Les Alouettes, de 1946 à aujourd'hui

THE MONTREAL ALOUETTES FROM 1946 TO TODAY

1946 - THE BIRTH OF THE ALOUETTES

The Montreal Alouettes Football Club is founded in 1946 thanks to the combined efforts of coach Lew Hayman and businessmen Léo Dandurand and Eric Cradock.

Their first home is Delorimier Stadium, also the home to the Montreal Royals Baseball team, which the famous Jackie Robinson played for.

The first-ever Alouettes game takes place on September 7, 1946 in Toronto. Over 9,000 spectators show up to watch the battle between the Alouettes and the Argonauts, which ends in a 10-10 tie.

Virgil Wagner, one of the only five American players on the team, scores the first touchdown in Alouettes history. In his rookie season, he ties for league points leader...And finishes in first for the position the three following years.

1949 - THE FIRST GREY CUP

In 1949, only 4 years after the club is founded, the Alouettes win they very first first Grey Cup with a 28-15 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in Toronto.

Herb Trawick is one of the three first African American players signed by the Alouettes. His moment of glory comes during the Grey Cup final in Toronto, when he forces a fumble from the Calgary Stampeders quarterback, Keith Spaith.

1952 – THE SAM ETCHEVERRY ERA

The 1950s are a productive decade for the Alouettes, namely due to legendary quarterback Sam Etcheverry. Etcheverry, along with John "Red" O'Quinn, "Prince" Hal Patterson and Pat Abbruzzi, field the most dangerous offence in all Canadian football.

The Alouettes move from Delorimier Stadium to Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in 1954, where they stay for 14 years. In 1968, our birds leave Percival Molson Stadium for the Autostade, a temporary stadium built for Expo 67.

Autostade de Montréal

The Alouettes in 1958

The team in 1959

1970 – THE GLORY OF THE 70s

1970 marks the start of a glorious decade for the Alouettes. Our birds make the playoffs every year with the exception of 1971, make six trips to the Grey Cup and come out with their hands on the trophy three times.

1970

THE SECOND GREY CUP

On November 28, 1970, the Alouettes win their second Grey Cup with a 23-10 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. This is our Als’ first Grey Cup in 21 years!

On November 30, 1970, the Alouettes parade down the streets of Montreal and make they way to the City Hall where they are welcomed by Mayor Jean Drapeau. Tens of thousands of fans gather to celebrate the big victory.

1974 - THE THIRD GREY CUP

The 62nd Grey Cup is played on November 24, 1974 before 32,450 fans on a rain-soaked Empire Stadium in Vancouver. The Alouettes beat the Edmonton Eskimos 20-7 despite extremely harsh weather.

After winning the most outstanding rookie award in his CFL debut, Rodgers, nicknamed “Ordinary Superstar” in Montreal, helps lead Montreal to the 1974 Grey Cup.

1976

A NEW HOME

In September 1976, the Alouettes vacate the Autostade and move into Olympic Stadium. Two months after the Olympic Games end, the Alouettes play their first game in at the Big O. Over 68,505 fans gather in the stands, a record attendance in Canadian football.

1977 - THE FOURTH GREY CUP

The Alouettes make it to the Grey Cup game three years in a row (1977-78-79), and come out champions in 1977 against the Edmonton Eskimos at the Olympic Stadium. This particular championship game, commonly referred to as the Ice Bowl due the snowy and icy conditions of the field, will remain engraved in the annals of football forever.

The very clever Tony Proudfoot has he bright idea to put staples on his teammates’ shoes to prevent them from slipping on the icy field, giving our Alouettes the advantage over their opponents.

1987

THE END OF A 41-YEAR FOOTBALL TRADITION

On June 1987, the eve of their first game of the season, the Alouettes organize a press conference announcing that they will be ceasing their activities. Many explanations are given, namely the fans' disenchantment for the team and the decrease in tickets sales. The players are dumbfounded.

1997 - THE RETURN TO PERCIVAL MOLSON STADIUM

On November 2, 1997, the Alouettes are forced to play the Eastern Semi-Final at Percival Molson Stadium as the Irish band U2 had already reserved the Olympic Stadium. Conscious of fan interest in the outdoor stadium, the Alouettes move there for good in 1998. Since then, the Alouettes have made Percival Molson Stadium their permanent nest.

During that game, Mike Pringle rushes for a playoff record of 264 yards on 32 carries, setting a new record in Canadian football.

THE 2000s

A GREY CUP HAT TRICK

Between 2000 and 2010, the Alouettes achieve an incredible performance by reaching the Grey Cup finals eight times and winning the title three times.

2002

THE FIFTH GREY CUP

On November 24, 2002, led by Head Coach Don Matthews, the Alouettes win their fifth Grey Cup (their first in 25 years) by defeating the Edmonton Eskimos 25-16 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

Over 250,000 fans celebrate this glorious victory alongside our Alouettes during the parade in Montreal.

2009

THE SIXTH GREY CUP

On November 29, 2009 at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, the Alouettes orchestrate a spectacular comeback. Damon Duval kicks a 33-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Montreal Alouettes a thrilling 28-27 Grey-Cup victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

2010

THE SEVENTH GREY CUP

With a 21-18 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Alouettes win a second consecutive Grey Cup and seventh in franchise history!

2019 - NEW BEGINNINGS

On February 2019, the Alouettes unveil their new identity. New logo, new uniforms...A wind of change is blowing over the team.

On July 4, 2019, our birds win the home opener 36-29 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It's Khari Jones' first win as the Alouettes' Head Coach.

During this game, William Stanback becomes the Alouettes' first running back to surpass the 200-rushing yards mark in a game since Mike Pringle in 1998.

On September 21, the team achieves its biggest comeback in history against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by erasing a 24-point deficit and taking down their opponents 38-37!

On November 10, 2019, the Alouettes play their first playoff game in 5 years as they go head to head with the Edmonton Eskimos for the Eastern Semi-Final in front of over 20,000 fans at Percival Molson Stadium.

2020

A NEW DIRECTION

On January 6, 2020, the Alouettes unveil their new owners. One week later, the club announces the arrival of Mario Cecchini and Danny Maciocia, respectively appointed as President and CEO, and General Manager.

Appreciate