Grey Cup tour to make 40 stops across Manitoba from May to October
Tour will visit towns, cities and rural communities around the province
The CFL's biggest prize — the one that has evaded the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for three consecutive years — is embarking on a Manitoba-wide tour beginning this weekend.
The Grey Cup tour kicks off May 4 at the WPS Half Marathon in Winnipeg and will then go on to make 40 stops across the province through to the end of October.
Winnipeg is hosting the 112th Grey Cup on Nov. 16 at Princess Auto Stadium. It will be the first time since 2015 the championship game has been held in the city, and fifth time overall (1991, 1998, 2006, 2015, 2025).
The tour, sponsored by Access Credit Union and the Winnipeg Football Club, will feature games, interactive challenges and giveaways at each stop, a news release from the club said.
"You're going to have the MacDon [Industries Ltd.] beer pong for the adults, and for the kids, we'll figure out a different name for that," said Wade Miller, Bombers president and CEO.
There will be a football toss and cornhole games, a recycling challenge and chances to win tickets to the Grey Cup game, he said.
"Our team is so excited to get out through the province and get the Grey Cup Festival kicked off," Miller said.
The full schedule of tour stops will be available soon on the 2025 Grey Cup Festival website and updated throughout the season.
The tour will visit towns, cities and rural communities, the release said.
The Manitoba government announced on Thursday that it is providing $5.5 million to help the Bombers host the game and related events.
"Events like the Grey Cup ignite excitement for sport and strengthen our community's pride in our team," said Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba minister of sport, culture, heritage and tourism.
"Hosting the game and festival here in Winnipeg will also deliver major economic benefits, attracting visitors to our beautiful city and supporting local businesses."