Half of Simon Fraser University's (SFU) home games for football were originally scheduled to be played in the U.S.
Now, thanks to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, they'll soon be back home north of the border.
The Red Leafs' games against Western New Mexico on Oct. 22 and West Texas A&M on Nov. 12 will now be in the comforting confines of Terry Fox Stadium, both starting at 6 p.m.
In August, SFU's athletic department announced that four regular-season home games were being moved to Blaine, Wash., because of Canada's previous requirement that all visitors entering the country be fully vaccinated.
The federal government announced on Sept. 26 that as of Oct. 1 all travellers, regardless of citizenship, would no longer have to submit public health information through ArriveCAN, provide proof of vaccination, undergo pre or on-arrival testing, carry out COVID-19 related quarantine or isolation and monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring these games back to SFU Stadium and enable our student athletes to compete in front of our fans and SFU community," said SFU senior director of athletics and recreation Theresa Hanson.
"I am especially excited for our seniors and captains who have endured so much during the global pandemic and now they will have the opportunity to be recognized on Senior's Night here at home."
The game against Angelo State scheduled for Oct. 29, however, will still be played at Blaine High School due to contractual obligations and other logistical factors, a news release said.
The Red Leafs are currently on the road and will square up against Eastern New Mexico on Saturday (Oct. 15) before returning home.
SFU has yet to win a game in the 2022 campaign thus far, currently 0-4 in the NCAA Div. II's Lone Star Conference (LSC).
