Montreal, Nov. 27, 2008 – With the event now come and gone, Montrealers are revelling in the success that was Grey Cup Week 2008.
Over 50,000 fans visited Place du Canada during the five days of festivities, enjoying many activities and shows in the great spirit of Grey Cup Week.
The village’s different pavilions, the Molson Ex Zone and Grey Cup Bistro were at full capacity throughout the week while the festivities’ three major events, the Legends Breakfast, the CFL Player Awards and Grey Cup Gala were all sold out.
“We’re proud we had the chance to share our “joie de vivre” with CFL fans from all over in a celebration that showed everybody Quebec really is nuts about football!” said 2008 Grey Cup Co-President Larry Smith.
The Grey Cup Village opened on Nov. 19 with a ceremony featuring Montreal mayor Gérald Tremblay, CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon and Mr. Smith in front of a full pavilion of fans, media and CFL alumni, launching five days of shows and entertainment for people of all ages.
Grey Cup fever was also felt at the ticket office as 66,308 spectators filled Olympic Stadium for the 96th edition of the championship game, marking the second largest crowd in Grey Cup history. Add that total to the 38,132 fans who attended the East Final, and the Big O hosted 104,440 spectators in a span of a week.
With over 20,000 CFL fans visiting, the economic spinoff for Montreal will be important for the business community, retailers and the city of Montreal.
In closing 2008 on a positive note, the 2008 Grey Cup Committee would like to thank the government of Quebec, the city of Montreal and its partners for their support and leadership in the success of this event.
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