When Winnipeggers Barbara and Sylvia Main took a trip to Vancouver for their initial Grey Cup in 1990, there was no zip line.
But being back on the West Coast for this weekend break’s Grey Cup suit brings a feeling of fond memories for the mother-daughter duo.
“It is where we first started — first mother-daughter Grey Cup … so it is kind of sentimental for us to be back here again together enjoying the Grey Cup,” little girl Sylvia stated onFriday “We’re ready for the Bombers to bring [another] one home.”
The Mains are amongst the football followers from throughout the nation that have actually merged on Vancouver, excited to develop connections and reinforce their friendship with similar followers that are enthusiastic concerning the Canadian Football League
Winnipeggers Sylvia Main, left, and her mommy Barbara Main are back in Vancouver in advance of Sunday’s Grey Cup suit in between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers andToronto Argonauts They were likewise in Vancouver for the 1990 Grey Cup, which Winnipeg won 50-11 overEdmonton (Justin Fraser/ CBC)
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts are striving to win the 111th Grey Cup onSunday Winnipeg and Toronto followers, in addition to those standing for the organization’s various other 7 groups, have actually absorbed activities at the Grey Cup Festival, consisting of performances, celebrations, a drone program and a zip line that diminishes the harbour.
B.C.’s tourist ministry states it expects the festivities to bring in 30,000 out-of-province fans and drive a financial increase of $125 million.
People zip line from scaffolding throughout the Grey Cup event before the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver onThursday (Ben Nelms/ CBC)
The Mains, that have actually been Bombers season-ticket owners because 1987, have actually remained in the stands with each other at an approximated 20 Grey Cup video games over the previous 35 years, consisting of each of Winnipeg’s last 3 accomplishments.
In that 1990 video game they saw, Winnipeg, led by the CFL’s leading support, crushed Edmonton 50-11 for the Bombers’ 10th Grey Cup title. But Bombers fans had to wait until 2019 for Winnipeg to lay insurance claim to the CFL’s divine grail once again, prior to making a repeat championship victory in 2021 after the pandemic terminated the 2020 period.
Over the years of video games, the Mains claim they have actually created numerous relationships — a large factor they have actually gone to a lot of Grey Cups.
“We’ve met so many amazing fans across the league. This is our time to get together with fans again just to celebrate the CFL and our friendship, and hopefully cheer on our team when they’re in the Grey Cup,” Sylvia stated.
Fans line the roads of Vancouver onThursday B.C.’s tourist ministry states it anticipates Grey Cup celebrations to bring 30,000 out-of-province followers to the city. (Ben Nelms/ CBC)
They’ve currently welcomed some good friends ahead to their tailgate celebration at next year’s Grey Cup, which will certainly be dipped into Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
40th Grey Cup for Winnipegger
Hans Stasiuk will not need to take a trip to following year’s video game either, however this year’s version is a landmark for the Winnipegger — Sunday will certainly be his 40th Grey Cup video game.
“When my dad started taking me back in 1980 I enjoyed it, but I never thought I would get to this stage of 40 Grey Cups,” he informed CBC News on Friday, calling it “a wonderful feeling.”
Winnipeg Blue Bombers follower Hans Stasiuk will certainly be attending his 40th Grey Cup onSunday (Justin Fraser/ CBC)
Stasiuk stated he likes obtaining the chance to reconnect with the very same individuals every year, consisting of CFL Hall of Famer Wally Buono
“Every Grey Cup I bump into Wally Buono, and I saw him [Friday] and I said, ‘You know Wally, it’s not the same if I don’t see you at a Grey Cup,'” Stasiuk stated.
“People are just so friendly. I’ve never really met one person in 40 years at Grey Cups that wasn’t nice.”
Montreal Alouettes follower Dino Mazzone will certainly be favoring the Winnipeg Blue Bombers onSunday He’s currently anticipating remaining in Manitoba for the CFL’s national championship in 2025. (Justin Fraser/ CBC)
Like Stasiuk and the Mains, Montreal’s Dino Mazzone intends to be in Winnipeg for the 2025 Grey Cup.
He’s been to 6 Grey Cups, going back to the late 1970s, when he opted for his father.
He was so persuaded his cherished Alouettes were mosting likely to safeguard the title they won last year versus the Bombers that he reserved his resort space for this year’s Grey Cup one week after the last video game.
“It was a little disappointing, but we’re proud CFL fans, and I’ll still go to a CFL game every year,” Mazzone stated. “The Grey Cup for me is a part of my life now.”
Diane Wensel experiences Tuffy the steed right into the entrance hall of a resort in midtown Vancouver onThursday The Grey Cup practice of riding an equine right into a neighborhood resort by the Calgary Grey Cup Committee is accomplished as component of the celebrations leading up to the CFL’s national championship. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
Without the Alouettes in the video game, after the group’s loss in the East last to the Argos, he’ll be rooting difficult for the Bombers on Sunday.
“I’m a big fan of [Bombers running back] Brady Oliveira — the most outstanding Canadian and the most outstanding player,” he stated. “I think they are going to definitely beat Toronto this year.”
Regardless of that’s having fun, Mazzone desires even more Canadians would certainly appear and experience Grey Cup week.
“The people have been amazing, and all these Canadians from across the country just really being nice with each other, enjoying our culture and our camaraderie and our love for this game,” he stated.
“It’s been a beautiful thing, and I think that’s the glory and beauty of the CFL.”
Toronto followers certain
Toronto followers in Vancouver today, at the same time, claim they’re certain in their group.
The Argonauts shed beginning quarterback and 2023 CFL most impressive gamer Chad Kelly to a leg injury in the East last, however follower David Brown stated he believes back-up Nick Arbuckle.
“[I’m] very optimistic, feeling very strong about it. Arbuckle’s got this,” Brown stated.
“We have a very strong team right through and through. I mean, the loss with Kelly is a big, big, big loss for this team, but they’re going to do this for Chad.”
Toronto Argonauts follower David Brown believes quarterback Nick Arbuckle will certainly have a large function to play prior to the 111th Grey Cup is granted onSunday (Justin Fraser/ CBC)
Fan Glenn Stevenson recognizes why Winnipeg is considered the favourite to win, however warns versus taking too lightly Arbuckle and the underdog Argos.
“I think it’s going to be much closer than people expect. I think Arbuckle’s ready. He’s got a good strong arm. He knows the offence. He’s going to do extremely well,” Stevenson stated.
Toronto was likewise the underdog in 2022, when the group gained a 24-23 Grey Cup victory over the Bombers on a final obstructed basket, protecting against a Winnipeg three-peat.
Regardless of Sunday’s result, Stevenson is enjoying his 14th Grey Cup week with CFL followers from throughout Canada.
“It’s great because even though fans are coming from across the country — cheering for different teams — it’s always very friendly,” he stated. “It’s a great time, great atmosphere.”
