GREY CUP'S ANNUAL FAN FAVORITE EAST COAST KITCHEN PARTY

More than a football team concept — a long-running promise to give Atlantic Canada its place on the CFL map.

Born from big dreams, tested by setbacks, and kept alive by loyal fans — resilient, proud, and always ready for the next wave.

Explore Our Story

Down East Kitchen Party

Founded

1982

Home Region

Atlantic Canada (Dartmouth/Halifax, NS)

League Affiliation

CFL (Expansion Concept)

Team Colors

Silver • Maritime Blue • Nautical Brass • White

Our Story

A Team That Never Stopped Belonging

In 1982, the CFL granted a conditional expansion franchise to the Atlantic Schooners, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The plan was bold: the Schooners would kick off in 1984 as the CFL’s first Atlantic Canadian team. However, the required stadium funding never fully materialized — and in 1983, before a single snap was taken, the franchise was withdrawn.

The Schooners name surged back to life in 2018, when Schooners Sports and Entertainment reignited the push to bring professional football to Atlantic Canada. Proposed base: Halifax, Nova Scotia, with potential temporary home games in Moncton, New Brunswick, anchored by the vision of a new stadium project in the Halifax area.

Our Legacy

From the stands to the shoreline—this is ours.

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Symbol of Aspiration

A reminder that Atlantic Canada belongs in the national football conversation.

Fan-Driven Legacy

From Grey Cup gatherings to regional watch groups, supporters keep the dream alive.

Coast-to-Coast Vision

The Schooners represent the missing piece in a truly national CFL footprint.

Down East Kitchen Party

A Tradition Built on Atlantic Hospitality

A Grey Cup tradition powered by passion, pride, and one man’s commitment. Since 2004, John Ryerson has personally funded and organized the Down East Kitchen Party—creating a welcoming space where fans from every CFL team gather as one community. Often called “Switzerland,” it’s the neutral ground of Grey Cup week.

2013

A 70-foot lobster roll raised $28,000 for the local food bank.

2018

More than 2,500 fans each night, with 850 lbs of lobster and 26 volunteers working 14-hour days.

Today

A celebration of Atlantic Canada — beyond football.

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East Coast Pride

Maritime Pride. National Stage.

The Atlantic Schooners are rooted in the culture, communities, and coastline of Atlantic Canada — a symbol of regional pride and a coast-to-coast CFL vision.

First introduced as a conditional expansion franchise in 1982, the Schooners remain an unfinished story kept alive by loyal supporters. Through Grey Cup gatherings, merchandise, and community tradition, fans continue to represent Atlantic Canada in the national football conversation.

Explore Our Story