Thousands turned out for a free Grey Cup celebration held in the city’s downtown core on Tuesday. Fans, city officials, and dignitaries turned out to celebrate the Calgary Stampeders, fresh from their 20-16 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at B.C. Place on Sunday.
The rally was held at Municipal Plaza and Olympic Plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
One Calgary Stampeder Outrider said, “The Calgary Stampeders couldn’t have done this without their fans, our fans are so loyal and I get to see them every home game at McMahon Stadium and they’re loud and they’re proud and even in Vancouver this weekend there was a whole bunch, I’m going to say 25,000 people cheering for the Calgary Stampeders.” Brad from the Grey Cup Committee was in also attendance.
“We were out there for the full 5-6 days, put on the pancake breakfast… then we did a visit to a school too and did the parade on Saturday, fantastic time, Vancouver put on a good show.”
Calgarians who attended the event were able to listen to players and coaches reflect on the season and their championship game. Attendees were asked to wear red and white to support the team and bring a non-perishable food donation for the Calgary Food Bank. Calgary Stampeder Running Back Rob Cote spoke with Global’s Leslie Horton at the rally.
“We had a blast, couldn’t be prouder of these guys.”
The Calgary Stampeders were welcomed by Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi who proclaimed December 2nd as Calgary Stampeders Day and led the crowd in a cheer.
“We want the people in Hamilton, we want the people in the other seven CFL cities to hear us in the biggest Calgary Yahoo you can imagine, on three, one, two, three, Yahoo, congratulations folks!”
Head Coach John Hufnagel made a point of thanking the fans.
“I want to say thanks to all of our Stampeder fans, thank you for your support throughout the year but especially two weeks ago at the Western Final in McMahon Stadium, you came out in force, you were active, you were loud and you definitely were a factor in helping us win that football game.”
At the end of the rally, players signed autographs and took turns hoisting the Grey Cup as fans cheered on the 2014 Grey Cup Champions.
WATCH ABOVE: as Head Coach John Hufnagel addresses fans at Stampeders Grey Cup rally.
WATCH ABOVE: as Mayor Nenshi, and Calgary Stampeders’ Jon Cornish and Bo Levi Mitchell chat with Leslie Horton after Grey Cup victory rally.
WATCH ABOVE: Calgary Stampeders’ Bo Levi Mitchell and Jon Cornish address the fans at the Grey Cup rally.
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