BC NEWS, VANCOUVER

Saturday, October 21, 2023

To support the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, the Province is providing $3.5 million for a six-day fan festival and to create legacy projects that will benefit the tourism sector and local communities.

“Hosting the Grey Cup presents an extraordinary chance to showcase British Columbia in a way that greatly benefits our sport and tourism sectors,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The 111th Grey Cup will profile B.C. as a prime destination for sport hosting. We look forward to filling the stands at BC Place and inspiring fans to come, stay and visit again in the future.”

The free six-day 2024 Grey Cup Festival will include a full schedule of activities and entertainment for locals, visitors and sports fans of all ages, helping attract visitors to the province for the 111th Grey Cup and boosting the tourism economy. The festival will showcase B.C. entertainers and feature a family zone and street festival, Indigenous and cultural displays, e-sports and flag football tournaments, as well as activities to inspire the next generation of CFL players and football fans.

Additionally, the funding will support legacy initiatives to share the power of sport with people and communities throughout B.C. This legacy could include activities that promote football and increase participation in sports by people of all ages.

“Ensuring we make the most of high-profile sporting events, like the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, is one of the ways our government is working to draw more visitors to B.C. to build strong, prosperous communities in this province,” said Brenda Bailey, MLA, Vancouver-False Creek. “These types of marquee sporting events and their activities grow and help drive economic activity, supporting people and businesses as we continue to build a sustainable and inclusive economy that works for everyone.”

As Canada’s largest annual sporting event, the 111th Grey Cup is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to B.C. who will spend their dollars at local businesses, hotels, restaurants and attractions in Vancouver and throughout the province.

Written and released by: BC Government