Grey Cup fans get the party started in Winnipeg
CBC News | Posted: November 27, 2015 8:46 PM | Last Updated: November 28, 2015
Cold beer and loud music at Grey Cup festivities around city
Fans from across Canada are in Winnipeg to celebrate the 103rd Grey Cup, but they aren't waiting for Sunday's game to start celebrating.
The Ottawa Redblacks face the Edmonton Eskimos at 5 p.m. at Investors Group Field. Approximately 28,000 football fans are expected to be in Winnipeg for the game and related festivities.
Football fans came out in force to show off their team colours at the Touchdown Manitoba party at the RBC Convention Centre on Friday.
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Former Winnipegger Jennifer Ellis travelled to Winnipeg from Ottawa to cheer on the Redblacks.
"Super excited … the party is going to be fun but the game is where it's at," she said.
Ellis expects there will be a "big contest" between the quarterbacks during Sunday's game.
"I've been going to the Grey Cup since 1974," said Blue Bombers-turned-Ottawa fan John (Cooch) Couture.
The comradery and friends Couture met during Grey Cup festivities are more important than any football game, he said.
"The game is very important but as you see here, people talking … having a good time, all clean fun, that's what it's all about," he said.
"I can't stand Edmonton. I don't know why," said Winnipeg's Braydon Ayotte, who will be cheering for Ottawa during the Grey Cup.
"They're from the West and they play the Bombers every year, so it's just typical to choose a team from the East," he said.
Frankie Fekete is one Winnipegger bucking that trend. He's cheering for Edmonton and hopes to see his team hoist the cup in person on Sunday.
"I've been a fan since the day I was born," he said. "I'm pumped for the game."
Go to the Grey Cup Festival website for a full list of events and parties.