Grey Cup fever takes over Calgary

News Release
Grey Cup fever takes over Calgary

Calgary is ready to welcome the 113th Grey Cup as the Edmonton Elks take on the Montreal Alouettes, with family-friendly fun and festivities leading up to the big game.

Alberta’s government is supporting the 2026 Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival through a $4-million investment. This funding supports the Grey Cup Festival, held Nov. 11–14 at Stampede Park, including free and affordable events, a street festival, family programming, rodeo performances and a girls in sport summit.

Major sporting events like the Grey Cup bring significant economic benefits to our communities. With more than 350,000 fans expected to shop, dine and stay locally, the festival and game are projected to generate more than $50 million in economic activity and support about 300 jobs.

“Calgary is rolling out the welcome mat for football fans from across Canada, including the Montreal Alouettes. Make no mistake, the Edmonton Elks are Alberta’s team, and we are ready to see them hoist the Grey Cup right here at home. Calgary knows how to put on a great show, and we’re ready for a fantastic week of football, family fun and some fierce competition.”

Danielle Smith, Premier
“I am thrilled to welcome the 113th Grey Cup to Calgary. Alberta has a proud history of hosting major sporting events, and our government’s investment helps ensure the successful delivery of this iconic Canadian championship. I encourage all fans to enjoy the activities and explore all that Alberta has to offer.”

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport
“The Grey Cup Festival is so much more than football. It’s about bringing people together, celebrating our city and creating unforgettable memories. We’re excited to welcome Albertans and visitors from across the country to Calgary for five days incredible days of festivities.”

Karen Dommett, executive director, 2026 Grey Cup
Delivered in partnership with Tourism Calgary and supported by Alberta’s government, the Grey Cup is another opportunity to showcase our province as a premier destination for major sporting events. Calgary will host the championship for the sixth time on Nov. 15 at McMahon Stadium, bringing football fans from across Canada together for one of the country’s biggest sporting celebrations.

“Calgary is proud to host the 113th Grey Cup and Festival and we are ready to welcome fans with our signature western hospitality. This event demonstrates the power of sport to build community vibrancy, drive economic impact and showcase our local business and hospitality partners.”

Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO, Tourism Calgary
Quick facts
Organizers estimate about 35,000 out-of-town visitors.
Total attendance across all festival events and game day is expected to exceed 350,000.
The host organization and the CFL have contracted about 6,000 hotel room nights so far. This doesn’t include general fans and visitors.
Broadcast viewership is estimated at 10 million.
Both Edmonton and Calgary are recognized among the world’s top 100 sport cities.