University of Regina to host the 2025 Vanier Cup

Today, U SPORTS, the governing body for university sports in Canada, made a landmark announcement, selecting the University of Regina to host the 2025 Vanier Cup, Canada's national university football championship.

"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."

In 2025, the University of Regina will be at the forefront of Canadian university football as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Vanier Cup. It will mark only the third time the game has been played in Western Canada and only the second time on the prairies. 

"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 successful bid to host the 2025 Vanier Cup in Regina resulted from the collaborative efforts of the University, the City of Regina, Tourism Saskatchewan, Tourism Regina, the Regina Rams Football Club, and the Regina Hotel Association. This partnership underscores Regina's strong commitment to sports and its ability to host major national events, reinforcing its reputation as a football city. 

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support the 2025 Vanier Cup,” Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, said. “Events like this build the visitor economy and bring significant profile to the city and province.” 

"The Regina Rams Football Club is thrilled with the U of R’s successful bid to host the 2025 Vanier Cup,” added Aaron Picton, President of the Regina Rams Football Club. “We look forward to sharing the top amateur football championship in Canada with the energetic football fans of Saskatchewan and displaying our renowned prairie hospitality on the national stage. The Vanier Cup will be an event to unite our diverse community and bring pride to the alumni of the University of Regina as well as alumni of the historic Regina Rams program."

The City of Regina, in conjunction with its partners, eagerly anticipates a memorable championship that will celebrate excellence in Canadian university football, Regina's culture and openness, and the spirit of sportsmanship.

"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."

“Hosting the 2025 Vanier Cup is a tremendous honor for Tourism Regina and our city,” added Tara Osipoff, Vice President, Tourism, Marketing and Communications for Tourism Regina. “This exciting opportunity will showcase our incredible venues, renowned Saskatchewan hospitality, prevalent volunteer spirit, and solidify Regina as a sought-after destination for major events. With our expertise in handling large-scale events, we're eager to welcome attendees with our prairie charm.” 

As a catalyst for community engagement and economic development, celebrating university football and fostering community spirit, the 2025 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, the championship in Regina will contribute to the city's economic success while continuing to celebrate its history as the football centre of Canada. 

“We are delighted to join our provincial and municipal governments in providing sponsorship to support the University host the Vanier Cup,” said Tracy Fahlman, President & CEO of the Regina Hotel Association. “As a champion of events at all levels, our hotel members are looking forward to working with the U of R to shine a spotlight on our community and extend our well-known prairie hospitality to U Sports in 2025.”

U SPORTS is excited to bring together Canada's best student-athletes, coaches, and fans for the Vanier Cup, promising an atmosphere filled with competition and camaraderie. More event details will be announced in the coming months, including ticket sales and broadcast information.

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