Following the monster events at the universities of Nebraska and Iowa, which attracted 92,003 and 55,646 fans respectively, although with far more modest attendances, Laval University’s Rouge et Or would like to highlight the women’s sports team on the occasion of the kick-off of Canadian rugby championship on November 1st at PEPS.
The Rouge et Or’s goal is to set an attendance record for a university women’s game in Canada. The date is set for November 1, when the Rouge et Or will play its first game of the Canadian Championship at 7 p.m.
The Quebec record for a women’s match is 3,200 people, set on February 3, 2023 for a volleyball doubleheader at PEPS. In rugby, the record attendance of 10,092 was set on July 8, 2023 at TD Place Place in Ottawa while the Canadian team played a friendly match against New Zealand. On the university network, the St. Francis Xavier X-Women drew 5,300 fans in the 2012 Canadian Championship final, which they won against the Guelph Gryphons
The classic basketball doubleheader between the Carleton Ravens and the Ottawa Gee Gees, which took place at the Canadian Tire Centre, attracted 10,780 spectators in 2015.
“We want to fill our stadium with 12,000 seats,” said Julie Dionne, director of the Sports Activities Service (SAS). We want as many people as possible. Quebec is an exceptional place to launch such a challenge. If anyone in Quebec can meet this challenge, it’s us.”
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, an NCAA volleyball powerhouse, drew 92,003 spectators to a game at the football stadium on August 30, a world record for a women’s sporting event. On October 15, it was the Iowa Hawkeyes’ turn to set a world record for a women’s basketball game with 55,646 spectators.
Free entry for the university community
This game, which we hope will be historic, is free to the University community (students and staff) and has a uniform price of $10 for all fans. At the same time, the Rouge et Or wants to demystify rugby in the eyes of newcomers. The in-house announcer explains the intricacies of the sport during the game and, as with every football game, there is a party before the game starts.
The players are enthusiastic about the initiative
Players are excited about this initiative. “It’s crazy,” said Audrey Champagne, who performed in front of 1,000 spectators while playing on the French professional scene. The organization of the last two Canadian championships after the return of COVID-19 was somewhat awry. It’s fun that the Rouge et Or emphasizes the beautiful and good. It will be even more exciting to compete in the Canadian championship.”
“Quebec can bring women’s sports back to the forefront,” continued Champagne, who teaches physical education in secondary schools. Post-pandemic, physical activity participation among adolescent girls has declined sharply and the goal is for young people to find their way and identify with role models.”
Last round
On her final lap after completing her five-year career, Anne-Frédérique Simard is looking forward to ending her career in front of those close to her. “It’s great to have the chance to host the Canadian Championships at home, and it’s even greater that we’re trying to set a record attendance. It is very touching that Rouge et Or thought of us. We talk about it a lot in our community and the event partners also do a good job. I am confident that the public response will be good. It’s a great window for women’s sports.”
After a perfect season in 2022, the Rouge et Or are the reigning Canadian champions and will face the UBC Thunderbirds, who won the Western title, in their first game. Laval lost to the Ottawa Gee Gees in the provincial final last Saturday, but was guaranteed a place in the national championship as the host team.