Canadian football’s holy grail has arrived.
The Grey Cup travelled in style yesterday, aboard a Canadian Forces Sea King helicopter, to officially kick off the celebrations for the four-day football festival.
“There’s no better city than Vancouver to host this Grey Cup,” CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said. “It’s going to be an unbelievable weekend of activities.”
Colleen Banner, who has been a B.C. Lions fan for two decades, said it’s her first time seeing the cup up close.
“It’s quite an experience,” Banner said. “I’ve never done it before where I’m really this involved.”
Mayor Gregor Robertson said he’s thrilled to have the Grey Cup in town and to get a chance to host all of Canada.
He’s also still working on a wager with the mayor of Winnipeg, he said.
“I’m looking forward to winning this one,” he added.
Robertson said he’s not worried about the possibility of violence this weekend, despite having the home team play in the final.
“There’s a very thoughtful plan in place,” he said. “The events as they happen through the weekend are mostly indoors and very well-supported. We’ve been able to plan years in advance, so we’re very confident it’s going to be a good weekend and go smoothly.”
The B.C. Lions will take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in front of a sold-out BC Place on Sunday.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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