July 29, 2020...Canadian Premier League Confirms Charolottetown, PEI as Location for 2020 Season (from York9 FC e-mail)
CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE CONFIRMS CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI AS LOCATION FOR 2020 SEASON The Island Games to Begin August 13. Toronto, ON – (July 29, 2020) – Today, the Canadian Premier League, together with its Owners, Clubs and Player leadership, is pleased to announce Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as the location for the CPL 2020 season. The CPL and the Province of Prince Edward Island have been working tirelessly with the Owners, Players, Government of Canada, City of Charlottetown, and other partners to finalize the details on a location that would include the mandated public health protocols and measures that will govern the season. The safety and well-being of Prince Edward Island residents, as well as Players, Coaches, Officials and staff is the single most important issue and it is vital that appropriate health and safety protocols are in place and agreed to by all stakeholders – Players, Clubs, Owners, League, Canada Soccer (the Canadian Premier League’s governing body) and PEI organizers and partners. The made for TV event – The Island Games – will commence on Thursday, August 13 with a rematch of the 2019 season finalists Forge FC vs Cavalry FC and will conclude in September (schedule announcement to come). All games will be played to closed doors in a sequestered environment in Charlottetown. Organizers are exploring the opportunity to create an exclusive fan zone for minor soccer players from across the Island to share in this excitement while following public health measures. All matches will be broadcast exclusively via the Canadian Premier League’s media partner OneSoccer. The League was in deep discussions with the City of Langford, British Columbia and Moncton, New Brunswick as potential locations for the season – we are appreciative for the time and the input each of these groups put into their bids for consideration. It was a difficult decision between these three great Canadian cities. Additional details to be released soon. Quotes: “We are excited about The Island Games / Canadian Premier League 2020 season and the level of support from the Government of PEI, and City of Charlottetown who have been at the forefront of all our planning with our priority being that every participant and PEI citizens will be safe,” said Canadian Premier League Commissioner, David Clanachan. “We are appreciative of all their hard work and their enduring support in making our season a reality.” “We believe Prince Edward Island is the best place in the country to safely host the Canadian Premier League and we are so proud to receive this special opportunity,” said Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay. “In these uncertain times, we are committed to doing everything we can to stimulate our provincial economy while following the mandated public health protocols, and market our Island as a premier travel destination, so that when the time is right, we can welcome visitors to Prince Edward Island.” "Charlottetown is thrilled to have been selected as the hub city for the 2020 Canadian Premier League season, particularly during these challenging economic times," said Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown. "As a highly ranked Canadian sport hosting destination, Charlottetown is always at the top of our game. Hosting the CPL is sport tourism at its core and will drive much prosperity to our capital city. The Birthplace of Confederation is ready to welcome the CPL with open arms and wishes the League the best of luck with what is sure to be a memorable season."
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