Grey Cup 2014 Events

It will be Canadian football nirvana when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Calgary Stampeders at the 2014 Grey Cup , but there’s more to it than just the game. Here’s a roundup of all the awesome Cup events and activities going on around Vancouver

On November 30th Vancouver will be hosting football fans from around the country to watch the Calgary Stampeders take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Grey Cup Championship Game. There’s much more to the festivities than just the game, though. There will be tons of events – including some free ones – around town for fans of football, music, parades and fun. Keep clicking to find out how you can join in the Grey Cup party.

CFL Awards – November 27

Before anything else, The Grey Cup is all about the celebrating the game of football. The Canadian Football League Award show will kick off Grey Cup weekend with a night to acknowledge the accomplishments of the league’s players. Your ticket includes entrance to a pre-show reception, and you have the option of upgrading your ticket to one of two VIP options: the VIP Concert Series Package includes access to a VIP Concert Series viewing deck, while the VIP Players Party Package includes admittance to the Official Players’ Party.

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

When: November 27

Cost: $70-90, VIP $120-150

Red Truck Tailgate Concert Series – November 27-29

There’s a Grey Cup Event for everyone, and the Red Truck Tailgate Concert Series is a music lover’s dream. There will be three nights of themed music, kicking off with Thursday’s New Music Night with Hey Ocean, Family of the Year, and the Gay Nineties. Slip on your plaid and cowboy boots for Friday’s Country Music Night featuring Tim Hicks, Tebey, and One More Girl. On Saturday night Trooper, 54-40, Pigeon Park, and Sass Jordan will all be playing for Classic Rock Night.

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West

When: November 27 to 29

Cost: Three day pass $102, Thursday single day pass $35, Friday and Saturday single day pass $40

Team Parties

Just because their teams aren’t playing in the finals doesn’t mean that the rest of Canada isn’t joining in on the festivities. CFL cities around the country will be hosting their own parties in venues around town. Most have tickets available online and at the door, while there are a few bashes that will be free. Check online for tickets and a schedule of events.

Where: Various Locations

When: November 27 to 29

Cost: Free – $20

Telus Street Festival – November 27-29

The three-day Telus Street Festival is taking over Canada Place and paving the street with fun. The festival starts at 11 and will include games and entertainment galore. On the 27 and 28 you can drop by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a complimentary pancake breakfast with the Calgary Stampede Queen. The Play Now Main Stage will be the place to catch the hottest local indie musicians like Dominique Fricot, Jordan Klassen, Humans, The Boom Booms, and more. The event will run rain or shine, and, best of all, it’s free. So there’s no good excuse not to join in the party.

Where: Canada Place

When: November 27 to 29

Cost: Free

Save On Foods Grey Cup Festival Parade – November 29

Hit the streets early to grab a prime spot for the Save On Foods Grey Cup Festival Parade. They promise “floats, marching bands, smiles, and fun” for all the thousands of fans who come out to cheer on the parade. The Parade Starts at 10 a.m. at Smithe and Hornby, and winds through the streets to finish off around 12 p.m. at Dunsmuir and Granville.

Where: Smithe St. and Hornby St. to Dunsmuir St. and Granville St. Check online for an exact map of the route.

When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. November 29

Cost: Free

Cheerleader Extravaganza – November 29

In terms of free entertainment, it’s hard to beat watching the country’s most talented cheerleaders. Cheerleading teams from around the CFL will be presenting their routines for just two hours on Saturday, so make sure you don’t miss out. Audiences will get a chance to vote for their favourite team, so bust out the pom poms and cheer on the cheerleaders.

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building, Exhibition Hall C

When: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. November 29

Cost: Free

Fan March – November 30

All the excitement of the past few days comes to a head on November 30, Game Day. The day will kick off with the third annual Fan March, which pays tribute to the fans who make the whole league possible. Celebrations will kick off with a party at Jack Poole Plaza. Then thousands of fans will march the Grey Cup itself down Thurlow St. and Robson St. to deliver it to BC Place.

Where: Jack Poole Plaza to BC Place

When: Celebration at 11:30, the march begins at 12:30, November 30

Cost: Free

Tailgate Party – November 30

You don’t have to buy tickets to the game to get in on the thrill of the match. Starting at 10 a.m. there will be an epic tailgate party that’s open to everyone held at Terry Fox Plaza, right outside of BC Place. Throw on your team’s colours and join thousands of celebrating fans. You’ll get a chance to show off your team spirit, and maybe even meet some new friends to grab beers and watch the game with.

Where: Terry Fox Plaza, just outside of BC Place

When: 10 a.m. November 30

Cost: Free