Tag: 1980s in Canadian Football

  • Argonauts vs. Tiger-Cats in a Two Game Total Point Eastern Final

    The Canadian Football League introduced some significant structural changes in 1986. Not only did the league move to an 18-game season, but it also tweaked its playoff format. Up until then, the top three teams in each of the Eastern and Western divisions qualified for the playoffs. Now, a fourth team in a division was eligible to qualify for the playoffs provided they had more points in the standings than the third place team in the other division. That third place team in the weaker division would lose its playoff berth.

    Toronto Star coverage of Game One of the 1986 Eastern Final (17 November 1986).
    Toronto Star coverage of Game One of the 1986 Eastern Final (17 November 1986).

    The new playoff system was put to use in the first season it was adopted. The final standings in 1986 produced four teams in the Western Division who qualified for the playoffs and just two in the Eastern Division. But rather than the western team crossing over to play in the Eastern Division like today, the playoff teams competed in their respective divisions.

    Here’s how it worked. The four western teams each played a division semi-final with the winners of those two games meeting in the Western Final. In the East, the top two teams – Toronto and Hamilton – competed in a two game, total point series for the Eastern Final.

    Hamilton Spectator coverage of Game One of the 1986 Eastern Final (17 November 1986).
    Hamilton Spectator coverage of Game One of the 1986 Eastern Final (17 November 1986).

    The Toronto Argonauts were 10-8 on the season while the Hamilton Tiger-Cats finished the year with a 9-8-1 record. The first game was held on Sunday November 16 at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton. Turnovers plagued the Ti-Cats in Game One, infuriating Hamilton coach Al Bruno. Hamilton turned the ball over six times – five interceptions and one fumble. Ouch.

    Toronto quarterback J.C. Watts, who joined the team after being released by Ottawa midseason, went 9 for 22 and passed for 177 yards – leading the Argos to a 31-17 victory. This meant the Argonauts carried a 14-point lead into Game Two, held on Sunday November 23 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto.

    Toronto Star coverage of Game Two of the 1986 Eastern Final (24 November 1986).
    Toronto Star coverage of Game Two of the 1986 Eastern Final (24 November 1986).

    In the second game, the Argos jumped to a 15-3 lead in the first quarter – or a 26-point lead total in the two-game series. Hamilton quarterback Mike Kerrigan then got to work. Going 35 for 47, Kerrigan passed for 364 yards and three touchdowns. Against all odds, Hamilton erased the 26-point deficit and outscored Toronto 42-25 to win the two game total point series 59-56.

    Hamilton Spectator coverage of Game Two of the 1986 Eastern Final (24 November 1986).
    Hamilton Spectator coverage of Game Two of the 1986 Eastern Final (24 November 1986).

    Here are some great quotes in the Hamilton and Toronto newspapers worth sharing:

    “I was never in favour of a total-point playoff series but if I ever did have any doubt, this would have convinced me.” – Toronto Argonauts head coach Bob O’Billovich

    “The Argos are such a gutless bunch. Even their owners have not guts…they want to sell the team.” – Hamilton Tiger-Cats owner Harold Ballard

    “Last week I said we were so close to exploding. This week was the explosion.” – Hamilton quarterback Mike Kerrigan

    The Tiger-Cats would go on and defeat Edmonton the following week in the Grey Cup.

    Photo of Tiger-Cats head coach Al Bruno in the Hamilton Spectator after Hamilton's victory in 1986 Eastern Final (24 November 1986).
    Photo of Tiger-Cats head coach Al Bruno in the Hamilton Spectator after Hamilton’s victory in 1986 Eastern Final (24 November 1986).

    I was too young (and not yet a football fan) to recall these games. But when the Tiger-Cats had their store at the old Centre Mall in Hamilton, they used to play these two games on the big screen TV there all the time. That’s how I actually learned that the 1986 Eastern Final comprised of not one but two games.

