- 1982
- 1987
-
Concordes Team Formation
The CFL was long-prepared for the Alouettes’ demise. Among potential suitors for the troubled franchise was Montreal businessman and Montreal Expos founder Charles Bronfman. Bronfman had made it clear to the league that he would not deal with Skalbania, but would be willing to establish what would technically be an expansion team if the Alouettes ceased operations. On May 14, 1982, a day after the ... -
Concordes Demise
Off the field, financial losses mounted, the team’s attendance had dropped to under 10,000 a game, and the league’s presenting television sponsor (Carling O’Keefe brewery) dropping out prior to the 1987 season proved to be a death blow for the franchise. Bronfman made it clear he would not field a team for the 1987 season unless the club sold thousands ...
History of the Concordes
The CFL had anticipated the collapse of the Alouettes, and was well prepared when Skalbania returned the franchise to the league. Among potential suitors for the troubled franchise was Montreal businessman Charles Bronfman, founder and owner of the Alouettes' co-tenants at the Big O, the Montreal Expos. Bronfman had made it clear to league officials that he would not deal with Skalbania, but would be willing to establish a replacement franchise on short notice if the Alouettes ceased operations. On May 14, 1982, a day after the original Alouettes franchise folded, the CFL granted the Montreal franchise rights to Bronfman.
However, attendance did not keep pace with the team's performance. The Concordes' 1983 season finale against Hamilton was the only game to attract a crowd surpassing even 30,000 under Bronfman's ownership. Moreover, the 1985 East Semifinal was a disaster at the box office due in part to poor weather conditions and haphazard facility preparations. Only 11,372 fans attended what would turn out to be the team's last home game played under the Concordes' nickname.
Established
1982
City
Montreal
League History
1982 - 1986 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1982 - 1986 / Montreal Concordes
Nickname
Concordes - The Concorde name was chosen for its bilingualism. It originated from the latin motto of Montreal, Concordia Salus (well-being through harmony) but also played on the supersonic passenger jet Concorde, though the team logos reflected the latin motto origin.
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
1982 - 1986 / Olympic Stadium
Owner
1982 - 1986 / Charles Bronfman
To qualify as a greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history