Calgary’s presence in B.C.’s lower mainland continues to grow in the days before the 102nd Grey Cup Championship Game, increasing the excitement level in downtown Vancouver.
On Thursday, the Calgary Grey Cup Committee continued its annual traditional by hosting a free pancake brunch for football fans and curious onlookers. The temptation of hot cakes and sausages created a lineup of hungry patrons before the event’s scheduled kickoff.
The crowd was greeted by a cast of characters, including volunteer George Dominick. The 94-year-old, who has attended 48 Grey Cups, was tending to a grill at Thursday’s brunch and he has no immediate plans to stop volunteering.
While Stampeders fans are chomping at the bit in anticipation of Sunday’s tilt between their beloved squad and the Eastern Final champs, the Hamilton Ti-Cats, a number of Vancouverites appear to be less than excited about the CFL's showcase game.
Outside of B.C. Place, the site of Grey Cup 102, a construction worker said high ticket prices restricted him from attending the ‘big game’. When asked by a CTV Calgary crew if he knew which teams were playing, it became apparent the man thought the increased media presence was related to a Vancouver Canucks home game.
‘Are we talking about CFL then?” asked the worker. “I don’t really care about that.”
A self-professed football fan who approached the CTV crew said he would have found a way to attend the game if the Lions were playing, but he will be working on Sunday.
While tickets are still available for Sunday’s game, the price has deterred one White Rock resident from cheering from the stands. “I’m going to the parties but not the actual Grey Cup,” said the unidentified woman who normally cheers for the Lions. “I don’t have a ticket and they’re pretty expensive.”
Price was not an issue for one businessman who, despite the fact he’s not a football fan, will be at B.C. Place on Sunday afternoon.
“I got free tickets through work, can’t say no to that.”
When informed which two teams would be vying for the Grey Cup, the man decided he would be cheering for the Stampeders as a show of support for the west.
Grey Cup organizers say this year’s event will be a success despite the face the hometown team is not involved.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in the game,” said Jamie Pitblado, GM of the 102nd Grey Cup and a B.C. Lions employee. “The festival brings all the fans together from across the country and it will be a successful festival.”
While tickets are available, there remains hope B.C. Place will be at full capacity come game time.
“Every day we’re getting closer and closer to a sellout. We’ve had great response from the Calgary market. We’re ready to host all the Calgarians that want to come and the local market as well.”
The 102nd edition of the Grey Cup Championship Game is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. MT. For those not making the trip to Vancouver, the game will be televised on TSN.