    Would-be shoppers, as well as the curious and the nostalgic, would often wander into the store just to catch some footage of these games. And of course the talk would always turn to how the Tiger-Cats came back to win it all.

    Sources:
    Hamilton Spectator, 17 November 1986
    Hamilton Spectator, 24 November 1986
    Toronto Star, 17 November 1986
    Toronto Star, 24 November 1986

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  • Advertisements for CFL Football at BC Place Stadium in 1983

    My background is in sales and marketing. That’s what I studied at university, and that’s been my career for the last 25+ years. Coincidently, I discovered my interest in marketing around the same time I started following CFL football. That was back in Grade 10. As a marketer who likes history and nostalgia, I like looking back at vintage and retro advertising. So, I thought let’s do a blog post on some old advertisements for the CFL.

    To set the tone. The year is 1983, and the new BC Place Stadium has just been built in Vancouver. The 59,000-seat stadium is the first domed stadium in Canada. New beginnings for the B.C. Lions.

    Here are some advertisements for the B.C. Lions and CFL football that appeared in Vancouver newspapers throughout the year.

    Advertisement for BC Lions season tickets in the Province, 12 June 1983.
    Advertisement for BC Lions season tickets in the Province, 12 June 1983.

    The first game at BC Place Stadium was a pre-season match between the Lions and the Calgary Stampeders. The game featured a kick-off concert by The Guess Who.

    Advertisement for the BC Lions' first game at BC Place Stadium, an exhibition game vs. the Calgary Stampeders (Vancouver Sun, 16 June 1983).
    Advertisement for the BC Lions’ first game at BC Place Stadium, an exhibition game vs. the Calgary Stampeders (Vancouver Sun, 16 June 1983).

    The Lions hosted the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their regular season home opener at BC Place. The game was sponsored by Rothman’s and you could win a “magnificent Eskimo carving.” A different era when tobacco advertising was quite common.

    Advertisement for the BC Lions' regular season home opener at BC Place Stadium (Vancouver Sun, 23 July 1983).
    Advertisement for the BC Lions’ regular season home opener at BC Place Stadium (Vancouver Sun, 23 July 1983).

    A&B Sound, a former electronics retailer, was a corporate sponsor of the B.C. Lions. They ran the promotion below.

    A&B promo ad in the Province (30 June 1983).
    A&B promo ad in the Province (30 June 1983).

    The two best teams in the CFL in 1983 squared off on September 10th. A Grey Cup preview.

    Advertisement for the big game between BC and Toronto (Vancouver Sun, 8 September 1983).
    Advertisement for the big game between BC and Toronto (Vancouver Sun, 8 September 1983).

    A purchase of a Sony radio or Walkman also got you into the big game between the Lions and Argos.

    Promo ad (The Province, 9 September 1983)
    Promo ad (The Province, 9 September 1983)

    The SuperValu grocery chain ran a ticket promotion, as well. Customers could get a coupon for a free Lions ticket when purchasing a $9 ticket.

    SuperValu BC Lions ticket promo ad
    SuperValu BC Lions ticket promo ad.

    The B.C.Lions hosted the Western Final on November 20th versus Winnipeg. Season ticket holders, as expected, had first dibs. The tickets cost between $10 and $19.

    Ad for Western Final tickets (The Province, 30 October 1983).
    Ad for Western Final tickets (The Province, 30 October 1983).

    Player’s was another tobacco sponsor at the time. Here’s an ad promoting Grey Cup Week and the first Grey Cup to be played indoors at BC Place Stadium. Remember to heed the health advice given and avoid inhaling when smoking your cigarette.

    Grey Cup advertisement in The Province (24 November 1983).
    Grey Cup advertisement in The Province (24 November 1983).

    There weren’t any official Grey Cup tickets ads in Vancouver papers leading up to the big game because the game was virtually sold out well in advance. This article talks about the scarcity of Grey Cup tickets and how they were allocated across the CFL.

