January 26, 2006

Touchdown Atlantic returns to Halifax

Two new competing teams, same great Canadian football to make waves in Atlantic Canada

Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced today that the second edition of the Touchdown Atlantic series will return to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2006. The seven-time Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes will face off against East Division rivals, the Ottawa Renegades, in this nationally televised match. The game will be played at the legendary St. Mary's Huskies Stadium on Saturday June 3, 2006 at 3pm ET (4pm AT) and will broadcast live on TSN and RDS.

In announcing the CFL's return to Halifax for Touchdown Atlantic 2006, Commissioner Tom Wright emphasized the success of the inaugural event and the overwhelming support that Haligonians, and Atlantic Canadians in general, afforded the CFL in 2005. “Our game found a new home in Atlantic Canada last year. This region quickly embraced our sport and has since demonstrated an overwhelming passion for Canadian football. Halifax is a vibrant and growing economic centre with a proven track record for successfully hosting many of the world's largest events. We look forward to once again working with Events Halifax and the entire Halifax community in this special presentation of our game.&rdquo

“It goes without saying that we are thrilled with the CFL's decision to return its Touchdown Atlantic game to Halifax,&rdquo stated Fred MacGillivray, Chair of Events Halifax. “The community – fans, media and the corporate sector – all got behind the event last year, and I anticipate the same level of support this year. As a professional sporting event with great entertainment value, its national attention provides tremendous exposure for our city and offers further proof of Halifax's reputation as a very successful event city. Best of all, this is Canadian football and it's fun.&rdquo

Ticket information and details for the 2006 Touchdown Atlantic Game and Fan Festival will be released over the coming weeks.

About the Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) operates in nine leading cities across Canada. Building on a strong past toward a stronger future, the CFL celebrates Canada's game with fans across the nation. The 94th Grey Cup will be played in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 19, 2006.

About Events Halifax
Events Halifax was founded in 1998 with a mandate to attract major sporting and cultural events to Halifax. In its eight-year history, Events Halifax (www.EventsHalifax.com) has been instrumental in securing many large events for Halifax including the 2003 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and the 2004 IIHF World Women's Hockey Championship.