Sunday November 17, 2024 | VANCOUVER, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The 111th Grey Cup Canadian Football League (CFL) game launched just after 3 pm today at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
The Toronto Argonauts (Eastern Division Champions) and Winnipeg Bluebombers (Western Division Champions) faced off, with a win for Toronto 41:24.
That makes Toronto the Grey Cup champion for the second time in three years.
Fans came from across the country to be in Vancouver for the game. The sense of community at large sports games is a big part of the draw. Several of the promos and commercials referred to people flying from far away to attend the game, showing an emphasis on the role of tourism as part of large team sport events.
A major event sponsor was WestJet, with two of their reps and two RCMP officers in full red serge bringing the Grey Cup onto the stage before the players came to the field.
Premier, Gold and Silver partners were LiUNA Local 1611, RBC, Save-On-Foods, TELUS and Gold Partners CARSTAR, Leavitt Machinery, and Lordco Auto Parts. Silver Partners Payworks, Prospera Credit Union. Bronze partners were BC Maritime Employers Association, EC Managed IT, Industrial Alliance. Official sponsors were Pepsi, Tim Hortons, and Twisted Tea.
The opening act KickOff Show featured a short performance by Canadian country singer Owen Riegling.
Players took the field around 3:23 pm. The national anthem played around 3:37 pm sung by Sofia Camara in a slow lamenting way including a three-party string accompaniment (violin, cello and guitar).
Game kickoff was around 3:44 pm in the covered indoor BC Place Stadium.
The half-time show at 5:08 pm featured The Jonas Brothers (Kevin, Joe and Nick) for a 15-minute set that started off midfield amidst dancing cheerleaders.
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