    Article in the Vancouver Sun about the availability and distribution of Grey Cup tickets (29 October 1983).
    Article in the Vancouver Sun about the availability and distribution of Grey Cup tickets (29 October 1983).

    So, if you didn’t have tickets, yet, your only option was the scalpers and resellers. The classifieds were full of ads like these. You could try John on Monday morning.

    Grey Cup tickets Classifieds ads
    Grey Cup tickets Classifieds ads

    The Grey Cup wasn’t the final game played in 1983. On December 3, the CFL and CFLPA staged an all-star game at BC Place Stadium.

    Advertisement for the 1983 CFL-CFLPA All-Star Game (Vancouver Sun, 2 December 1983).
    Advertisement for the 1983 CFL-CFLPA All-Star Game (Vancouver Sun, 2 December 1983).

    Sources:
    The Province, 12 June 1983
    The Province, 9 September 1983
    The Province, 30 October 1983
    The Province, 24 November 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 16 June 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 23 July 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 8 September 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 29 October 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 2 November 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 12 November 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 23 November 1983
    Vancouver Sun, 2 December 1983

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  • Tiger-Cats Spoil Argos’ SkyDome Opener

    In the aftermath of the 1982 Grey Cup, which was played in a rainstorm at Exhibition Stadium, football fans in Toronto were clamouring for an indoor stadium. They got their wish when the new SkyDome hosted the 1989 CFL season opener on July 12, 1989. No more football in the rain, wind, or snow. Fans could now enjoy the game in a climate-controlled environment. Yet, the spectacular venue’s fully retractable roof meant fans could still enjoy outdoor football when the weather permitted. It was the best of both worlds.

    Ad for the CFL opener at SkyDome
    Advertisement in the Toronto Star for the first CFL game at SkyDome.

    I remember when the SkyDome was built and marvelled at seeing it when driving through downtown Toronto. It really was a sight to behold. The first time I was inside it was for Wrestlemania VI in 1990. Twelve-year-old me was absolutely awestruck.

    OK, back to football. The SkyDome was touted a lifeline to the Toronto Argonauts and the entire the Canadian Football League. Surely, North America’s newest multi-million dollar major league stadium would be able to attract a whole new generation of fans to the CFL. The novelty factor alone was expected to bring in over 40,000 fans on opening night.

    Article in the Toronto Star touting the SkyDome as a saviour for the CFL
    Article in the Toronto Star touting the SkyDome as a saviour for the CFL
    Article in the Toronto Star touting the SkyDome as a saviour for the CFL.

    Unfortunately for the Argos, the home opener turnout fell a bit short of expectations. Mind you, a still solid crowd (especially by today’s standards) of 32,527 was on hand to watch the historic game between the Argonauts and the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Equally unfortunate for Toronto football fans, the Argos ended up on the losing end of scoreboard at SkyDome’s football christening.

    Led by quarterback Gilbert Renfroe, Toronto’s offence sputtered and managed to put up just 15 points. The Tiger-Cats scored two fourth quarter touchdowns – one a pass completion by rookie running back Derrick McAdoo and one an interception return by defensive back Sonny Gordon.

    The Tiger-Cats stole the show and won the game by a score of 25-14.

    Coverage in the Toronto Sun of the opening CFL game at SkyDome.
    Coverage in the Toronto Sun of the opening CFL game at SkyDome.
    Coverage in the Toronto Sun of the opening CFL game at SkyDome.

    The Argos did get a good bump in attendance in 1989 largely because of their new stadium. A crowd of over 54,000 attended the Grey Cup held at SkyDome that year. I do find it rather interesting how playing in a large, multipurpose, domed stadium went from being a huge positive with so much potential to more or less an albatross around the Argos within a couple of decades. Ironically, the Argonauts ultimately returned to the CNE grounds in 2016 when they moved into the smaller outdoor BMO Field.

