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For Rider fans looking to mingle with other Saskatchewan supporters at the Grey Cup Festival, look no further than Riderville, the team’s party room.
The fun can be found in the RBC Convention Centre’s York Ballroom starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday and at noon on Friday and Saturday, running until 1 a.m. each day.
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“It’s no secret that the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Rider Nation always bring the biggest party and the best vibes to every Grey Cup Festival,” festival organizers noted on the event’s website.
Riderville will feature live entertainment, performances by the Riders’ cheer team and a pep band. The party will be hosted by Roughrider legend Dan Clark, who played for the team from 2009 to 2022 as an offensive lineman, winning a Grey Cup with the Green and White in 2013.
“Get ready to celebrate, connect, and show the league once again why nobody throws a party like Rider Nation!” festival organizers wrote.
Other team party rooms
For those wanting to join in on one of the other team’s parties (though we don’t really know why you would), fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can stop in at Touchdown Manitoba in the convention centre’s Hall A, while fans of the Elks and Lions can check in at meeting rooms 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H.
Meanwhile, fans of the Ottawa Redblacks, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts can stop by the Eastern Social Hall in meeting rooms 4 to 8.
Getting to Winnipeg
With the 112th Grey Cup right around the corner, many fans are looking for ways to get to the Peg for game day.
If you’re looking to catch a flight from Regina, it will cost at least a couple of thousand dollars.
As of Nov. 13, flights from Saskatoon or Regina to Winnipeg are being snapped up quickly for the Grey Cup weekend. Air Canada flights from Regina to Winnipeg start at $2,562.97, while WestJet flights start at $2,144.02. WestJet flights from Saskatoon to Winnipeg start at $1,978.12, while Air Canada offers flights for $2,367.67.
If you wish to catch a carpool, check pop a ride.
If you’re driving to Winnipeg, check road conditions on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline and Manitoba 511 before heading out. As of Thursday, highway conditions were looking good.
Accommodations
As of Thursday, an average hotel room close to Princess Auto Stadium starts at around $385 per night.
If you’re having troubles booking a hotel, consider consulting the Facebook page called Grey Cup accommodations in Winnipeg.
Getting to the stadium on game day
If you want to park your vehicle, you can catch a shuttle or catch a ride on the Winnipeg Transit. If you’re staying at one of the downtown hotels, there’s a safe ride map available.
Game day
The 112th Grey Cup game will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m., with no time difference to confuse viewers.
Before the game, fans can join tailgating parties sponsored by Tri-Indigenous Energy (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and Princess Auto (from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.), and get photos taken with the Grey Cup.
Parking access at the stadium is via Chancellor Matheson Road or University Crescent, and value lot parking is available through University Crescent about 1.3 kilometres from the stadium.
Access to the university campus will be restricted starting about 90 minutes before the game, and only permit holders will be permitted through King’s Drive.
“To minimize disruption to the neighbourhood, parking is restricted in University Heights and Fort Richmond. Vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed if parked in these restricted areas,” the Winnipeg Blue Bombers noted.
For those looking to ride their bicycles to the game, a bike valet will be available at the stadium’s northeast gate.
“Security Officers are stationed at each entrance gate to ensure your safety while visiting Princess Auto Stadium. You and your belongings will be searched upon entry into the stadium. If you elect not to consent to being searched, you will be denied entry,” the Grey Cup Festival website noted.
“Firearms and other weapons, knives, coolers, umbrellas that cannot collapse to under 18 inches duffel bags, obstructive banners and signs are all strictly prohibited, as well as video cameras and still photo cameras with lenses over 6 inches. As a general rule, please leave all unnecessary items at home.”
Fans can bring sealed water bottles one litre in size or less into the stadium, or can bring an empty reusable bottle of one litre or less to fill once they get inside.
The only bags larger than 6.5×8.5” permitted in the stadium are a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag or a clear bag up to 12x12x6”, or bags provided by authorized event sponsors.
Princess Auto Stadium policies prohibit any unruly or disruptive behaviour by fans, including fighting, throwing objects, intoxication, smoking and sitting in aisles or standing on seats.
The stadium also enforces a no re-entry policy after kickoff.
Halftime show by mgk
The Grey Cup’s halftime show will include a performance by rapper and singer mgk, who formerly styled himself Machine Gun Kelly.
“The multi-platinum artist is known for defying boundaries and crossing genres to reach fans of hip-hop, pop, rock and alternative,” the CFL said in a statement announcing the halftime performance.
Stewart Johnston, the league’s commissioner, said he’s excited about the musical performances that will be part of the Grey Cup events this year.
“We’re delivering a remarkable sound and atmosphere that will match the world-class action and entertainment on the field,” Johnston said in a statement.
“An iconic Canadian band to kick things off, a powerful Manitoban voice to honour our anthem and a rising megastar to electrify halftime. It’s going to be a show as unforgettable as the game itself!”
Watch parties
If you’re staying in Regina, you can gather with other fans to take in the game.
Moonlight Cinemas is hosting a Grey Cup Watch Party at Golden Mile Shopping Centre, starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Fans can reserve a seat with a deposit of $5. It’s free to attend the game, but the concession voucher guarantees fans a seat. No outside food or drinks are allowed.
“Website builders charge a booking free on each voucher. Avoid this fee by buying in person, or not buying the voucher and hoping seats are available on game day,” Moonlight Cinemas said in a social media post.
The G. Marconi Canadian Italian Club at 2148 Connaught Street is hosting a “Big Game Viewing Party” on Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. and admission is $20.
Food and happy hour drink prices will be available throughout the evening. Parking is free, but guests are asked to RSVP by Friday.
Italian Club President Pat Fiacco says the tickets are selling fast.
“There are about 20 tickets left, so I wouldn’t wait too long,” he said.
The Regina Hungarian Cultural & Social Club will be hosting its own watch party at 1925 McAra Street. Buckets of five beer are $25.
