Members of the Canadian Armed Forces descended from a helicopter at The Forks on Sunday afternoon, carrying the coveted Grey Cup. This event marked the commencement of Grey Cup week, known as the CFL’s premier annual celebration, leading up to the league’s championship game at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on November 16.
Kristin Orvis, an attendee at the event and also set to attend the Grey Cup game, described it as a grand celebration and a festive occasion where people from all over Canada gather for a good time. Thousands of fans are expected to fill Princess Auto Stadium for the highly anticipated game, which recently sold out. Concurrently, various events are taking place in downtown Winnipeg as part of the Grey Cup Festival, offering both free and ticketed activities.
Economic forecasts indicate that the championship game and related festivities are anticipated to inject over $90 million into the local economy, generating approximately $8.2 million in provincial tax revenues. Nellie Kennedy, the province’s minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism, emphasized that hosting the Grey Cup not only fosters celebration but also serves as a significant economic driver, showcasing Manitoba on a national scale.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for local businesses to reap substantial benefits during the week. Businesses like Devil May Care on Fort Street are gearing up to capitalize on the event-driven influx of visitors to downtown Winnipeg. Colin Koop, the establishment’s general manager and owner, expressed optimism about showcasing their offerings to the anticipated surge in foot traffic during the Grey Cup festivities.
Approximately half of Devil May Care’s patrons are typically tourists, but with an expected surge in visitors from across Canada, Koop anticipates a notable increase in this figure. As the city prepares to host the Grey Cup, Manitoba Hotel Association’s president and CEO, Michael Juce, encouraged football enthusiasts to secure accommodations promptly, pointing out the availability of over 7,000 rentable rooms in the city.
Despite the absence of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in this year’s championship game, fans are enthusiastic about the upcoming celebrations. Attendees like Daniel and Cheryl Graham, seasoned Grey Cup attendees, are eagerly anticipating the social camaraderie and warmth that characterize the event, embodying Manitoba’s welcoming spirit.