    Sources:
    The Toronto Star, 12 July 1989
    The Toronto Sun, 13 July 1989

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  • CFL preseason: There must be a better way, for fans’ sake (1985)

    The 2026 CFL preseason is underway with a full slate of games this weekend. I’m always happy to have football back – even if the games don’t really matter much to us fans. It’s safe to say that the coaches and players themselves get way more out of these matchups than we do.

    Today, CFL teams play two preseason games each – one home and one away. However, teams used to play four preseason games. A four-game exhibition season can make for some long meaningless football from a fan’s perspective.

    Here’s a Canadian Press article by Grant Kerr from 1985 bemoaning the lengthy preseason that saw fans pay regular-season prices to watch rather unexciting football often played by rookies and backups. There’s talk of an 18-game regular season and dropping the preseason games to two (which would be adopted the following year) and even giving a team a point in the regular season standings for a preseason win. An interesting idea that obviously didn’t gain any traction.

    Sources:
    The Regina Leader-Post, 25 June 1985

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  • CFL Goes With Shorter End Zones

    The Johnston Rules are coming to Canadian football. Proponents argue they will open up the Canadian game and lead to more exciting touchdowns. Opponents grumble they represent creeping Americanization of our unique brand of football. Others shrug their shoulders and wonder what all the fuss is about. Wherever you land on this spectrum one thing is clear: CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston has introduced sweeping changes to Canadian football.

    Now, there are plenty of places online to discuss (or vent about) these changes. But here at Canadian Football History, we focus on the past. One of the changes featured in the Johnston Rules is the shrinking of the field length and end zones. So, I thought it would be timely to revisit the last time the CFL modified its field dimensions.

    Once upon a time, the regulation Canadian football field was 110 yards long between the goal lines with two 25 yard end zones. If you watch older CFL games you will realize just how massive the end zones were. The extra deep end zones gave quarterbacks some good real estate to pass for touchdowns.

    CFL rule changes in 1986
    CFL rule changes, including shortening the end zones from 25 to 20 yards, in 1986. (Regina Leader-Post)

    Then in 1983, Vancouver opened BC Place Stadium, the first domed stadium in Canada. The 60,000-seat stadium was a state-of-the-art facility that rivalled Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in terms of capacity and amenities. The trouble was that a full-length Canadian football field wouldn’t fit in the new stadium. So, the BC Lions played on a field that had only 20 yard end zones.

    Other CFL stadiums couldn’t quite fit the full 25 yard end zones, either. So, they would clip the corners of the end zone and make do the best they could. Finally in 1986, the Canadian Football League officially adopted 20 yard end zones as the new standard.

    Commonwealth Stadium post card showing clipped end zones.
    A post card showing the 25 yard clipped end zones at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.
    (photo: Canadian Football Research Society)

    The CFL’s long end zones posed a problem during the league’s brief foray into the United States. Most American football stadiums could not accommodate the longer Canadian field, particularly the 20 yard end zones. So, we ended up with a mishmash of end zones in the CFL’s U.S.-based stadiums. Without question the worst set up was in Memphis where the end zones were only seven yards in length near the sidelines; at most they were less than 15 yards deep in the centre.

    CFL end zone at Memphis stadium
    The CFL used a heavily modified end zone in Memphis in 1995.

    Whenever a sports league makes a rule change – especially if it’s a significant one – there will no doubt ensue a passionate debate amongst the fanbase. That’s probably healthy in the grand scheme of things; after all, apathy is a very difficult thing to overcome. So, if people are talking and you are in the conversation, that means people care. This week was certainly no different. CFL fans have proven they are some of the most passionate sports fans around. I thought I’d end with a selection of fan suggestions for the CFL published in the Toronto Star in 1986.

    CFL fan suggestions in the Toronto Star
    CFL fan suggestions in the Toronto Star
    Rule changes suggested by CFL fans published in the Toronto Star.

    Sources:
    The Toronto Star (13 February 1986)
    The Regina Leader Post (24 June 1986)

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