CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge says the league and its players are continuing to work on a new drug-testing policy. “It is unfortunate we don’t have a drug testing policy in place right now”. “But we need to attract a new generation too… the millennials are very important to us”.
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“We signed tremendous new partners, including Shaw, the first ever presenting sponsor of the Grey Cup”, said Orridge, adding the league is looking forward to 2016 and the introduction of adidas as its’ official outfitter of on-field uniforms, apparel and headwear.
“We also have a lot of momentum with new stadiums in place and more on the way, some great, new young stars on the field, emerging technologies and the social dynamic that allows us to reach new fans in new ways and we need to capitalize on that”, he said.
In May, the CFL cut ties with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport in a dispute over the league’s drug policy.
The CFL also adopted several significant rule changes this season, including pushing converts back 20 yards and moving up two-point attempts two yards.
“There is tremendous potential for a new era for the Argos”, Orridge said. “It’s not good for the players, it’s certainly not good for the league”.
“I want to get it done as soon as possible and I take responsibility for ultimately getting it done”, Orridge said.
Hamilton and Ottawa enjoyed consistent sellouts but other markets saw their attendance flatline or drop. Attendance year over year was unchanged.
He said, the re-branding initiative and a new CFL – which should launch in the upcoming week – is a way to help attract new viewers.
Television ratings were down 15 percent from 2014, Orridge says the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Pan Am Games, and the playoff run by the Toronto Blue Jays were factors into lower T.V. ratings.
“Still, we would be irresponsible if we didn’t take this seriously. We are showcasing who and what we are today and we’re looking to build for the future”.
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“Transitions, and transformation are not always smooth but a bit of turbulence is something you go through at times of gaining altitude”, Orridge said.
