2025 Grey Cup Gala

Started by ModAdmin, July 25, 2025, 04:01:20 AM

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ModAdmin

PlayNow Grey Cup HQ Announced as the Heart of the 2025 Grey Cup Festival

RBC Convention Centre to Host Team Parties, Concerts, Gala Dinner, and the All-New Culinary Event

WINNIPEG, MB., July 24, 2025 –  The 2025 Grey Cup Festival is proud to announce that the RBC Convention Centre will serve as the official headquarters for this year's festivities, now officially named PlayNow Grey Cup HQ.

From Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15, PlayNow Grey Cup HQ will be the epicentre of 18+ ticketed events during Festival Week, including fan-favourite parties and entertainment, a new culinary event, and an unforgettable gala celebration.

"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," said Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of the 2025 Grey Cup Festival. "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."

Among the signature events hosted at PlayNow Grey Cup HQ:

Coors Light Concert Series + Team Party Rooms

The ultimate three-night music and party experience with the return of the Coors Light Concert Series and ever-popular Team Party Rooms, all included in the three-day Social Pass.

Each night brings a new theme and headline act:

Thursday, November 13
– Manitoba Night featuring The Watchmen

Friday, November 14
– Kitchen Party Night featuring Alan Doyle

Saturday, November 15
– Country Night featuring The Reklaws

The three-day Social Passes* (Coors Light Concert Series + Team Party Rooms) will be available starting tomorrow, July 25 at 10 a.m. for $99 plus taxes and fees.

CIBC Taste of the CFL – New in 2025

Introducing a bold new addition to Festival Week: CIBC Taste of the CFL on Friday, November 14. Inspired by the popular Taste of the Blue Bombers event, this inaugural culinary experience brings together top chefs from each CFL city for a coast-to-coast showdown in game day cuisine.

Fans will be able to sample exclusive dishes, sip on drinks, and cast their votes for Canada's best stadium fare - all in a lively, reception-style setting featuring a live DJ, spirited fans, and delicious competition.

Grey Cup Gala Presented by Payworks and Johnston Group

Guests will step into the spotlight at the Grey Cup Gala presented by Payworks and Johnston Group, a high-energy celebration unlike most formal dinners. With stunning views, exceptional food, vibrant entertainment, and a packed dance floor, this is the 2025 Grey Cup Festival's premier evening event on Saturday, November 15. Tickets are available for tables of 10 or sold individually.

Additional event details, artist announcements, and ticket sales information will be released in the coming weeks. For updates and to purchase tickets, visit greycupfestival.ca.

*Please note: these passes do not include the Brad Paisley concert

***

Quotes:

PlayNow

"We're proud to see PlayNow Grey Cup HQ take centre stage at this year's 2025 Grey Cup Festival. As a Manitoba-based sports betting brand, we're thrilled PlayNow is partnering in this exciting event that celebrates community, competition, and Canadian culture. We can't wait to welcome fans to an incredible week of entertainment at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg."

    Gerry Sul, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries

CIBC

"The new CIBC Taste of the CFL event reflects our shared ambition to celebrate our diverse communities, regional flavours, and love of the game. We're excited to help launch what we believe will quickly become a fan-favourite tradition."

    Jeffrey Smith, Market Vice President, CIBC

Molson Coors (Coors Light)

"The Coors Light Concert Series is all about high-energy nights, unforgettable music, and good times with fellow fans. Step into the heart of the celebration where passionate fandom comes to life at the Coors Light Team Party Headquarters within the PlayNow Grey Cup HQ. We're proud to continue our longstanding support of Canadian football and can't wait to celebrate with fans at the 2025 Grey Cup Festival."

    Michelle Sowinski, Director Global Brands, Molson Coors Beverage Company

Payworks

"The Grey Cup Gala reflects the kind of spirit we value at Payworks - people coming together to celebrate, connect, and have fun. We're proud to help bring this standout event to life and contribute to a Festival that showcases the best of Winnipeg and the CFL community."

    Michael Penman, President of Payworks. 

Johnston Group

"We're honoured to support the 2025 Grey Cup Gala, an event that reflects the pride, energy, and spirit of the city we call home. At Johnston Group, community is at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership is a meaningful way to share that commitment with CFL fans from coast to coast."

    Dave Angus, President of Johnston Group
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

Blueforlife

Wasn't sure where to put this but seams ok spot, if not mods could go somewhere else

Fund raiser in Selkirk with chance to get time with the Grey Cup!

