 2023 university rowing championships.
Live coverage of the Mitchell Bowl and the Uteck Bowl, whose winners meet in the Vanier Cup, will be available on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem. The Vanier Cup will be broadcast live on CBC Sports.
