Wanted: Hundreds of volunteers to make 2017 Grey Cup 'exceptional'

If the idea of touring a potential Grey Cup champion around the capital appeals to you, or the prospect of pouring pints for thousands of football-mad Canadians whets your interest, today's a big day.

Starting Monday, potential volunteers can apply online to help out during this fall's Grey Cup celebrations.

"We are not finished the final count, but we're estimating between 700 and 1,000 volunteers will be required," said Valerie Hughes, OSEG's director of major events.

"[That number] ensures we do the best job ever, and it really gives our guests the exceptional experience that we want."

• Ottawa will host the 2017 Grey Cup
• Ready, set, celebrate: 17 Ottawa events for 2017

Last July, CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge revealed the CFL's championship game in 2017 will be played at TD Place in Ottawa.

The 105th Grey Cup is taking place in November — and leading up to the big game, volunteers will be needed for everything from chauffeuring players around the city to setting up the pre-game and halftime shows, Hughes told CBC Radio's All In A Day.

About 100 people alone will be needed to tend bar at a multi-day celebration that Hughes called the "biggest Redblacks team party since the club started up."

Prospective volunteers will have to be 16 years old, prepared for a little manual labour and willing to work outside in November, said Hughes. Depending on the job, she added, they could also need a valid driver's licence or the province's Smart Serve certification.

What they won't need, however, is an encyclopedic knowledge of the game of football — or any knowledge at all, really. 

"We want just to have friendly, outgoing volunteers," Hughes said.