SONiC's Grey Cup Guide

Starting Wednesday, the 106th Grey Cup festivities kick off in Edmonton! And the fun goes way beyond the big game, too. With ziplines, free concerts and countless ways to celebrate the game, the festivities offer something for everyone.

This year’s festivities will be four times bigger than the last time the city hosted in 2010, when most of the activities took place in Churchill Square. LRT construction made it impossible to host activies in the square this year, so instead they’ll take place along Jasper Avenue between 96th and 99th streets, now closed to traffic until Nov. 28. The events are estimated to bring nearly 500,000 people and $80-$100 million to the Capital City.

The game:

The championship match between the Ottawa Redblacks and the Calgary Stampeders will take place at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday at 4pm MST. Earlier this month, Commonwealth Stadium was outfitted with new exterior lights for the big game. Gates will open at 2pm with the pre-show beginning at 3:30pm. Get tickets here while you still can!

Music:

Enjoy free, live music every night of the festivities! On Thursday, catch Edmonton’s own the Royal Foundry, the Watchmen and the Rural Alberta Advantage take the stage on Jasper Avenue. The Strumbellas return to the city Friday night while Grammy award winning Canadian artist Alessia Cara will perform the halftime show on Sunday. Get set times and the full list of performers here.

Family-friendly activites:

Soar above the river valley along a 6 story, 800 foot zipline that will take you from Jasper Ave to Louise McKinney Park or take a ride down two giant tube slides on Jasper Ave. Go for a run on a man-made ski hill in the heart of downtown (yes, equiptment provided) or leap off the 6 foot bungee jump! Most events are free and open to all ages. But for the smaller kids, there will be a mini-versions of some of the activities, including a zip line, bungee jump and a tube slide. The family-centred activities will take place in a 20,000-square foot heated tent. A mini football field will be set up alongside 97th Avenue for kids to practice their runs and tackles.

Wanna know more? Check out the official guide to the 106th Grey Cup here.