70th Grey Cup

70th Grey Cup
Edmonton Eskimos Toronto Argonauts
(11–5) (9–6–1)
32 16
Head coach: 
 Head coach: 
1234 Total
Edmonton Eskimos 31766 32
Toronto Argonauts 7702 16
Date November 28, 1982
Stadium Exhibition Stadium
Location Toronto
Most Valuable Player Warren Moon
Most Valuable Canadian Dave Fennell
Broadcasters
Network CBC, CTV, SRC
< 69th Grey Cup 71st Grey Cup >

The 70th Grey Cup, also known as the "Rain Bowl", was the 1982 Grey Cup Canadian Football League championship game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Edmonton Eskimos. The Eskimos, who were making their sixth consecutive appearance in the CFL championship game, defeated the Argonauts 32-16 on the Eskimos' way to their fifth straight Grey Cup. The game was played on Sunday, November 28, 1982 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto.

Game summary

The Eskimos' record breaking 5th Grey Cup victory looked in jeopardy at mid-season, with their 3 and 5 record. But, 10 straight victories pitted them against the underdog Toronto Argonauts. The Boatmen last won a cup in 1952, and their fans were thrilled with expectation. Winners of only 2 games the previous season, they had a 9-6-1 record.

The game, played in a driving rainstorm, started well for Toronto. After a Dave Cutler field goal, new acquired Emanuel Tolbert went 84 yards with a touchdown pass. The Eskimos replied with a Brian Kelly TD reception, but the Argos scored again, with a 10 yard pass to Terry Greer.

With Toronto leading 14 to 10, Edmonton and Warren Moon (the game MVP) would not look back. Another TD pass to Brian Kelly and a Neil Lumsden TD rush, and 3 more Cutler field goals sealed the final Grey Cup victory for the CFL's greatest dynasty.

Moon completed 21 of 33 passes for 319 yards, all the while having to throw in the freezing rain.

Scoring

Edmonton Eskimos - 32
Touchdowns - Brian Kelly (2), Neil Lumsden (1)
Field Goals - Dave Cutler (4)
Converts - Dave Cutler (2)

Toronto Argonauts - 16
Touchdowns - Emanuel Tolbert (1), Terry Greer (1)
Converts - 2
Safety - 1

Aftermath and legacy

The 1982 Grey Cup broadcast drew the largest Canadian TV audience up to that time.

In 1982, the Toronto Argonauts were still playing home games at Exhibition Stadium. The players and fans were forced to endure awful conditions due to the rain and cold--a problem exacerbated by the fact that much of the stadium was completely exposed to the elements. Many fans had to watch the game from the concession area. Fans began to demand a dome the following day; at a rally at Toronto City Hall, thousands of fans who had come to see the Eskimos began chanting "We want a dome!" As a result, discussions began which would ultimately lead to the building of the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre).

This was the third time in five years that the baseball-renovated Exhibition Stadium hosted the game (it also hosted the game in 1978 and 1980), and the twelfth and final time overall. While the stadium only trails nearby Varsity Stadium for times hosting the Grey Cup, it is unlikely to be matched for some time, as the next-closest stadium, BC Place Stadium, hosted the 102nd Grey Cup for its ninth time hosting the game.

Exhibition Stadium was eventually demolished. A few years later BMO Field was built as soccer-specific stadium where Exhibition Stadium had stood. BMO Field was later renovated to accommodate the Argonauts beginning in the 2016 CFL season and hosted the 104th Grey Cup, marking the CFL championship game's return to the site after 34 years.

External links

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