‘Let’s break our own record’

Edmonton’s Grey Cup organizers building excitement, volunteer base

HINA ALAM

Hosting Edmonton’s Grey Cup party is going to take more than 1,000 volunteers, local organizers of the football festivities said Friday.

The 2018 edition of the Grey Cup, the Canadian Football League’s ultimate team prize, will be played at Commonwealth Stadium on Nov. 25.

A five-day festival will lead up to the big game, with a growing list of activities announced at a Friday news conference that includes a six-storey bungee jump set up downtown.

“There’s going to be 50 different activities going on,” said Brad Sparrow, co-chairman of the Grey Cup Festival. “For that we need over 1,000 volunteers.”

Those extra hands are needed to help with all kind of activities, including attractions that appeal to the adventurous — street skiing on Jasper Avenue down a ramp with a 17-degree slope that is more than seven metres high, 45 metres long and 15 metres wide; a tube slide on the west side of Jasper Avenue; and two 213-metre long zip lines heading from Jasper Avenue into the river valley.

“These attractions are open to everyone,” Grey Cup Festival executive director Duane Vienneau said.

A segment of The Quarters along Jasper Avenue between 96 Street and 99 Street will be party central. Coun. Mike Nickel said the street will be blocked off for the five days.

In addition, a concert on Nov. 24 will feature some of Canada’s top talent, Vienneau said.

The last time Edmonton hosted the Grey Cup in 2010, the game sold out in six days. Organizers are hoping to beat that record this year for the 106th Grey Cup when tickets go on sale June 1 at 2 p.m.

“Let’s break our own record,” said Vienneau.

Janet Riopel, president and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, said a breakfast event is scheduled for the morning of June 1

There’s going to be 50 different activities going on. For that we need over 1,000 volunteers.

to kick off ticket sales. Attendees will have the opportunity to skip the line and buy their Grey Cup tickets in advance of the 2 p.m. sale.

People interested in volunteering can register on the Grey Cup Festival’s website at www.greycupfestival.ca.

LARRY WONG Duane Vienneau, executive director of the 2018 Grey Cup Festival, holds a mock Grey Cup over his head Friday during a media event to unveil some of the planned festival activities.