The Alouettes officially announced Thursday afternoon that their next training camp would be held in Trois-Rivières. The Montreal team will therefore train at the Diablos stadium from May 15 to June 2.
Updated yesterday at 3:31 p.m.
“We hadn’t been out of Montreal for training camp in five years and it was a wish of the organization [d’en sortir]. We want to be the province’s team and, for us, it’s a very concrete gesture to show it, ”commented the president of the Alouettes, Mario Cecchini, during a press conference at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, PRESS ARCHIVES
Mario Cecchini
“We wanted to take concrete action to show that we are the Quebec team and that is what we want to be. »
The Alouettes’ camp took place in Montreal for the past few years, and in Sherbrooke, on the campus of Bishop’s University, in the first half of the 2010s. When the organization decided to leave Montreal, the choice of Trois-Rivières quickly won unanimous support.
It’s the only city we visited. We started with Trois-Rivières and, it’s not frills, we were seduced by the enthusiasm shown. We sincerely felt wanted and we felt that people wanted us to come here.
Mario Cecchini, President of the Alouettes
The mayor of Trois-Rivières, Jean Lamarche, indeed seemed very enthusiastic about the arrival of the Alouettes in his city, noting also that not so long ago, the most important football games in Trois-Rivières were played in a baseball stadium. Diablos Stadium has been renovated over the past few years.
“We now have an exceptional stadium, which is anything but awkward. We are happy, and it is with great pride that we offer this stadium to our Quebec team, the Quebec CFL team. The one we watched play at the Olympic Stadium, at McGill Stadium, the one that allowed us to live extraordinary moments, in particular thanks to you, Mr. Calvillo,” said the mayor, looking in the direction of Anthony Calvillo, who was on site for the announcement.
I may be chauvinistic, but in Trois-Rivières, we know how to receive, and that, I guarantee you. You will not regret it. And I already want to thank you for the impact you are going to have on our young people. On young people who wonder what it’s like to go to school. It gives the special opportunity to play sports at the highest level.
Jean Lamarche, Mayor of Trois-Rivières
Lamarche himself retains a precious memory of the passage of professional teams in his city.
“In 1984 or 1985, we had a game between the Canadiens and the Nordiques at the Coliseum, and I still have a Normand Rochefort card with us which dates from that time. It marks, and that’s what we want. We want to instill in our young people a tradition related to health, to good practices, and we can’t do better than through sport.
In terms of “radiation, it’s a big blow for Trois-Rivières”.
Open to the public
Unlike last year, when the camp was closed to the public due to the pandemic situation, fans will be able to attend Alouettes practices starting May 15.
Currently on a trip to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary, Danny Maciocia had recorded a note for the people of Trois-Rivières in which he highlighted the rich history of the Diablos of the Cégep de Trois-Rivières.
“I think of people like Pierre Vercheval, who is part of the Hall of Fame, and coach [Jacques] Dussault, then you have an incredible history,” said the Alouettes general manager.
“To be able to spend a few weeks with you will be an incredible experience. »
It remains to be determined if this association between the Alouettes and Trois-Rivières will become an annual meeting. Cecchini, however, gave the assurance that the Montreal organization would keep a strong link with the city of Mauricie.
I hope that Trois-Rivières breathes football during the three weeks of the camp, but also before and after.
Mario Cecchini
“Because what we promise is not just to come here, camp and leave. We will be really present and we will be open to your invitations, whether it is with schools to help young people enjoy football, or with merchants. We will be very open and present. »
The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières will welcome the players off the field since the residences of the establishment will be used to house the members of the Alouettes organization.
The Birds will play their first exhibition game on May 28 against the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton. Their second and final preseason game will take place in Montreal against the Ottawa Redblacks on June 3. They will start their season in Calgary on June 9 and will play their first home game on June 23 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.