Toronto (October 27, 2023) – An independent study conducted by Sports Tourism Canada measured the total economic impact of the 2023 edition of Touchdown Atlantic and associated events at $10 million, which includes more than $7.3 million in total economic activity in Nova Scotia and more than $6.8 million in the City of Halifax.
A crowd of 11,555 Haligonians, Atlantic Canadians and passionate CFL fans from across the country filled Husky Stadium on the campus of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax as the Gray Cup champion Toronto Argonauts emerged with a thrilling 31-13 victory over Saskatchewan. Militants on July 29.
“Congratulations to the CFL, Saint Mary’s University and the organizing committee on a successful event,” said Sheena McCreight, CEO of Sport Tourism Canada. “CFL football has once again shown that it can drive tourism, and impact the economy at the local, regional and national levels. Sporting events create opportunities for Canadians to showcase every corner of this great country.
More than 72.7 per cent of Touch Down Atlantic attendees in 2023 were from Halifax or elsewhere on the East Coast, compared to 63.3 per cent in 2022. This strong local support resulted in a smaller overall economic impact due to lower expenditures on travel Food and accommodation. Travelers outside the city. While fewer total visitors arrived at the event, 51.6% of survey respondents who traveled chose to extend their stay to an average of 4.3 days to enjoy a vacation in Atlantic Canada.
Wherever they come from, 85.2 per cent of respondents showed positive support for the Halifax-based 10th CFL franchise, with the majority citing the likelihood of purchasing season tickets and attending 6-10 games per year.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to return to the East Coast,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Year after year, we are proud of the incredible impact Touchdown Atlantic has on communities and businesses across the region, and we would like to thank the fans for their support and embrace of our great game.”
Although the 2023 edition of Touchdown Atlantic has come and gone, the event’s lasting legacy will continue to help shape the collective future of Saint Mary’s football players and student-athletes through the donation of $10,600 worth of machinery and gym equipment to the university.
“Saint Mary’s University was honored to host Touchdown Atlantic 2023,” said President and Vice Chancellor Robert Summerby Murray. “On that day, I spoke with hundreds of Saint Mary’s alumni, students, faculty and staff, along with visitors from across the region and beyond, and the overwhelming feeling was one of celebration and pride.”
Full report available testis On the Sports Tourism in Canada website.
