As anticipation builds among a sold-out crowd of over 10,000 fans in Halifax for the Touchdown Atlantic event on Saturday, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie expresses his unwavering enthusiasm for bringing professional football to the region on a permanent basis. Ambrosie describes Halifax as the “perfect CFL community” and expresses his personal and professional investment in establishing a 10th CFL team in the area. The event, taking place at Huskies Stadium at Saint Mary’s University, will feature a game between the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Previously, the CFL had announced plans to expand the stadium to accommodate more than 10,000 fans and increase capacity in the Church Brewing Party Zone by adding space for an additional 1,000 people. Ambrosie, a former professional football player who won a Grey Cup in 1993, states that the process of bringing a team to Atlantic Canada is in its final stage and it is up to the region to help make it happen.
While finding a suitable stadium remains a challenge, Ambrosie believes that a “brand new, sparkling” stadium is not necessary to launch a CFL franchise in Halifax. He believes a more modest approach can be taken initially, with the potential for expansion in the future. Ambrosie notes the success of the Halifax Wanderers, the city’s professional soccer team, in securing a permanent stadium and believes that the CFL can also find strong ownership and community support in Halifax.
Ambrosie praises the sense of community and welcoming atmosphere in Halifax and expresses his belief that it is the right city for CFL expansion. He also humorously adds that the appeal of fresh lobster doesn’t hurt either. When asked about the possibility of failed attempts to recruit a franchise to Atlantic Canada impacting future Touchdown Atlantic events, Ambrosie states that his focus is on the present and creating a spectacular day for fans in Halifax. However, he does express his desire to have conversations about the potential for a franchise in the region once this year’s event is concluded.
Touchdown Atlantic, described as the “east coast’s biggest celebration of football,” generated significant economic benefits for Nova Scotia in 2022, with over $12.7 million in economic impact, $11.8 million of which was in the Halifax area alone. Ambrosie hopes that this year’s event in Halifax will be just as successful and further solidify the city’s position as a potential permanent host for the CFL.
Overall, Ambrosie’s excitement, belief in Halifax as a CFL community, and willingness to take a more modest approach upfront showcase his dedication to bringing professional football to Atlantic Canada.
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