Established
1982
City
Montreal
League History
1982 - 1986 / Canadian Football League
Team History
1982 - 1986 / Montreal Concordes
Nickname
Concordes - The Montreal Concordes are one of the most beloved teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Its nickname has a long and exciting history that dates back to its formation in 1974.
The team was initially named after its owner, Nelson Skalbania, who owned an Air Canada airline. He wanted a name representing his company's commitment to excellence and strength, so he chose "Concordes," French for "agreement." The Concorde jetliner symbolized speed and luxury, two qualities Skalbania believed his team should embody.
In 1982, the team changed ownership but kept its nickname, representing something special about Montreal: unity between English-speaking Canadians and French-speaking Canadians. The agreement part of their name reflected this sentiment perfectly; it showed how both sides could come together on a common ground despite language barriers or cultural differences. This idea resonated with fans across Quebec who embraced the Concordes as their own—an accurate representation of what it means to be Canadian!
As time passed, more people began associating “Concordes” with football rather than airplanes - thus making them synonymous with success within CFL fandom circles today! So while they may have started out representing aviation technology decades ago, they stand proudly at center stage, representing all things sports-related in our great nation!
Championship
Grey Cup 0
Stadium
1982 - 1986 / Olympic Stadium
Owner
1982 - 1986 / Charles Bronfman
- 1982
- 1987
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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 ...
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History of the Concordes
The Montreal Concordes were a professional Canadian Football League (CFL) team from 1974 to 1982. The Alouettes founded the team, playing in the CFL since 1946. The Concordes were based out of Montreal's Olympic Stadium and played their home games until 1981, when they moved to Molson Stadium for their final season in 1982.
The initial years of the franchise saw great success as they won two Grey Cup championships during this period, one in 1974 and another in 1977 under head coach Marv Levy. During these championship seasons, quarterback Joe Barnes led an explosive offense that included running backs David Overstreet and James Sykes, along with wide receiver Peter Dalla Riva who caught many touchdown passes from Barnes on his way to being named MVP of both Grey Cup games.
Unfortunately for fans of the Montreal Concordes, financial difficulties forced them into bankruptcy after just eight seasons resulting in them folding following their last game against Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Molson Stadium on October 24th, 1982, ending what could have potentially been a much longer run as one of Canada’s premier football teams. Despite its short lifespan, however, the legacy left behind by this iconic Canadian Football League team still lives strong amongst sports fans across Quebec today.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history