A study conducted by Sport Tourism Canada (STC) has indicated that Touchdown Atlantic made an economic impact of $10 million.
The neutral-site game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts was held at Huskies Stadium on the campus of Saint Mary’s University on July 29 in front of a sold-out crowd of 11,555. 72.7 percent of the game’s attendees were from Halifax or elsewhere in the Maritimes, an almost 10 percent increase from 2022.
STC’s study concluded that the event’s economic impact included over $7.3 million in Nova Scotia and more than $6.8 million in Halifax.
“Congratulations to the CFL, Saint Mary’s University, and the organizing committee on a successful event,” said Sport Tourism Canada CEO Sheena McCrate in a statement. “CFL football has again shown it is capable of driving tourism, impacting the economy on the local, provincial and national levels. Sporting events create opportunities for Canadians to showcase every corner of this incredible country.”
85.2 percent of respondents who attended the game indicated they would support a tenth CFL franchise based in Halifax, most of whom said they’d also purchase season tickets.
This was the seventh edition of Touchdown Atlantic since it was first held at Huskies Stadium in 2005. The games in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2019 were held at Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium in Moncton, N.B., while the game in 2022 was played at Raymond Field in Wolfville, N.S.
“It was an absolute pleasure returning to the East Coast,” said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Year after year, we’re proud of the incredible impact that Touchdown Atlantic has had on communities and businesses across the region, and we’d like to thank fans for leaning in and embracing our great game.”
The full study from STC can be found here.
