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In 2022, when the Grey Cup Festival was last hosted in Regina, it generated close to $70 million in economic activity across Canada.
Mike Tate, CEO of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, said he expects the direct economic impact for Regina to climb when the festival returns in 2027.
“With inflation and things costing more these days, without a doubt, we could see an increase,” he said.
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He was pleasantly surprised by the announcement, especially since Regina hosted the festival only three years ago.
But Tate welcomes the party.
“There’s going to be lots of people here in town visiting family and friends and staying in hotels, and they’ll be taking advantage of restaurants and hotels and other facilities and opportunities within our community,” he said.
The festival also provides job opportunities. According to Tate, the 2022 festival generated over 200 local jobs.
Gainer the Gopher is ready for the action, following the 2027 Grey Cup Festival announcement. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)
Sandra Jackle, president and CEO of the Regina Hotel Association, said it’s never too early to book a room.
“You can always call the hotel and book ahead,” she said.
“In 2022, I think our average occupancy was over 90 per cent, so that’s really, really good. And it was over 90 per cent in 2013 … So I think that will happen again in 2027.”
Jackle said events like the Grey Cup put a spotlight on Regina.
“It just builds our destination brand,” she said. “It’s going to bring millions of viewers and media impressions and just raising awareness of Regina as a host and tourism destination.”
She looks forward to connecting with returning diehard fans, like the ones she met from Ireland during the 2022 festival.
But, Jackle also hopes the CFL will continue to grow its fanbase and welcome new fans to the excitement.
The Toronto Argonauts celebrate winning the Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium on Nov. 20, 2022. (Britton Gray/980 CJME)
Jennifer Johnson, who oversees tourism for the city, said she was thrilled to hear the news.
“An event like the Grey Cup has a huge impact on hotels, local businesses and the entire economy, because it’s not just a one-day event, it’s an entire week-long festival,” she said.
Johnson expects that utilizing the REAL District and holding all events indoors will encourage more people to join the fun.
“People will be able to come inside and enjoy festivities throughout the day and into the evenings every single day,” she said.
“That just means more people will want to take advantage of it. People won’t have to worry about the weather or worry about finding a place to warm up, they’ll be able to settle in and soak it all up.”
She said this is another exciting event for Regina, following the announcement of the Foo Fighters concert.
She hopes the momentum will continue.
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