My football-loving history stretches all the way back to playing the game with my siblings on the farm. There were enough of us to actually make two teams, and we played often. We also watched football on TV, and went to Bomber games. The Grey Cup has long been an annual tradition.
I remember the frenzied excitement at Portage and Main when Winnipeg won it in 1984, and again in 1988 and 1990. In 2006, the Grey Cup took to our Winnipeg field, and I was fortunate to work from the sidelines with the CFL’s communications team, and be given an entirely different perspective on the action.
Many friends and families that I know go annually to Grey Cup, enjoying a week of festivities and celebrating team loyalties before the big game plays out. Should you ever find yourself at a Grey Cup, here are the best tips for making the most of the experience – gathered straight from those who like to experience it for themselves.
Be prepared
Spend some time planning. Book accommodations early. Some of the events require tickets, so purchase in advance. Watch the festival website and map out your schedule. Know the absolutes of where you want to be. Figure out where you’ll need to go and save money with buses and subways.
Be spontaneous
Have your plan on hand, but remain loose enough to change your mind and do something totally different. Allow time to wander around and find unexpected things to do. Pick up a program when you arrive. Take a day pack and be ready to go from party to party.
Get colourful
Wear your team schwag and proudly, every day, and everywhere. There are lots of elaborate getups, so pose for pictures with people who are have gone all out. Make up your own ‘best dressed’ contest and issue prizes.
Show up
Go to as many official events as you can fit in, even if they are hosted by other teams. Show your pride at the Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfast, Touchdown Manitoba, and yes, even the Saskatchewan Roughrider party, which is often rumoured to be the best of the week, no matter which colours you sport. Melons on your head are not mandatory, but are always welcome.
Be patient
There are lots of lineups, so be patient. And friendly. Have fun with the other folks while waiting. Talk to strangers. Make new friends. Branch out beyond your own team’s fans.
Trade things
Bring city and provincial pins, stickers and souvenirs, hometown t-shirts and schwag, and share the love. Bartering with others is fun, and the collection you amass will result in great keepsakes and fond memories.
Pace yourself
Get lots of rest beforehand, and sleep in when possible. Drink water all day long. Allow extra time to get to the stadium early on game day. Be careful not to drink too much before it starts and end up missing the big game, because it does happen. And that’s one ill-lustrious list you don’t want to add your name to.
Support football all year
Go to the little league games in your neighbourhood. Follow university football, and watch the Vanier Cup. Go to the CFL player awards, and celebrate the league’s talent. Meet and mingle with current heroes and historic legends. Like them on social media. Stalk them in person to collect autographs. Get weird things signed.
Like that melon you woke up with on your head.
