The University of Regina has been selected to host the 2025 Vanier Cup, the country’s national university football championship.
U SPORTS, the governing body for university sports in Canada, announced with Chief Sport Officer Lisette Johnson-Stapley that they are thrilled to announce that the Vanier Cup is heading west.
“We are confident fans from all over will want to converge on Regina for this milestone event,” he said. “The city is known for its enthusiasm for football and deeply engaged fan base, which solidifies Regina’s status as a city where football plays a significant and beloved role in the community’s sports culture. Hosting the Vanier Cup for the first time is an incredibly memorable experience.”
University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen said they are honoured and excited to host the 60th anniversary of the Vanier Cup.
“Saskatchewan is a great football province, with everything needed to help profile university athletics in Canada: the fans, the volunteers, the corporate support, and the most spectacular football venue in the country – Mosaic Stadium,” he said. “The Vanier Cup will be a wonderful opportunity for our University and our province to shine on the national stage, and we look forward to working with U SPORTS, our key partners, and many others to make it a tremendous success.”
It will mark only the third time the game has been played in Western Canada and the second time on the prairies, as well as, the first time for the Queen City.
The successful bid comes after the collaborative efforts of the University, the City of Regina, Tourism Saskatchewan, Tourism Regina, the Regina Rams Football Club, and the Regina Hotel Association.
The City of Regina, in collaboration with its partners, is eagerly anticipating the championship event that will highlight excellence in Canadian university football and showcase the City of Regina.
“The City of Regina is thrilled to have been selected to host the Vanier Cup for the first time in our city’s history,” said Regina’s Mayor, Sandra Masters. “Football holds a special place in the hearts of our residents, and we continue to witness its positive influence on young athletes as a channel for skill development and personal growth. We celebrate the importance of sport in our community and will ensure that every athlete, coach, and fan visiting our city for the 2025 Vanier Cup has an exceptional and welcoming experience.”
The Vanier Cup is expected to have significant economic and community benefits for Regina.
Based on a recent analysis of Vanier Cup’s economic impact on past hosts, like the City of London, which generated $2.4 million for the local economy.
