For some fans and families, the Grey Cup is more about the festival than it is about football, which this year has the B.C. Lions taking on the Winnipeg Bluebombers Nov. 27 at a sold-out B.C. Place.
If you can't recite the numbers posted this year by B.C. Lions breakout quarterback Travis Lulay-passing yards (4,851), completion percentage (58.7) and touchdown passes (32)-don't let that stop you from painting yourself in orange, or green, or blue and gold, or yellow and black- you get the idea. And watch out for the Booze Brothers, who show up at every Grey Cup- no matter who's playing.
Tens of thousands of out-of-towners visit Vancouver this week for the 99th Grey Cup Festival Nov. 24 to 27. Here's what'll keep them- and you-busy.
THURSDAY, NOV. 24
. The annual Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards (6 p.m. Vancouver Convention Centre West, $75)
Three Lions are nominated for an award, including Lulay as the league's most outstanding player. Kicker Paul McCallum is nominated as the West's best special teams player and Jovan Olafioye is the West nominee for most outstanding offensive lineman.
The Player Awards are followed by the sold-out Blakes After Party.
. Spirit of Edmonton (nightly, Sheraton Wall Centre, free)
Widely regarded as the premier kick-off party at the beginning of the Grey Cup Festival, the party starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday and 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, continuing each night until 1 a.m. at the Sheraton Wall Centre.
. Riderville (nightly, Vancouver Convention Centre, West, $20 at the door)
Sask central. Prepare to smell and taste watermelon, bleed green and reminisce about the Roughriders' three Grey Cup victories in 99 years. Yes, you'd think they'd have won more. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Headliners include Wonderland, Megan Nash, DJ Danny Fernandez, Kick Axe and Chilliwack.
. Blue and Gold House (nightly, Elephant and Castle, $5, $10 if you wear green)
Official stomping grounds of the Winnipeg Bluebombers, expect special appearances from alumni players. 5 p.m. to close Thursday and 11 a.m. to close Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
FRIDAY, NOV. 25
. Calgary Grey Cup Committee Pancake Breakfast (Terry Fox Plaza at B.C. Place, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free)
When the Calgary Stampeders won the Grey Cup in 1948, they say it changed the future of Grey Cup celebrations. Calgarians were the first to travel en masse to support their team and these passionate fans launched the festive environment that continues to this day. Pick up your cowboy hats, pins, mini footballs and buttons while enjoying live music and a hot breakfast. Don't miss the Chuckwagon, fourpiece western band and a horse. Yee-haw.
. The Lions Den Vancouver Convention Centre, East, $15 at the door
Home of your B.C. Lions! This is where you come to recite those Lulay stats. Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
. Roughriders annual Grey Cup lunch (Vancouver Convention Centre, West, $100)
Fine Prairie comedian and entertainer Brent Butt puts on a daytime laugh-fest. Begins 11: 30 a.m.
. Touchdown Manitoba (Vancouver Convention Centre, East, $18)
The Bombers party ramps up from 1 to 6 p.m.
. Stamps House (Vancouver Convention Centre, West, $20)
Practice your gun slinging and best cowboy drawl with these Calgarians, easily some of the finest Grey Cup hosts. Live music, prizes and cheer team performances. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
. Tiger Town (Vancouver Convention Centre, West, $20)
Spot the Box J Boys, the rowdy Tiger-Cats faithful. Hamilton's own Life of Riley and Chicago's 'Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials entertain with DJ Pigskin Pete and the Ticats' cheer team. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
. Double Blue Bash (Vancouver Convention Centre, West, $10)
The Argonauts party takes off Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a DJ, cheer team performances and player and alumni appearances.
Saturday, Nov. 26
. Safeway Grey Cup Festival Parade Your definition of a parade float will change after taking in this cheerful, fanatical and occasionally absurd celebration of Canadian football and fandom. Glee's Cory Monteith is the grand marshal. The parade begins at 10 a.m at Hornby and Smithe before continuing north along Burrard Street to the Convention Centre where the play continues at the Nissan Family Zone.
. MontreALS Huddle (Venue Nightclub, $20)
Alouettes fans have one night to bond with their brethren at an Alshosted party. 6 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27
. Grey Cup, B.C. Place Stadium The B.C. Lions have homefield advantage and host the Winnipeg Bluebombers in the 99th Grey Cup. Kick-off at 3: 30 p.m. Half-time entertainment provided by Nickelback.
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