As we get into the meat of this Canadian Football League calendar, a batch of stars will emerge. Some will be new-found talent from the college ranks or from auditions set up around Canada and the US, while others are the old guard that maintain the character and charisma of the league. And as summer turns into fall, candidates for East and West Division all-stars become clearer, and of course the race for Most Outstanding Player heats up.
There’s just one thing missing: an all star game, the Canadian version of the NFL’s Pro Bowl.
Many long-time fans will remember that the CFL used to have all-star games, with the first tilt in 1955 between the East Division (Interprovincial Rugby Football Union) and the West Division (Western Interprovincial Football Union). They were abandoned in the 60s but made a comeback in 1970 and was played each year throughout the 70s. In some cases the game featured the best from the west versus their eastern counterparts; however, there were several years where the Grey Cup champions would represent their division. The CFL All-Star Game was last played in 1988.
The idea to revisit the All-Star Game will certainly draw mixed emotions.
Mark Cohon has shown that he is an incredibly savvy leader for this league since he took the reins in 2007. It has flourished due in large part to the time and energy he’s put in behind the scenes and his willingness to adapt. The recently announced deal with ESPN will draw a bigger viewership and expand coverage south of the border. While the brand is being exposed to a new group of television viewers, perhaps the league might consider taking that one step further and bring the All-Star Game south of the border.
It may sound far-fetched, and it is sure to bring back awful memories of the CFL’s expansion to the United States in the early 1990s. If any expansion needs to happen it should be within Canada, however, having a CFL all-star game south of the border could sway our neighbours into paying more attention to this great league–that, and the temperatures will certainly be at least a little bit warmer!
The game might be a great way to showcase the best parts of the CFL. Of course there is the talent here that often goes unnoticed, though things seem to be changing and NFL teams are looking more and more to the CFL. A CFL all-star game in the US might also serve to showcase different rules such as reviewable pass interference. As technology is being used in sports officiating more each year, it is important for leagues to experiment before committing to something. Perhaps this game might feature possible inclusions as a way to gauge success.
While there are many positives to a CFL all-star game, it will only be a success if seats are filled with backsides. But which American City would host such a game?
Certainly many bordering cities such as Buffalo, Detroit or Seattle might be suitable with CFL fans sure to make the trip. There is also Portland, which isn’t exactly bordering Canada, but it’s close enough and doesn’t have an NFL team of their own. But there is one that might be heads and tails a great place to start: Baltimore, the last of the American cities with a CFL franchise. The city embraced its Stallions and some fans still make the trek north to catch a live CFL game. Of course the Baltimore Ravens would be in the middle of their season, but the game could be played while the team are out of town.
Most CFL fans would be aware of such a game, but what about the Americans, the ones we’re hoping will spend their money and time in watching the spectacle? Of course ESPN would likely carry the game and would do their own promoting. And personalities such as Chris Berman from NFL Countdown/Primetime, and Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, both of whom have been known to promote the game, would be good candidates to help spread the word.
It is indeed exciting times for the CFL. There is a sense of stability amongst the fans, and the product on the field and on the television is helping to attract newer fans. For most fans, football is football and we just can’t get enough.
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