Fans interact with CFL commissioner at FirstOntario Concert Hall

It’s not every day that fans get to interact with the CFL’s top executive. But on Friday, fans had a chance to get up close and personal with the CFL commissioner at a town hall style fan event.

Hundreds of fans cheered as they lined up at FirstOntario Concert Hall Friday morning. But not to hear music, to hear from the CFL commissioner himself, Randy Ambrosie.

“We’ve had fantastic feedback on Saturday playoffs, and the one thing we are going to go back to is our balanced schedule,” said Ambrosie.

There were several questions about the addition of a tenth team, possibly in Atlantic Canada, with Halifax being the front runner city.

“We are in a discussion with a very impressive individual who has indicated that he is interested in leading the way to a 10th team in Atlantic Canada. It’s a complex issue, in part it relates to facility,” said Ambrosie.

This town hall style event also revealed some fun fun facts about the 2023 season.

In terms of stats;

• 60 per cent of all games this season were decided in the final three minutes.
• An average of 51 points were scored per game in terms of money.
• Same day revenues were up a whopping 40 per cent for Toronto on game days.
• B.C. led for highest attendance of 30,000 fans, with Toronto not far behind at 26,000 BMO Field

Overall, more than 14 million Canadian fans watched the CFL this year.

“Their questions are always really good. They are challenging, but they are challenging from a really good place. They want to the league to be massively successful. I had a chance today to say thank you to them,” said Ambrosie.

Even though, the big day isn’t until Sunday, the BC Lions dance team and Roary their mascot were also on hand to promote the 2024 Grey Cup festival in Vancouver.

And for you die hard fans that like to travel to away games, or plan in advance. Right now the CFL is working on the schedule for 2024 and they hope to announce the dates in the next couple of weeks.