Mustang Athletics

It is an exciting day on the road to the 2022 Vanier Cup as tickets for the U SPORTS Canadian national championship game go on sale today, and Western announces the naming of retired London Police chief Murray Faulkner as honorary chair of the organizing committee. Tickets are available starting at 11 a.m. at VanierCup.com, at early bird pricing. The Vanier Cup is set for Saturday, Nov. 26 at Western Alumni Stadium, the first time that London will host the university-level national football championship. “The launch of tickets sales is such an exciting stage of planning for this event,” said Christine Stapleton, Western Director of Sports & Recreation “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, will start 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. “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.” Full details can be found at www.vanierCup.com Faulkner named honorary chair  Also announced today, retired London Police chief Murray Faulkner has been 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, 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.” The 2022 Vanier Cup is a showdown between the Uteck and Mitchell Bowl national semifinals winners, which will both be held on Saturday, Nov. 19. The Mitchell Bowl pits the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) Dunsmore Cup champions against the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Yates Cup champions. At the same time, the Uteck Bowl will see Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Jewett Trophy winners host the Canada West (CW) Hardy Cup champions. Full event details, ticket information and ticket press release can be found at VanierCup.com For VIP and premium seating options, please contact the 2022 Vanier Cup box office by email at [email protected]