The Tradition
Grey Cup Game
The very first Grey Cup Championship game was played on December 4th, 1909 in Toronto, Ontario. The University of Toronto Varsity Blues faced off against the Parkdale Canoe Club in front of a crowd of 3,800 fans. Despite their win, the Varsity Blues weren’t presented with the sterling silver chalice until it was completed in March 1910. Now, more than a century later, the Grey Cup Championship has become one of the most anticipated and enjoyed annual events in all of Canada. It brings fans from all around the country together for a single purpose – to cheer on our teams, our league and our country.
Grey Cup Festival
The Grey Cup Festival surrounding the championship found its start in 1948. That year marked the Calgary Stampeders’ first appearance in the Grey Cup, and hundreds of Stampeders fans made the journey to Toronto to see their team compete for the cup. Countless horse-drawn wagons rolled into the city, bringing a sea of Calgary fans that were jubilant their team had made it to the championship. In the spirit of community, the Calgary fans shared one of their traditions with the Torontonians – they organized a massive pancake breakfast to share with the hosting team’s fans. There it was, the humble beginnings of what would come to be known as the Grey Cup Festival. More than 60 years later, what began as a small gesture of good will has grown into an annual celebration of the entire CFL, its fans, and the incredible community within this great nation that we call home.