“To be able to showcase these great events to Calgary and CFL fans from across the country, we have secured some of the best corporate partners to make this the best Grey Cup Festival the CFL and its passionate fans have ever seen” said President Malcolm Kirk. In making the announcement, Kirk acknowledged the importance of these festival partners and announced Canada Safeway as the premier sponsor of the Grey Cup Parade, Scotiabank the premier sponsor of the Gala Dinner and Concert and the Calgary Herald as a premier Festival sponsor.
Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach are also strongly supporting the event as the city and the province are festival partners additionally and were on hand for the announcement.
“In November, Calgary will host a Grey Cup festival that’s bigger and better than anything before,” said Mayor Bronconnier. “It’s going to be a great game, and a great party! We’re hoping Canadian football fans far and wide will come join us here in Calgary - I guarantee you’re going to have fun.”
“The Alberta government is proud to help bring the Grey Cup to Calgary again,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “This event is an opportunity for Albertans and Canadians everywhere to join in the pre-game festivities in Calgary, whose fans began the tradition back in 1948. The event will also showcase Calgary and Alberta on the national stage and we couldn’t be prouder.”
President Greg Albrecht then took the stage to announce the festival line up of events occurring in Calgary.
“We are full steam ahead producing the Festival events, and are currently designing a full program that will include parties, street Festivals, concerts, art instalments, Canada’s top entertainers, and bringing back the historic Grey Cup Parade to the Festival,” said Albrecht.
Planning for the 97th Annual Grey Cup is well underway and tickets are expected to sell very quickly when they go on sale to the public.
President Scott Ackles then followed to discuss the response from Calgary Stampeder season ticket holders this year.
“With the Calgary Stampeders being the defending Grey Cup Champions and the game being held here at home, the Stampeders have had an exceptional response to season’s tickets this year. Because of this overwhelming response, there are a limited number of seats available to the game and we anticipate them selling out quickly”, said Ackles.
With that the Grey Cup Festival announced tickets for the 97th Grey Cup Game will be on sale to the public this Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 am through Ticketmaster, as well as at McMahon Stadium during the Calgary Stampeder Fan Fest event May 30th. To purchase tickets to the 97th annual Grey Cup visit www.ticketmaster.ca or call 403-777-0633.
Calgary last hosted the CFL championship on November 26, 2000 when the B.C. Lions defeated the Montreal Alouettes. The 1975 and 1993 Grey Cups also were contested at McMahon Stadium.
The Grey Cup is Canada’s largest professional sporting event. A celebration of sport and culture, the Grey Cup is uniquely Canadian and has a storied history and deep traditions. The 2009 Grey Cup Festival, “Canada’s Game Calgary’s Party”, will be distinctly Canadian and showcase Calgary’s famous western hospitality. For more information log onto www.2009greycupfestival.com
2009 GREY CUP FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
| November 26th | Grey Cup Festival Kick Off | |
| November 26th | CFL Player Awards | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre |
| November 27th – 29th | Olympic Plaza Family Festival | Olympic Plaza |
| November 27th – 29th | Stephen Avenue Block Party | Stephen Avenue Mall (8th Ave) |
| November 27th – 29th | MOLSON CANADIAN Beer Garden | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre |
| November 28th | CANADA SAFEWAY Grey Cup Festival Parade | Downtown Calgary - 9th Ave |
| November 28th | SCOTIABANK Grey Cup Gala & Concert | Pengrowth Saddledome |
| November 29th | Pre – Game Festivities | McMahon Stadium |
| November 29th | 97th Grey Cup Championship | McMahon Stadium |
There will be more events, entertainers and programming being announced so be sure to check www.2009greycupfestival.com for all the latest developments.
For media inquiries please contact:
Sheldon Lachambre
Director of Marketing and Media Relations
2009 Grey Cup Festival
403.777.3304
slachambre@2009greycupfestival.com
Jamie Dykstra
Manager, Communications
Canadian Football League
416.865.2664