‘It’s like family’: Stamps’ boosters head up QEII
‘Friendly cajoling’ on tap for Grey Cup as rivalry with Edmonton put to one side
It may seem like they’re going into enemy territory, but when Calgary ’s Grey Cup committee arrives in Edmonton this week ahead of Sunday ’s championship clash, it will feel more like a family reunion.
For the third year in a row, the Calgary Stampeders will vie for the 106-year-old trophy, facing the Ottawa Redblacks in a rematch of the 2016 classic that saw the local football squad fall short in overtime. That painful loss was followed by another gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of the Toronto Argonauts last November.
Sunday’s game will mark the first time the Stamps have played at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium for the Grey Cup championship, but for Sandy Dubyk with Calgary’s Grey Cup committee, it will feel more like home field than the last two finals held in Toronto and Ottawa.
“The Grey Cup committee is excited to be back out west. It’s in Alberta and for us it will be more like a family gathering,” said Dubyk, noting it’s particularly exciting to celebrate the committee’s 70th anniversary so close to home.
“I know there’s a rivalry but when it comes down to it, it’s more like friendly cajoling.”
The Stamps punched their ticket for the 106th Grey Cup Sunday after surviving a stout Winnipeg Blue Bombers team, which fell 2214 to the hometown squad.
Calgary’s football boosters have become experts at hitting the road to cheer on their team, with the Horsemen competing in six of the last 11 Grey Cups. Next year’s championship will be held at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.
But Dubyk said the familiarity hasn’t watered down the enthusiasm of committee members, who will head up the QEII Highway on Wednesday to take part in festivities leading up to Sunday’s big game.
“It’s really a wonderful community and it’s like family regardless of what team they’re supporting,” said Dubyk, whose 50-member team will rub shoulders with its Spirit of Edmonton counterparts as well as contingents from each CFL city, and even some of the former American communities that previously hosted expansion teams.
“They ’re our neighbours — it’s all about good clean fun and having a good time.”
The Calgary crew will host two Stampede breakfasts on Friday and Saturday at Edmonton’s Telus Park, and their contingent will include the Calgary Stampede’s queen and princesses as well as its First Nations princess, house band High Steppin’ Daddy, the Calgary Stampeders’ Outriders and mascot Charlie Horse.
In a tradition that according to legend dates back to the Stamps’ first Grey Cup appearance in 1948, Tuffy the horse will trot into Edmonton’s Chateau Lacombe Hotel on Thursday afternoon.
Dubyk said the committee is pleased to welcome some new sponsors this year, joining longtime benefactors including the City of Calgary and the Calgary Stampede. ATB Financial, Village Brewery and Spolumbo’s Fine Foods and Deli have signed on with the volunteer group this year, he said.
“This is an opportunity for Calgary to shine and for Calgary to come through in the end,” said Dubyk, who’s keeping the faith despite being witness to the last two heartbreaking losses.
“Next year the Grey Cup is in Calgary and who knows what will happen then?”