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With the 112th Grey Cup around the corner, Rider fans are looking for details, including ways to get to Winnipeg for Game Day, accommodations and what to expect during the Grey Cup festival.
Travel: flights
If you’re looking to catch a flight to Winnipeg from Regina, it will cost at least a couple of thousand dollars.
As of Nov. 12, flights from Saskatoon or Regina to Winnipeg are being snapped up quickly for the Grey Cup weekend. Flights are from Friday, Nov. 14 to Monday, Nov. 17, for one person.
Air Canada flights from Regina to Winnipeg start at $2,381.32 and up while WestJet flights start at $2,144.02 and up.
WestJet flights from Saskatoon to Winnipeg start at $2,239.57 and up while Air Canada offers flights for $2,367.67 and up.
Travelling by car
If you wish to catch a carpool, check pop a ride.
If you’re driving to Winnipeg, check road conditions on the Highway Hotline website.
Accommodations
If you’re having troubles booking a hotel, consider consulting the Facebook page called grey cup accommodations in Winnipeg.
Getting to the stadium on Game Day
If you want to park your vehicle, you can catch a shuttle. Or if you can catch a ride on the Winnipeg Transit. If you’re staying at one of the downtown hotels, there’s a safe ride map available.
Grey Cup Festival
The Grey Cup Festival starts on Thursday in Winnipeg, featuring a street festival and a concert series.
The concerts get rolling on Thursday with a performance by the Watchmen, followed by Alan Doyle on Friday and the Reklaws on Saturday. Tickets to the concert series are already sold out.
Meanwhile, the free street festival is taking over the University of Winnipeg’s campus this week, with both indoor and outdoor spaces for fans to enjoy plenty of fun activities and performances regardless of the weather.
“The outdoor street festival area will include a grand entryway and many interactive and engaging partner activations, along with food vendors lining the street, creating a true street festival feel,” the festival’s website noted.
“In addition to the on-street activities, a heated tent will utilized to provide a space to warm up and for local entertainment.”
The street festival is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Taste of the CFL
A new event this year brings together top restaurant chefs from every CFL city on Friday to compete for the title of Best Game Day Fare in Canada.
“Guests at Taste of the CFL will have the opportunity to sample these creative creations, mingle with fellow fans, and enjoy drinks in a casual, reception-style setting,” the festival website explained.
“Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure, where you can vote for your favourite dish and enjoy live entertainment, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this inaugural event.”
The event will be held on Friday at 6 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre. Tickets were still available as of Wednesday afternoon, starting at $204.45
Family Zone
The free Family Zone at the Axworthy Health & RecPlex features fun for all ages, letting fans test their football skills, enjoy interactive games and more.
The Family Zone is open from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
CFL Fan Experience
If you think you’ve got what it takes to play in the CFL, make sure to visit the CFL Fan Experience at the Axworthy Health & RecPlex, which is free for all fans to try.
Fans can test their skills in passing, catching, running, vertical jumps and the 40-yard dash.
“Don’t leave before stepping on stage and getting drafted by your favourite team,” the festival’s website read.
The Fan Experience is open from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Outdoor Social
For fans 18 and older, there’s no party like the outdoor social, which runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the RBC Convention Centre.
Guests can gather around cozy heaters to sip a drink, enjoy a snack, or participate in a number of activities like a human claw machine and an arcade.
Cheer Extravaganza
If guests need some ideas for how to cheer on the Roughriders, they can take in the free Cheer Extravaganza at the University of Winnipeg’s Duckworth Centre on Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m.
The event features CFL cheer teams lighting up the stage with stunts and dance routines, which are sure to get fans fired up.
Kickoff show by Our Lady Peace and “O Canada” by Catie St. Germain
Canadian rockers Our Lady Peace will perform at Princess Auto Stadium to kick off the game on Saturday.
“We’re honoured to be part of such an iconic and longstanding Canadian tradition,” singer Raine Maida said in a statement shared on the league’s website. “See you in Winnipeg on November 16!”
After the kickoff show, the Canadian national anthem will be performed by Manitoba’s own Catie St. Germaine.
Game Day
The 112th Grey Cup game will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, with kickoff set for 5 p.m., with no time difference to confuse viewers.
Before the game, fans can join tailgating parties sponsored by Tri-Indigenous Energy (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and Princess Auto (from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.), and get their photo taken with the Grey Cup.
Parking access at the stadium is via Chancellor Matheson Road or University Crescent, and value lot parking is available through University Crescent about 1.3 kilometres from the stadium.
Access to the university campus will be restricted starting about 90 minutes before the game, and only permit holders will be permitted through King’s Drive.
“To minimize disruption to the neighbourhood, parking is restricted in University Heights and Fort Richmond. Vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed if parked in these restricted areas,” the Winnipeg Blue Bombers noted.
For those looking to ride their bicycles to the game, a bike valet will be available at the stadium’s northeast gate.
“Security Officers are stationed at each entrance gate to ensure your safety while visiting Princess Auto Stadium. You and your belongings will be searched upon entry into the stadium. If you elect not to consent to being searched, you will be denied entry,” the Grey Cup Festival website noted.
“Firearms and other weapons, knives, coolers, umbrellas that cannot collapse to under 18 inches duffel bags, obstructive banners and signs are all strictly prohibited, as well as video cameras and still photo cameras with lenses over 6 inches. As a general rule, please leave all unnecessary items at home.”
Fans can bring sealed water bottles one litre in size or less into the stadium, or can bring an empty reusable bottle of one litre or less to fill once they get inside.
The only bags larger than 6.5×8.5” permitted in the stadium are a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag or a clear bag up to 12x12x6”, or bags provided by authorized event sponsors.
Princess Auto Stadium policies prohibit any unruly or disruptive behaviour by fans, including fighting, throwing objects, intoxication, smoking and sitting in aisles or standing on seats.
The stadium also enforces a no re-entry policy after kickoff.
Halftime show by mgk
The Grey Cup’s halftime show will include a performance by rapper and singer mgk, who formerly styled himself Machine Gun Kelly.
“The multi-platinum artist is known for defying boundaries and crossing genres to reach fans of hip-hop, pop, rock and alternative,” the CFL said in a statement announcing the halftime performance.
Stewart Johnston, the league’s commissioner, said he’s excited about the musical performances that will be part of the Grey Cup events this year.
“We’re delivering a remarkable sound and atmosphere that will match the world-class action and entertainment on the field,” Johnston said in a statement.
“An iconic Canadian band to kick things off, a powerful Manitoban voice to honour our anthem and a rising megastar to electrify halftime. It’s going to be a show as unforgettable as the game itself!”
