Edmonton Eskimos fans flying high as Grey Cup countdown begins

The countdown to the 103rd Grey Cup in Winnipeg is on as CFL fans get ready for what's expected to be a five-day party.

Eskimos die-hard fan David Bilocerkowec already has his Grey Cup tickets and has a hotel room booked for the weekend. All he needs now is a way to get to Winnipeg.

A 20-year season ticket holder, he hopes his name gets picked for an Eskimos charter flight leaving for Winnipeg later this week.

"West Jet, Air Canada they have flights going as normal," said Bilocerkowec. "But, for example, Air Canada it's basically at extortion prices to get to Winnipeg. There are some slightly cheaper options, and the Eskimos have been really good at offering a charter flight. I'm sure it's very full. I think a lot of people are just seeing if they can get onto the flight."

It didn't take long for the Eskimos charter to fill up. No word on whether Bilocerkowec got a spot.

Meanwhile, other companies are cashing in on the hype. Budjet air is flying a same-day charter from Edmonton to Winnipeg for $550 per passenger.

Company spokesperson Henry Emson said the flight leaves Edmonton at 8:30 a.m. and will have fans back at Edmonton International airport just after midnight. All 101 seats are now sold.

"The scheduled flights don't increase their numbers on that Sunday, because it's a one off," said Emson. "So, there always does tend to be, at the end, significant troubles in trying to get to the game."

While the scramble continues for some fans trying to find flights, others will be parked in front of their big screen televisions.

Bob Gould has been an Eskimos season ticket holder since 1978. He's been to countless Grey Cups over the years. But on Sunday he's going to miss the game completely.

Gould, a shift worker in Fort McMurray, will be on the clock, meaning no Grey Cup party for him this year.

"My plan is, there's a TV in the conference room," Gould said jokingly. "And hey, boss, guess where I'm going to be."

After 10 years of not seeing their team in the Grey Cup, Sunday's big game will finally be one worth watching for thousands of green and gold fans here at home.

Sports bars are anticipating big crowds this weekend. David Gillis runs Schanks in the west end, and they're getting ready to host the biggest Grey Cup party in town. The bar holds 1,400.

"I'm definitely sure we'll hit those numbers," said Gillis. "We have 900 seats so, if you want a seat you'll have to get here early, first come, first served, no reserved tables."

Sunday's game could turn out to be the most watched Edmonton sporting event in years.