York Stadium is the place to be this Saturday afternoon as the York University Lions football team faces off against crosstown rivals the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the 39th annual Red & Blue Bowl.
Right: A scene from a previous encounter between York University (right) and the University of Toronto
The game, which begins at 1pm, is part of this year’s homecoming festivities. The events also include a women’s hockey game featuring the York Lions versus the women’s Olympic hockey team of China and a pair of basketball games between the current Lions and alumni. Tickets for all events can be purchased at the gate.
The football game promises to be exciting and intense as there is more at stake than an Ontario University Athletics win. Bragging rights in the City of Toronto are on the line and both teams will be shooting for a victory and the right to hoist the Argo Cup.
The Varsity Blues currently hold the trophy as winners of last year’s game, but before that, the Lions won 12 straight Red & Blue Bowls and will be trying to win in an effort to keep the Argo Cup at York after the game. Both squads are currently 0-4 on the season so a win on Saturday afternoon will be important for both teams.
Aside from the action on the field, there will be a number of additional attractions for spectators to enjoy. The first 1,500 fans to arrive will receive a free t-shirt and all fans will be able to participate in contests and giveaways, including having the opportunity to win a free trip to Cancun. To be eligible for the Kick Off to Cancun contest, participants must fill out a ballot before Oct. 2 and be in attendance at the Oct. 3 football game. Ballots can be obtained at Sport York events (football and soccer), Sport York information booths, Breakaway Tours booths and Travel CUTS in York Lanes.
For those who prefer their action on the ice rather than on the field, the hockey game is a can’t-miss. The visiting Chinese squad is busy preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver this coming February and will play a pair of exhibition games against the Lions women’s hockey team. The games are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2pm at Canlan Ice Sports on York’s Keele campus.
Last but not least, past and present come together as the current men’s and women’s Lions basketball teams take on their counterparts of days gone past. Will experience and guile win out over youth and tenacity? Come find out! The women play at 6pm and men play at 8pm in the main gym at Tait McKenzie Centre.
Tickets for all Sport York events are available at the gate. Adult admission is $8 per person and student and senior admission is $5 per person. For all York students (with YU-card), and children 12 and under, admission is free.
Saturday, Oct. 3
- 12pm: Football Pre-Game
- 1pm: Football Red & Blue Bowl
- 2pm: Women’s hockey – York vs. Team China (Game 1)
- Dinner at the Thirsty Penguin Grillhouse located in the Canlan Ice Sports complex
- 6pm: Women’s basketball
- 8pm: Men’s basketball
Sunday, Oct. 4
- 2pm: Women’s hockey – York vs. Team China (Game 2)
For more information, visit the Sport York Web site.