Bombers announce Grey Cup Week headquarters

The 2025 Grey Cup Festival is rapidly taking shape with the announcement of several new events set to take place at the newly named PlayNow Grey Cup HQ at the RBC Convention Centre.

Jennifer Thompson, executive director of the Grey Cup Festival, highlighted the importance of having a centralized approach to the festival.

“PlayNow Grey Cup HQ will be the beating heart of Festival Week — a one-stop destination for fans looking to experience the best of what the Grey Cup has to offer,” Thompson said. “From coast-to-coast culinary creations and iconic Canadian music, to unforgettable team parties and a gala celebration like no other, we’re proud to create a space that reflects the spirit, diversity and energy of the CFL and its fans.”

From Thursday, Nov. 13, to Saturday, Nov. 15, the downtown venue will host a series of adult-only events, including a new culinary experience, a gala, and an expanded concert series.

Rheanne Marcoux, VP of marketing and communications for the Grey Cup Festival, emphasized the unique vision for Winnipeg’s hosting duties, noting unlike previous years, the festival is being organized and executed internally. The organizing committee has taken notes from the last few Grey Cups in an attempt to identify best practices, prioritizing accessibility and visibility.

“We didn’t want people to feel like they had to travel around the whole city to go from event to event,” Marcoux said. “Once you’re there, you’re in the thick of it. But we also don’t want anybody to be able to go anywhere in the city during Grey Cup week and not know that the Grey Cup is happening.”

A significant addition to the festival lineup is the CIBC Taste of the CFL, scheduled for Nov. 14.

This inaugural culinary event, inspired by Winnipeg’s “Taste of the Blue Bombers,” will feature top chefs from each CFL city. These chefs will compete by creating their interpretations of game-day cuisine, which fans can then sample and vote on.

The Coors Light Concert Series and team party rooms will also be a central feature, offering three nights of entertainment, all of which are accessible with a single three-day social pass. Passes are available for purchase starting on Friday at 10 a.m. for $99, plus taxes and fees.

Each evening will have a distinct theme and headline act:

Thursday, Nov. 13 — Manitoba Night will feature The Watchmen.

Friday, Nov. 14 — Kitchen Party Night will showcase Alan Doyle.

Saturday, Nov. 15 — Country Night will be headlined by The Reklaws.

(Note: these passes do not include access to the Brad Paisley concert, with those details to be released separately.)

The festival will also host the Grey Cup Gala on Nov. 15.

Organizers described it as a departure from a traditional formal dinner, promising lively entertainment and an engaging atmosphere. Tickets for the gala can be purchased individually or for tables of 10.

Winnipeg Football Club president & CEO Wade Miller said they’ve already seen a strong interest in recent weeks, confirming that 50 per cent of tickets for many of the new events have already been sold through early access given to corporate partners and season ticket members. As for the Grey Cup game, 90 per cent of tickets have already been purchased.

Further details regarding additional events, artist announcements and ticket sales information are expected to be released in the coming weeks. For ongoing updates and to purchase tickets, visit the official website greycupfestival.ca.

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca