The champions of Canadian university football will be crowned in London in 2022.
It was announced Thursday that Western University will host the Vanier Cup at Western Alumni Stadium on November 26. It will mark this first time the championship game has been held in London. The Vanier Cup has been played in Toronto 41 times, Quebec City seven times, Hamilton five times, and once each in Vancouver, Montreal, and Saskatoon.
“U SPORTS is thrilled to partner with the City of London, Tourism London and Western University to present this 57th edition of the Vanier Cup,” said U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer Lisette Johnson-Stapley. “London and Western offer the participating teams and fans outstanding accommodations, restaurants and sports facilities. We know guests travelling to the 2022 Vanier Cup will have a memorable experience, and we can't wait for kickoff on November 26.”
The Western Mustangs won the 2021 Vanier Cup, and if they can advance to the final again this year, they could become the second team in Vanier Cup history to retain the title on their home field. The only other time it has been done was in 2013, when the Laval Rouge et Or defended their previous season's title.
“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 – featuring a CFL-regulation-sized playing surface and seating for over ten thousand spectators.”
The 2022 edition of the Vanier Cup will be broadcast in English by CBC Sports and in French by TVA Sports, in addition to being available on both broadcasters' digital platforms.