Grey Cup to Visit More Than 100 Communities This Fall

8/29/2012

TORONTO – The Grey Cup, which has inspired so many pilgrimages throughout its 100 year history, is embarking on its own this Fall.

On Friday September 7, the Grey Cup 100 Train Tour presented by RONA will officially kickoff its uniquely Canadian journey as it travels the country to visit more than 100 communities from coast to coast to coast.

Today, the CFL unveiled exactly where and when the Grey Cup 100 Train Tour may be pulling into a community near you.

“The historic Grey Cup trophy truly belongs to every Canadian,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. “And we are proud to be taking it from coast to coast to coast, bringing it to as many Canadians as possible,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon.  

Visit www.greycuptour.ca to view the schedule. Additional stops will be added in the coming weeks.

The Grey Cup 100 Train Tour presented by RONA will be stopping in all eight CFL cities - Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto and Montreal -- as well as Ottawa, the national capital and site of so much Canadian football history, Quebec City, Moncton and Halifax.

Some other highlights on the tour schedule include Newfoundland and Nunavut.

The Grey Cup will arrive in several cities aboard a specially retrofitted train that includes a car showcasing the trophy, a special museum car that captures its long and storied history, and a team car that celebrates the special place today's CFL teams have in their communities and the hearts of their fans across the country.

During the tour, the train will be surrounded by fun activities for families as well as pomp and ceremony.
Fans can have their photo taken with the Grey Cup and immediately share their pride via social media with family, friends and fellow fans.

The trophy will be transported by road to other cities and towns not directly accessible by rail, visiting schools, hospitals and community centres.

Donated by then Governor General Earl Grey in 1909, the Grey Cup has, like Canada, emerged from two World Wars, a Depression, and countless challenges and triumphs, to be stronger than ever.

"We are proud that the Grey Cup has for decades been the trophy awarded to the champions of our league," Cohon said.

"We are prouder still that it has become something even bigger than our game. It is a symbol of Canadian unity, of our ability to compete and come together at the same time. The Grey Cup is special. It's ours. And it's time to celebrate it -- and Canada."