Atlantic University Sport is hoping the Uteck Bowl’s relocation will one day result in expansion to New Brunswick. The AUS officially announced yesterday the Canadian Interuniversity Sport football semifinal will be hosted at Moncton Stadium in 2011, 2013 and 2015, wrenching the event away from its lengthy stay at Huskies Stadium.
With just four teams in the AUS and interlock play with Quebec in peril, the goal is to convince the Université de Moncton or Fredericton’s University of New Brunswick to add varsity football programs.
“The biggest reason for the move was the potential for expansion,” said AUS executive director Phil Currie. “If expansion is going to happen, it’s going to happen in New Brunswick somewhere, whether it’s in Moncton or in Fredericton.”
Huskies Stadium had hosted the Uteck Bowl every other year since it was created in 2003. Prior to that, the Atlantic Bowl national semifinal had been held at Huskies Stadium for three decades. Currie admitted the declining condition of 40-year-old Huskies Stadium was also a factor.
“That wasn’t the primary reason for our decision, but obviously when you look at a brand-new, $28-million facility versus Huskies Stadium and the condition it’s in, it makes the decision easier, that’s for sure.” Currie said.
