With Queen’s set to host the Vanier Cup for the 2023-24, and 2024-25 seasons, Kingston will become a mecca for Canadian football.
The Gaels will host the championship games at Richardson Stadium, sparking anticipation and excitement among Kingston locals and football enthusiasts province-wide.
The Gaels hoisted the Vanier Cup on four separate occasions; 1968, 1978, 1992, and 2009. With the Vanier Cup coming to their home turf, the Gaels have the opportunity to compete for their fifth title.
Led by Head Coach Steve Snyder, Queen’s looks to surpass their 2022-23 finish of second place where they fell to the Western Mustangs at the Yates Cup. This year, the team hopes to secure a first place finish with the Vanier Cup in tow.
“Our number one goal will be to be the most respected team on campus and in the community. Then our number two goal will be to improve every day. Our number three goal will be to win the Yates Cup championship, and then, you know, if we’re successful in that we’ll quickly re-channel ourselves to the national semi-final and then the Vanier Cup,” Snyder said in aninterview with The Journal.
Snyder praised his coaching staff’s approach to psychological strength. While the football season comes with a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, a systematic stay steady approach allows them to stay focused throughout the gruelling season.
“That [approach] speaks to the emotional balance that we go through, our preparation and our competition. Big moments. So, we’ve done a good job of staying steady, focusing on day-to-day improvement and not riding the emotional rollercoaster ride,”he said.
With a committed fanbase, Snyder is hopeful communal support and student engagement with the Gaels will propel the team to the first seed position so narrowly missed last season.
Ahead of the football season, Snyder also hopes Kingston an be a part of a mutually inspiring relationship between the football team, and the Queen’s community.
“They are playing for you. They really are. You can ask our players that nothing gets them going, and even more proud and excited about their performance and our university and the brand than looking up and seeing all the students there,” he said.
For fans eager to watch the Vanier Cup live, there are several ways to secure tickets. Tickets are currently available online through the official Queen’s Gaels ticket website, Richardson Stadium and some local retailers will also offer physical tickets.
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