As football fans from across Canada blitz into Winnipeg for the upcoming 103rd Grey Cup game, the province officially proclaimed this week as the 103rd Grey Cup Festival Week in Manitoba. This announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger and Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Ron Lemieux.
“The Grey Cup is the largest annual sporting event in Canada and Manitoba is proud to welcome football fans from across the country,” said Premier Selinger. “As well as enjoying the excitement of the big game and all the festivities it brings, we invite our guests to also take in some of the amazing attractions our province has to offer while they’re here.”
Manitoba has a host of world-class attractions and unique tourism experiences for football fans to explore including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Journey to Churchill, noted Premier Selinger.
This year alone, Tourism Manitoba has brought home 18 international and national tourism awards, and just last week National Geographic named Winnipeg one of the Best Trips of 2016, the only Canadian city to make the list, Minister Lemieux added.
Adding to the buzz around the game this weekend, the province is allowing bars and restaurants to serve liquor for an extra hour, until 3 a.m., from Nov. 26 to 29, thanks to Manitoba’s new and modernized liquor laws that came into effect last year, the minister added. Beer vendors will also be allowed to sell until 3:30 a.m. for same time period and licensees do not need to apply to operate for the extended hours.
“We’re happy to be able to let all the football fans pack in the fun while they’re here for Sunday’s game, no matter which team they’re cheering for,” said Minister Lemieux. “We want everyone to have a safe and fun Grey Cup weekend and take some time to see all that Winnipeg and Manitoba have to offer.”
Minister Lemieux said the 103rd Grey Cup Festival is expected to bring in more than $85 million in economic development for the city of Winnipeg.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming this historic event to Winnipeg and look forward to all the fantastic events we have planned this week,” said Jason Smith, president, 103rd Grey Cup Festival.
