Montreal is among the finalist cities to host international NFL games over the next few seasons.
The information was confirmed to The Press by two sources involved in the case. The City of Montreal and Olympic Park submitted the application. The cities selected for the 2023 season will be announced in a few weeks. Montreal could get one or two games in the first season. If all goes well, the deal could last up to three years.
This NFL initiative aims to increase the league’s visibility outside the United States. This season, three parts were presented in London, one in Munich and another in Mexico. The NFL wants to present games in Canada, possibly in two cities. League officials visited the facilities at the Olympic Park earlier this winter. For the past few days, the ground of the Olympic Stadium has been covered with an artificial lawn of better quality than that which was used previously.
In preliminary talks, the NFL has tied the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks to Montreal. The promoters are not certain, however, that if the candidacy of Montreal is successful, these clubs will come to play here.
Montreal is also a city with a long football tradition. It has been played since the end of the 19th century.e century. First in the form of football-rugby, at McGill University, then in its Canadian variant, notably with the Alouettes.
In 1948, the Brooklyn Dodgers—yes, like the baseball team—faced the Alouettes at Delorimier Stadium in an exhibition game that drew over 10,000 spectators. In 1961, the Chicago Bears visited the Alouettes, at Molson Stadium, also in the interleague series.
In 1969, the Expos invited four clubs for two exhibition games.
In 1988, the New York Jets defeated the Cleveland Browns in an exhibition game at Olympic Stadium. Two years later, the Steelers and the Patriots also return for a preseason game.
More details to come.