Members of the Canadian Armed Forces descended from a helicopter on Sunday afternoon at The Forks, carrying the prestigious Grey Cup. This marked the commencement of Grey Cup week, known as the CFL’s premier annual celebration, leading up to the championship game on November 16 at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
Kristin Orvis, attending the event and heading to the Grey Cup game, described the festivities as a grand celebration and a nationwide gathering of Canadians, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Thousands of fans are anticipated to fill Princess Auto Stadium for the sold-out championship game, with various events in the downtown area as part of the Grey Cup Festival, offering both free and ticketed experiences.
Forecasted by a provincial spokesperson, the economic impact of the game and associated activities is expected to exceed $90 million, including $8.2 million in provincial tax revenues.
Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba’s Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism, highlighted the event as a significant economic driver, boosting local businesses, attracting visitors, and showcasing Manitoba on a national scale. Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the potential for substantial gains for local businesses during the week.
Businesses in the vicinity, such as Devil May Care on Fort Street, are optimistic about capitalizing on the event’s excitement, anticipating increased foot traffic in downtown Winnipeg. The brewery’s general manager, Colin Koop, expressed eagerness to showcase their offerings to a larger audience.
With a considerable percentage of patrons typically being tourists, Koop anticipates a surge in visitors from across Canada during the Grey Cup week, potentially doubling their usual tourist clientele.
Michael Juce, President and CEO of the Manitoba Hotel Association, mentioned available hotel space in the city but advised football enthusiasts to secure accommodations promptly, with over 7,000 rooms available and an expected nightly occupancy of around 5,000 rooms.
Despite the absence of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in this year’s championship game, fans like Orvis and long-time attendees Daniel and Cheryl Graham are enthusiastic about the celebratory atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with fellow fans and visitors.
Overall, the Grey Cup week in Winnipeg is set to be a vibrant and economically beneficial event, bringing together football enthusiasts and creating a festive ambiance in the city.