ModAdmin

2025 Grey Cup Festival Unveils Province-Wide Initiatives Showcasing Manitoba's Communities, Youth, and Culture

WINNIPEG, MB., October 6, 2025 –  – The 2025 Grey Cup Festival today announced a trio of major initiatives that celebrate Manitoba's communities, inspire youth, and embrace bilingualism, ensuring this year's Festival leaves a lasting legacy across the province.

"The 2025 Grey Cup Festival is more than just football, it's about celebrating Manitoba," said Jenn Thompson, Executive Director of the 2025 Grey Cup Festival. "By taking the Grey Cup north, putting footballs in the hands of students across the province, and embracing bilingualism, we're building a Festival that belongs to everyone."

Flag Football Kits for Every School in Manitoba

In partnership with Football Manitoba and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the 2025 Grey Cup Festival will launch a province-wide flag football initiative that provides over 900 schools in Manitoba with the resources to introduce the sport in a fun, inclusive, and accessible way. The kits will come with footballs, tuck-in flags, a Blue Bombers "Flag in Schools" curriculum plan, and a Winnipeg Blue Bombers flag. The kits will be made available for schools throughout the fall and winter.

"Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, set to make its Olympic debut in 2026," said Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club. "It is safe, fast-paced, and exciting, while also being one of the most inclusive entry points into the game. Students of all skill levels and abilities can participate, developing athletic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in an environment that builds confidence, belonging, and joy."

Travel Manitoba Northern Tour

In partnership with Travel Manitoba, the 2025 Grey Cup Festival will take the excitement north this October with the Travel Manitoba Northern Tour. The Tour will spotlight local culture, iconic attractions, and community spirit in three northern communities:

    Flin Flon (October 7–8): The trip will feature visits to Flintabbey Flonatin Roadside Attraction, Flin Flon Station Museum, and a fall fishing excursion at Bakers Narrows Lake. The Grey Cup will be setup at Whitney Forum Rink, inviting residents to stop by and take photos.
    Thompson (October 15): The group will explore Pisew Falls and visit Wapanohk Elementary and Juniper Elementary, where students will get the chance to see and take photos with the Grey Cup.
    Churchill (October 23–24): This trip will feature a wildlife tour with Nanuk Operations in search of bears and other wildlife, dog sledding with Wapusk Adventures, and the Grey Cup will be setup at Churchill Town Centre Complex, open to the community for photos.

The Tour will feature former Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Brandon Alexander, Grey Cup Guardian Jeff McWhinney (with the Grey Cup itself), representatives from Travel Manitoba, members of the Festival's content and community team, and Maple the Beaver, the official 2025 Grey Cup Festival mascot.

"The 2025 Grey Cup Festival provides a unique opportunity to showcase all corners of our province to Manitobans, Canadians and visitors from around the world," said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO at Travel Manitoba. "Whatever your heart needs, Canada's heart is calling. Through the Northern Tour, we're highlighting the incredible experiences, landscapes and communities that make Manitoba such a remarkable place to explore year-round. We're proud to partner on an initiative that shines a spotlight on the North while connecting people to the excitement of the Grey Cup."

Commitment to BilingualismThe 2025 Grey Cup Festival has made bilingualism a cornerstone of this year's celebrations, ensuring equal representation of both English and French at every level:

    Every press release translated into both languages
    Press conferences have been emceed bilingually
    French marketing assets (email, digital, print) were distributed in Ottawa and Montreal to promote the Grey Cup
    Fully French versions of the Festival website and Festival Hub were launched this year
    Bilingual pageantry will be incorporated across Winnipeg come November
    A bilingual Festival program will be distributed to 250,000 homes this month

These Festival efforts align with the CFL's bilingual mandate, which includes:

    Bilingual national anthems for games involving Montreal or Ottawa during the regular season, and at all Grey Cup and playoff games
    Equal English/French representation at national events including the Grey Cup, playoffs, and the CFL Combine
    League announcements distributed in both languages
    Directional signage, game-day pageantry, and PA announcements such as welcome greetings, anthem introductions, moments of silence, territorial acknowledgements, downs and yardage calls, and all official announcements at the Grey Cup game must be presented 50/50 in English and French

The 2025 Grey Cup Festival takes place in Winnipeg this November, culminating in the 112th Grey Cup on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Princess Auto Stadium.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden