When Paul Juzkow and Jimmy Curry arrive at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg for the upcoming Grey Cup game on Sunday, they anticipate being inside the stadium for the kickoff, despite not having tickets in hand. Juzkow mentioned that since 2008, they have been attending every Grey Cup game across Canada, always carrying a sign requesting free Grey Cup tickets. This tactic has proven successful, with them receiving complimentary tickets on multiple occasions, and sometimes purchasing last-minute tickets below face value.
Their sign has also facilitated numerous encounters with people in the host cities they visit for the Grey Cup. Juzkow shared that they have already been approached by numerous individuals in Winnipeg, where the 112th Grey Cup will feature a match between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday.
Among those already holding tickets for the game are brothers Josh and Nathan Siemens, fervent supporters of the Roughriders, who traveled from Saskatchewan to Winnipeg to cheer on their team. Nathan expressed his desire to witness his team clinch a championship on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ home turf, emphasizing the intense rivalry between the two teams. Despite the competitive spirit, the Siemens brothers mentioned the warm reception they have received from the Bomber fans in Winnipeg.
For Kyle Dunn, a resident of Surrey, B.C., attending the Grey Cup has become a tradition spanning 23 years. A dedicated B.C. Lions enthusiast, Dunn is attending the event with his partner, Heather Smith, who is attending her second Grey Cup. Dunn emphasized the camaraderie and shared passion for football that characterize the Grey Cup experience, describing it as a uniquely Canadian gathering.
Although Dunn’s favorite team is not competing for the trophy this year, he hopes for an exhilarating game that keeps fans on edge until the final moments. Cheekily, he remarked that he is cheering for both teams to lose, highlighting the lighthearted spirit of the event.