Grey Cup festivities expected to rake in millions for Winnipeg's economy
Projected economic impact from CFL Championship is $85.5 million
The 103rd Grey Cup is expected to rake in millions of dollars for the city of Winnipeg.
Approximately 28,000 visitors are slated to arrive in Winnipeg for Grey Cup festivities leading up to the big game next Sunday.
Economic Development Winnipeg says the projected economic impact on the city will be about $85.5 million.
Tourism Winnipeg Senior Vice President Chantal Sturk-Nadeau says restaurants, bars and hotels will benefit the most.
"You can be talking about about anything from day trips, so those people that are coming in for the day, or coming in for a couple of parties for the night only, to those that are coming in for five days." said Sturk-Nadeau.
The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ will host a Back Alley Bash to welcome tourists and Grey Cup fans on game day Nov. 29.
"We are excited to roll out the red carpet for visitors blitzing the city for a very full weekend of Grey Cup football festivities," said Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ in a press release.
"There are events being held at the University of Winnipeg, the RBC Convention Centre, and even in a back alley transformed from head-to-toe with winter greenery, lighting, music and food. Let's show Ottawa and Edmonton tourists what Winnipeg's downtown is made of," said Grande.
Santa Claus gets in on Grey Cup festivities
Sturk-Nadeau says even though the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are not in the CFL Championship this year, there will be plenty of events for Winnipeg families all week including the Santa Claus parade on Saturday which will have a Grey Cup component.
"It used to be just about the game, and now it's, you know, 'festival week' they're calling it now," said Sturk-Nadeau.
"So there's so much going on for the local economy, so even if you're not necessarily a football fan, or whether your team is not in it, there's a lot to take in."
The Ottawa Redblacks will play against the Edmonton Eskimos at Investors Group Field on Sunday.
The last time Winnipeg hosted the Grey Cup was in 2006 when it brought in $40 million in revenue for the city, Sturk-Nadeau said.