Members of the Canadian Armed Forces descended from a helicopter on Sunday afternoon at The Forks, carrying the prestigious Grey Cup. This event marked the commencement of Grey Cup week, known as the CFL’s grandest annual celebration, leading up to the league’s championship game on November 16 at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
Kristin Orvis, an attendee at the event and a Grey Cup game ticket holder, described the festivities as a joyous celebration and a gathering of people from all across Canada, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Thousands of fans are expected to fill Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium for the sold-out championship game, with various events also taking place in the city’s downtown area as part of the Grey Cup Festival, offering both free and ticketed activities.
According to a provincial spokesperson, the economic impact of the big game and associated festivities is estimated to exceed $90 million, including $8.2 million in provincial tax revenues.
During a news conference on Sunday, Nellie Kennedy, the province’s Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism, emphasized that hosting the Grey Cup and the festival in Winnipeg serves as a significant economic driver, benefiting local businesses and attracting visitors, thus showcasing Manitoba on a national platform.
Mayor Scott Gillingham echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for businesses to thrive during the week, particularly restaurants and shops where visitors are anticipated to purchase local products.
At Devil May Care on Fort Street, only a short distance from the designated “Grey Cup HQ” at RBC Convention Centre, Colin Koop, the general manager and owner, expressed optimism about capitalizing on the event’s excitement to attract a large crowd to downtown Winnipeg.
Koop mentioned that while the brewery typically experiences a quieter period in the fall, the Grey Cup presents an opportunity to showcase their offerings to a broader audience, potentially boosting tourism in the area.
Manitoba Hotel Association president and CEO, Michael Juce, informed that there are still available hotel rooms in the city, with over 7,000 rooms for rent. He anticipated a significant increase in room bookings during the Grey Cup week, urging football fans to secure accommodation promptly.
Despite the absence of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in this year’s championship game, fans like Orvis and long-time Grey Cup attendees Daniel and Cheryl Graham are eagerly looking forward to the festivities, appreciating the social aspect and welcoming nature of Manitoba during this celebratory period.