GREY CUP CHAMPS SALUTED
City celebrates Stamps
Thousands gathered in downtown Calgary over the lunch hour Tuesday to celebrate the Calgary Stampeders’ Grey Cup victory.
The Stampeders defeated the Ottawa Redblacks 27-16 on Sunday, giving the franchise its eighth CFL title.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi led the rally on the steps of city hall as the crowd of roughly 2,000 chanted “Go Stamps Go!”
“Since I’ve been mayor for eight years, the Stamps have made it to the final five times. Good luck charm, just saying,” he joked, pointing to himself.
“Today, we get to celebrate the Stamps as the Grey Cup champions. We’re celebrating an amazing season and an amazing Grey Cup championship. Most of all, we are celebrating an amazing team that’s always been a part of this city and always will be.”
Nenshi joked about renaming the Bow River the Bo Levi Mitchell River, in honour of the Stampeders Grey Cup MVP quarterback. He said he considered getting the river dyed red, but said people would probably be freaked out.
The team was joined by mascot Ralph the Dog, as food trucks, music and giveaways also joined the block party.
Dozens of players and staff members stuck around to sign autographs and take selfies with fans as they left the area.
Don Verdonck, a 20-year seasonticket holder, said it was awesome to see the crowd gather in support of the team.
“It’s great to see the city’s support, (the team) worked so hard all year,” he said. “I think it’s just fabulous for the city.”
Gathering with a group of 20, Verdonck said they watched the game “biting our fingernails.” He said this championship ranks near the top of his favourite Stampeders moments.
“This was one of the top ones. It’s a bit of redemption for the last couple of years,” he said. “It feels pretty good.”
Sandy Ferris, who became a fan of the Stampeders 33 years ago when she moved to Calgary, was one of many cheering on the team as they brought out the Grey Cup.
“Every time they win the Cup I come down here, and this one was the best one yet,” she said.
What made it the best was the challenges the team overcame all season long, she said.
“I think it’s because of all the adversity they faced this year and how they fought through it and came together as a team, I think it’s awesome,” she said, wearing an Alex Singleton jersey.
Meanwhile, Ron Flaig said he and other Stampeders fans had a “rough ride” up to Edmonton for the Grey Cup game.
“Even riding the transit up there, all we got was abuse,” said Flaig, who said he was excited by the team’s win.
“Perhaps we are a dynasty because that’s what Toronto said last year, and we see where they went after they won a Grey Cup.”
It’s great to see the city’s support, (the team) worked so hard all year. I think it’s just fabulous for the city.