Tickets officially went on sale (beginning Sept. 8) for the upcoming Vanier Cup, hosted for the first time by London and Western University, and the excitement will continue to build heading towards the Nov. 26 U SPORTS national football championship game.
“The launch of tickets sales is such an exciting stage of planning for this event,” Christine Stapleton, Western Director of Sports & Recreation, said in early September. “And we’re thrilled to provide family-friendly ticket prices to help make this national championship game as accessible as possible to fans throughout London and Southwestern Ontario.”
Early bird ticket pricing, which runs until mid-October, starts at $25. As part of the Vanier Cup experience, there will also be a ‘Fan Fest’ prior to the game, along with a fun-filled halftime show, with more details to come in the next few weeks (see VanierCup.com).
“We’re excited to announce along with Western, the City of London and Tourism London, affordable options for fans to attend this year’s Vanier Cup game,” said Lisette Johnson-Stapley, U SPORTS chief sport officer. “The host committee has intentionally set ticket prices in this range so families and fans of all ages can be part of this historic first Vanier Cup in London.”
Faulkner named honorary chair
Also announced in early September, retired London Police chief Murray Faulkner was named honorary chair of the 2022 Vanier Cup organizing committee.
“I was thrilled to be asked to be the honorary chair because I’m a football fan, a huge Western Mustangs football fan, and I have had great friendships dating back several years with (the late coach) Darwin Semotiuk and coach (Greg) Marshall,” said Faulkner. “This is a nationally televised event that will promote our city, and I’m excited to do my part to help showcase that to as many people as possible.”
Faulkner has been involved with many initiatives in the city, including the Special Olympics, the Memorial Cup and the Brier – and also as a Former Honorary Colonel 31 Service Battalion with the Canadian Army.
“Simply put, Murray is a champion of the city of London and will be wonderful in this role,” said Stapleton. “His connection to the city, the university and the Mustangs program, along with his natural leadership, will be invaluable to us and we are so excited to have him be a part of the event planning. Murray loves football and London which makes this a perfect fit.”
Faulkner believes this is a prime opportunity for the city to showcase itself to the entire country, and to show why London is a great football community. He also feels the recent updates to Western Alumni Stadium will be a big draw.
“We have such an incredible facility to play this game in; brand new turf, brand new lights, brand new PA system, along with the upgrades to the bleacher seating (on the west grandstand) – it looks phenomenal,” said Faulkner. “We now call on our community to support this marquee event for the city. Together, I know we will create a first-class experience for football fans.”
Full event details, ticket information and more can be found at VanierCup.com.
Submitted by the Western Mustangs
