The 108th Grey Cup will be played at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field on Sunday and the Canadian Football League (CFL) will be hosting a series of events this week leading up to the big game.
Fans can take part in the festivities – including several events that are free of charge – starting on Dec. 7.
“The past 20 months have seen our incredible fans, the country and the world face unprecedented challenges,” said Duane Vienneau, Chief Grey Cup and Events Officer of the CFL in a news release. “Ahead of the big game, this year’s Grey Cup Week will be all about fun, joy and Canadian football. We’re excited to safely gather our fans to celebrate the power of our league and our game to unite people. And we can’t think of a better way to bring about that togetherness than opening our marquee events free of charge.”
The Hamilton Convention Centre will be the official home to several events and celebrations throughout the week.
Fans will be required to show valid proof of vaccination and follow health and safety protocols in order to attend all Grey Cup Week events and the championship game.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in the city:
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Grey Cup arrival delivered by Canada Drive – FREE
Bayfront Park at 200 Harbour Front Dr.
11 a.m.
The CFL’s ultimate prize will be arriving at Bayfront Park. Fans are invited to join Mayor Fred Eisenberger, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie, various VIPS and Hamilton Tiger-Cats alumni to officially welcome the CFL’s iconic championship trophy to the city.
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Spirit of Edmonton – $10 at door
Industria Pizzeria & Bar at 69 John St. South
3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The Spirit of Edmonton will be in Hamilton this December to host CFL fans in their Hospitality Room located at Industria Pizzeria opening at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 9th and operating through Saturday, December 11th. The Spirit room will be busy with all of the amazing live entertainment fans have come to expect. The demand to get in will be very high and getting there early will allow you a better opportunity of experiencing all of the great Spirit fun!
Friday, December 10, 2021
Commissioners fan State of the League and Grey Cup fan base unveiling – FREE (must RSVP at Greycupfestival.ca)
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie will provide an update on the direction of the league and take questions from members of the audience. The league will also unveil the Grey Cup Fan Base – a stunning new base on which the Grey Cup will stand, in recognition of the fans who form the foundation of the CFL. Seating is limited.
CFLAA Legends Luncheon – $175
The Endzone Bar & Grill at 1305 Main St. East
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A fan favourite, this is the chance to rub shoulders with CFL Alumni and listen as they share incredible stories from the gridiron. Be there in person when the CFLAA will award the Alumnus of the Year! Tickets can be purchased here.
Spirit of Edmonton – $10 at door
Industria Pizzeria & Bar at 69 John St. South
3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The Spirit of Edmonton will be in Hamilton this December to host CFL fans in their Hospitality Room located at Industria Pizzeria opening at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 9th and operating through Saturday, December 11th. The Spirit room will be busy with all of the amazing live entertainment fans have come to expect. The demand to get in will be very high and getting there early will allow you a better opportunity of experiencing all of the great Spirit fun!
Eastern Social Hall presented by Access Storage – $20 at door
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The first of a two-day celebration of the four East Division Teams, Eastern Social Hall will be a rocking party that includes live music, cheer team performances, merchandise giveaways and more.
CFL Awards – FREE (must RSVP at Greycupfestival.ca)
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Awards at 7 p.m.
For the first time since the league began recognizing the premier performances of players and personnel, the awards ceremony will be free and open to the public. The Hamilton Convention Centre will play host to the league honouring the best and brightest stars of the 2021 season. Seating is limited and fans are invited to reserve their spots HERE.
CFL Awards After Party – $20 at door
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
Immediately following the CFL Awards, the Awards After Party will kick-off with $20 tickets available for purchase at the door.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Spirit of Edmonton Breakfast – $125
MichaelAngelo Banquet Centre at 1555 Upper Ottawa St.
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Spirit of Edmonton has grown from a few avid Edmonton Eskimo and CFL football fans in 1973, to a large contingent of dedicated committee members and volunteers. This dedicated team proudly represents and promotes the City of Edmonton as well as the Edmonton Elks to the rest of Canada each and every year at the annual Grey Cup Festival. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the entertainment schedule is packed with a variety of great local entertainment. A full breakfast buffet is available and of course SLUICE JUICE! Tickets can be purchased here.
Eastern Social Hall presented by Access Storage – $20 at door
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The second event of a two-day celebration of the four East Division Teams, Eastern Social Hall will be a rocking party that includes live music, cheer team performances, merchandise giveaways and more.
Western Social Hall presented by Carstar – $20 at door
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Western Social Hall will be the official Grey Cup party for the CFL’s five West Division Teams on Saturday, December 11th. The beer will be cold, the music will be rocking and fans will enjoy plenty of free giveaways.
Spirit of Edmonton – $10 at door
Industria Pizzeria & Bar at 69 John St. South
2 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The Spirit of Edmonton will be in Hamilton this December to host CFL fans in their Hospitality Room located at Industria Pizzeria opening at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 9th and operating through Saturday, December 11th. The Spirit room will be busy with all of the amazing live entertainment fans have come to expect. The demand to get in will be very high and getting there early will allow you a better opportunity of experiencing all of the great Spirit fun!
Canadian Football Cheerleaders Alumni Organization (CFCAO) Grey Cup Celebration
Earth to Table Bread bar at 14 James St. North
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The event is open to all CFCAO members and all former CFL cheerleaders. Meet some of our past and present cheerleaders!
Sunday, December 12, 2021
TigerTown GameDay Party presented by Bench Brewing – $75
Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The ultimate Black & Gold pre-game party on Grey Cup Sunday, featuring Tiger-Cats alumni, the Ticats Dance & Cheer Team, live music, food & drink and much more.
Each TigerTown GameDay ticket includes a voucher for two (2) Bench Brewing Lincoln Lager Grey Cup Festival commemorative edition cans. In partnership with the Tiger-Cats Alumni Association, fan favourites such as Luke Tasker, Andy Fantuz, Rob Hitchcock, Courtney Stephen and more will be in attendance! A portion of proceeds from tickets purchased will benefit the Alumni Association. Tickets can be purchased here.
108th Grey Cup Championship Game
Twisted Tea Grey Cup Social (The Trews to perform at Tailgate)
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The SiriusXM Grey Cup Tailgate will take over the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Social in the south end zone plaza of Tim Hortons Field. All activities will be free to attend for Grey Cup ticket-holders. Juno-nominated and East Coast Music Award-winning rock band The Trews will set the stage for the excitement to come during the championship game.
Gates Open
4 p.m.
Fans will be required to show valid proof of vaccination and follow health and safety protocols in order to attend the championship game.
Kickoff
6:30 p.m.
This year’s Grey Cup will be a rematch between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It’s been 49 years since the Ticats played in a Grey Cup game on their home turf.
Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show
Hamilton’s-own Arkells will be joined by special guests The Lumineers as part of the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show.
In addition to the Grey Cup Week celebrations, CFL fans are encouraged to immerse themselves in the City of Hamilton’s thriving arts, culture and culinary scene.
For more information, visit Tourism Hamilton.
