The Grey Cup

Many American football fans probably don’t realize how popular the pigskin is across the northern border. The Canadian Football League (CFL) has the third highest average attendance of any North American professional sport after the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball in the United States, and the seventh highest in the world. In late November every year, when it comes time for the CFL to crown a new champion, Grey Cup fever comes alive across Canada as fans get ready to root for their favorite teams, and clamor for tickets to one of the biggest parties in the world.

The Grey Cup (not the gray cup, as this event is named after the 4th Earl of Grey, who was also Governor General of Canada) is both the name of the game itself and the trophy awarded to the winners. Established in 1909, it is the second oldest trophy in professional sports after the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup. Like the Stanley Cup, the names of the winners are engraved into the trophy every year and the Grey Cup itself is past from champion to champion. To date, there have been 101 champions, so the cup has grown fairly large.

In 1962, Grey Cup play was suspended due to fog and had to be completed the next day after players could no longer see where the out of bounds markers were on the sidelines. This game, which was played in Toronto, became known as the "Fog Bowl." There has also been a "Mud Bowl" and an "Ice Bowl," and one year, amid below freezing temperatures, a woman streaked across the field completely naked during the playing of the Canadian National Anthem.

An interesting aspect of the Grey Cup is that the location of the title game rotates between the nine cities in Canada that are home to CFL teams every year, so there is always an opportunity for the eventual champion to play in front of their hometown fans. This also creates fantastic events leading up to the big game, which became a huge part of the Grey Cup tradition in 1948 when fans of the Calgary Stampeders traveled to Toronto for a Grey Cup and ended up throwing the biggest pancake breakfast in Canadian history for the bewildered local Toronto fans.

This is a must see event for the passionate fan of the CFL, and really, for any football fan across the globe. There are huge parties, fancy dinners, and charity events associated with the Grey Cup Festival, as it has come to be called, as well as concerts featuring popular musicians. Fans from all over Canada flock to the festival and many Canadians very these activities as the event to attend, and there is a huge parade as well which is shown on Canadian TV. During last year’s events, the popular music group Barenaked Ladies performed for an ecstatic crowd in host city, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Grey Cup Tickets

While not as expensive as Super Bowl tickets, Grey Cup tickets are almost as hard to come by and definitely pricey. Easily the second most popular ticket, from a football standpoint, in North America (including NFL playoff games), the Grey Cup boasts a much longer tradition than their American counterparts, and has had many famous games featuring the notoriously fickle Canadian weather.

In 2014, the Grey Cup will be held in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia at BC stadium, which is home to the BC Lions of the CFL. The game will be held on November 30th, with the festival beginning during the preceding week. Due to issues with other host stadiums, this is actually the third time in the last four seasons that Vancouver has played host to the title game and related events.

The CFL Grey Cup Alumni Legends Luncheon is an annual event that takes place in celebration of the championship game of the Canadian Football League. The Grey Cup is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious championships in professional football worldwide, showcasing the best teams from across Canada.

The luncheon brings together some of the most iconic and beloved players, coaches, and personnel from the league’s rich history, creating an opportunity to honor their incredible achievements. The event also serves as a fundraiser for several charities, with proceeds going towards supporting these organizations.

Over the years, the CFL Grey Cup has seen some of the most exceptional athletes compete on its field. Names like Warren Moon, Doug Flutie, and Rocket Ismail are just a few of the many legends who have contributed to the league's legacy and are honored every year at this special luncheon.

In addition to celebrating the past, the event also provides an opportunity to look towards the future, with up-and-coming players getting a chance to meet and learn from those who came before them. There is no doubt that the traditions and values created by these legends continue to inspire the next generation of CFL players to strive for greatness both on and off the field.

While the luncheon may seem like a simple gathering of old friends, it is, in fact, much more than that. It represents the very essence of what football is all about - honour, respect, and camaraderie. It’s a beautiful tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the sport, helping build it into the cherished Canadian institution it is today.

In conclusion, the CFL Grey Cup Alumni Legends Luncheon is an integral part of the Canadian football experience. It not only recognizes the great players and coaches who have made the Grey Cup the historic championship it is today but also fosters new relationships among the next crop of upcoming CFL stars. As fans gather each year to celebrate the game, there is no doubt this event will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of CFL fans for years to come.