7 old CFL stadiums fans still wish existed today

7 old CFL stadiums fans still wish existed today

The Canadian Football League has always been about more than just football. For many fans, the stadiums themselves were part of the magic — places where unforgettable memories, legendary plays and historic Grey Cup moments were created.

Over the decades, several beloved CFL venues have disappeared or been replaced by modern facilities. While the new stadiums offer better comfort and technology, many supporters still feel nostalgic about the classic grounds that helped shape the league’s identity.

Here are seven old CFL stadiums fans still wish existed today.

1. Ivor Wynne Stadium – Hamilton

Few CFL stadiums matched the atmosphere of Ivor Wynne. Home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for decades, the stadium was famous for its tight seating and incredibly loud crowd.

Fans were practically on top of the field, which made visiting teams uncomfortable and gave the Tiger-Cats one of the most intimidating home-field advantages in the league. Although it was replaced by Tim Hortons Field, many supporters still miss the gritty charm of the old ground.

2. Taylor Field – Regina

For generations of Saskatchewan Roughriders fans, Taylor Field was sacred ground.

Located inside the larger Mosaic Stadium complex, it hosted countless unforgettable moments in Riders history. The passionate fan base created one of the loudest environments in the CFL long before modern stadium design focused on acoustics.

When the team moved to the new Mosaic Stadium, many appreciated the upgrade but still felt sentimental about the historic field it replaced.

3. Empire Stadium – Vancouver

Empire Stadium holds a special place in CFL history. It served as the original home of the BC Lions and hosted the famous 1960 Grey Cup, often remembered as one of the greatest games ever played.

The stadium was eventually replaced by the indoor BC Place, but longtime Lions supporters still look back fondly on the open-air venue where the franchise first built its identity.

4. Clarke Stadium – Edmonton

Before the move to larger venues, the Edmonton Elks (formerly Eskimos) played at Clarke Stadium.

Though smaller than modern stadiums, it had a passionate atmosphere and helped build the early culture of football in Edmonton. Today the team plays at Commonwealth Stadium, but Clarke Stadium remains an important part of the club’s heritage.

5. Frank Clair Stadium – Ottawa

Before renovations transformed the venue into modern TD Place Stadium, Ottawa football fans packed into Frank Clair Stadium for decades.

It was home to historic franchises such as the Ottawa Rough Riders and later the Ottawa Renegades. Despite its aging structure, the stadium carried a deep sense of tradition that many fans still remember fondly.

6. Autostade – Montreal

Montreal’s Autostade had a short but fascinating history. Built using materials from Expo 67, it became home to the Montreal Alouettes in the late 1960s.

Although the stadium struggled with design issues and didn’t last long, it remains one of the most unique venues ever used in the CFL.

7. Exhibition Stadium – Toronto

Few stadiums spark debate quite like Exhibition Stadium. It was the longtime home of the Toronto Argonauts, where fans endured wind, cold weather and unpredictable playing conditions.

While it was far from perfect, the atmosphere during big games was unforgettable. The Argonauts eventually moved to indoor venues such as the Rogers Centre and later BMO Field, but some supporters still miss the raw football environment of the old stadium.

nostalgia still runs deep

Modern CFL stadiums offer improved comfort, better sightlines and advanced facilities. But for many fans, the older venues carried something special that cannot be recreated — history, tradition and unforgettable atmosphere.

Whether it was the noise in Hamilton, the passion in Regina or the weather battles in Toronto, these classic stadiums helped shape the culture of the Canadian Football League.

And if you ask longtime fans, many would happily take one more game in these legendary venues. 🏈