CFL changes Grey Cup plans for 2020 due to pandemic
If there is a 2020 Canadian Football League season capped by a Grey Cup game — and it’s all still imperilled by the COVID-19 pandemic — Regina might not be the scene of the championship tilt.
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie announced on Wednesday that the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been awarded the 2022 Grey Cup game, and if there is a championship contest in 2020, it will be staged on a “win and host” basis.
“The team that qualifies for the Grey Cup and has a superior regular season record to its opponent will host the Grey Cup game,” Ambrosie said during a virtual town hall meeting with CFL season ticket holders. “This gives all nine CFL teams a shot at hosting the Grey Cup in this unprecedented year. We are also considering moving the
Grey Cup into December, as we explore every option that will allow us to play as many games as possible in 2020.”
The Riders were planning to host the Grey Cup on the last Sunday in November, but COVID-19 threw a wrench into the works.
“The pandemic has had a drastic effect on travel, tourism and the economy,” said Ambrosie. “It has become increasingly clear we won’t be able to host a traditional Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival, certainly not with the size and scope that has become customary.”
The Grey Cup plan for 2021 remains unchanged. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will host for the first time in 25 years.
As for a 2020 regular season, it would likely start no sooner than Sept. 1, and definitely won’t include Touchdown Atlantic, a sold-out showdown between Saskatchewan and Toronto that was scheduled for July 25 in Halifax.
In addressing the cancellation, Ambrosie referred to tragedy endured by Nova Scotians, which in the past 32 days has included a mass shooting that claimed 23 lives, the deaths of six service members in the crash of a Halifax-based military helicopter, and the loss of Capt. Jenn Casey, a Nova Scotia native and public affairs officer with the Snowbirds, who died in a plane crash in Kamloops, B.C.
“The only thing deeper than our regret is our resolve to return to Atlantic Canada,” said Ambrosie. “It pains us that this pandemic is preventing us from showing our friends in Nova Scotia, in person, just how saddened we are by the senseless tragedy they have been forced to bear, and how much we admire their strength.”
The CFL’s 81-game 2020 regular season was supposed to kick off June 11, but had already been postponed to at least July 1. In a May 7 address to the Houses of Parliament’s standing committee on finance, Ambrosie said cancellation was the most likely scenario. A startup in September is now only the best-case scenario.
“Please note that we’re not announcing or promising a return this fall,” said Ambrosie. “We’re just letting our fans know this remains one of the remaining possible scenarios for 2020. A cancelled season is also possible. Again, it’s too soon to make a sure call at this point.”
The CFL can only make its call in consultation with the federal and provincial governments, based on what’s safe for the health of team personnel, fans and each community. Those situations are fluid, but the CFL is resigned to the likelihood there won’t be football this summer.
“Barring some huge development, like a vaccine for COVID-19, it now seems clear we can rule out playing games this summer,” said Ambrosie. “There are several reasons, including the continuing restrictions on assemblies, travel and border crossings. Notably, several provinces and municipalities have already decided to prohibit until Sept. 1 all sporting events featuring large gatherings.
“We know there’s a great deal of interest in whether we might play with or without fans, or with social distancing rules in place. We’re examining all possibilities with both public safety and financial viability in mind. It’s just too soon to speculate on what a return to play in September might look like.”
In addition to offering condolences to families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and thanks to essential workers for their service, Ambrosie thanked fans, partners and staff for their support. He then made special mention of season ticket holders.
“So many of you have reached out to us, looking not for refunds on your deposits, but reassurance about our future. This means the world to us right now.”
The league has basically been operating on season ticket revenue while it awaits word on a request for financial aid from the federal government. On behalf of league governors, Ambrosie requested an initial $30 million and as much as $120 million more if the 2020 season is cancelled.