Men’s Football
Vanier Cup Central
U SPORTS proudly announces that the Vanier Cup, Canada's esteemed university football championship, will be hosted in Regina in 2025 and Quebec City in 2026.
University of Regina to host the 60th Vanier Cup in 2025
On the heels of the University of Regina's 50th anniversary, Regina will host the Vanier Cup for the first time in 2025. This landmark event at the Mosaic Stadium, celebrating the 60th edition of the Vanier Cup, is a collaborative effort with the City of Regina, Tourism Saskatchewan, and Tourism Regina, highlighting the city's vibrant sports culture and passionate football fans.
"U SPORTS is thrilled to announce the Vanier Cup is heading west to Regina," announced Lisette Johnson-Stapley, U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer. "We are confident fans from all over will want to converge on Regina for this milestone event. 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, and we look forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Cup with the University of Regina."
"We are honoured and incredibly excited that the University of Regina has been selected to host the 2025 Vanier Cup in Saskatchewan," said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen. "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. 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."
The Vanier Cup returns to Université Laval in 2026
Université Laval in Quebec City, with its rich football heritage, will host the 2026 Vanier Cup, showcasing its exceptional facilities and the spirit of Quebec's sports community. This decision reflects Université Laval's impressive history of hosting the championship, having successfully organized the event on seven previous occasions, including the 2018, 2019 and 2021 championships.
"We are honoured to once again bring the celebrated Vanier Cup to the Université Laval in 2026. The decision was straightforward, considering Laval's proven excellence in organizing U SPORTS championships," said Johnson-Stapley. "The Vanier Cup has consistently attracted large, passionate crowds at Université Laval, and we have no doubt Quebec City's football fans will offer unwavering support, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all student-athletes and another outstanding event in 2026."
Since its inception in 1996, Université Laval's football program has achieved unparalleled success, both on the field and in attracting spectators. With a record 10 Vanier Cup titles and consistently high attendance, the Rouge et Or have set a standard in Canadian university football.
“We could not be prouder to welcome the Vanier Cup in Quebec City once again! I am convinced that fans will be thrilled to attend this important event which is now part of the sports environment of our region, said Julie Dionne, director of the Sports activities department at Laval University. Since we started hosting this tremendous event, it’s never been so long since we last presented it. With the emotions we experienced at the recent U SPORTS rugby championships a few weeks ago and the Men’s basketball Final 8 tournament in March, we are very much looking forward to having the Vanier Cup championship return here at home!”
Since 1965, the Vanier Cup has been the pinnacle of Canadian university football, with a diverse range of universities claiming the title amidst intense competition. The event has been hosted across various iconic Canadian locations, drawing large crowds and contributing significantly to the local economies. For instance, the 2022 Vanier Cup in London, Ontario, generated an impressive $2.4 million in economic activity.
These future championships in Regina and Quebec City are anticipated to mirror previous years' economic and community benefits. The 2022 event in London supported local jobs, generated substantial tax revenue, and positively impacted the province's GDP.
"Celebrating the Vanier Cup's legacy in Regina and Quebec City for the 2025 and 2026 championships represents a thrilling new chapter in Canadian university football," added Johnson-Stapley. "These cities embody the spirit and passion of the sport, and their selection as host cities is a testament to their vibrant communities and commitment to excellence in athletics. We are excited to bring the nation's premier university football event to the University of Regina and Université Laval, where we anticipate exhilarating games with significant contributions to local economies and communities. This is an opportunity to showcase the best of Canadian university football, and we are confident fans from all over Canada will converge on these two incredible cities as they continue the tradition of excellence that the Vanier Cup represents."
U SPORTS is excited to bring together Canada's best student-athletes, coaches, and fans for these upcoming championships, promising an atmosphere filled with competition and camaraderie. More details about the events, including ticket sales and broadcast information, will be announced in the coming months.