Ahead by a century: CFL partners with The Tragically Hip for limited-edition merchandise line

Graphic courtesy: CFL

The Canadian Football League are wheat kings of the gridiron after striking a limited-edition merchandise collaboration with The Tragically Hip.

Available only while supplies last, the clothing line is being produced by lifestyle brand Province of Canada. It includes T-shirts and hoodies featuring the band and all nine CFL clubs, as well as the league. Fans can also purchase nine team-specific commemorative posters with a design throwing back to the Road Apples era of the band, with all proceeds from sales going towards local food banks in each CFL market.

“I grew up with the CFL, the player sticker books and the tackle games in the yard. We all had our favourite teams and players and team swag. We were young and didn’t fully appreciate the significance of having an all-Canadian league. We grew into that appreciation. The CFL is part of our national cultural fabric,” guitarist Rob Baker said in a statement. “We have aged out of games of tackle in the yard, but we still have our favourite teams and players, and our love of the Canadian game is strong.”

Formed in 1984 in Kingston, Ont., The Tragically Hip released 13 critically acclaimed studio albums and over 50 beloved singles, while winning 17 Juno Awards. They are widely regarded as the greatest Canadian band of all time, and 11.7 million fans tuned in to witness the broadcast of their final show on August 20, 2016, prior to the death of lead singer Gord Downie.

“At its heart, this partnership is about celebrating Canada. The CFL has long brought communities together through the game of football, while The Hip’s music has told the story of our country for years,” CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston said as part of the announcement. “Combined with Province of Canada’s commitment to Canadian craftsmanship, we’ve created a collection that represents the best of who we are as Canadians, and that’s something our fans can wear with pride.”

Based in Toronto, Province of Canada proudly manufactures each of its products in Canada and uses plastic-free packaging. Fans hoping to purchase the T-shirts can get them for $70, while hoodies will run you $160, though some have already been sold out in the hour since the partnership was unveiled. Posters cost $20.

The exclusive collection can be found online via the Province of Canada website and the nine CFL Team Shops, and in-person at CFL stadiums across the country.