EDMONTON – Downtown Edmonton was awash in green and gold on Tuesday, as thousands of people attended a rally to celebrate the Edmonton Eskimos winning the Grey Cup.
“This has been a magical ride,” said Coach Chris Jones. He thanked his players for sacrificing all they do. “You guys are the reason we put a championship back in this city. This team, we love this city, we love everything we’ve been able to accomplish here.”
“I told you guys we were going to bring it home,” smiled a clean-shaven Mike Reilly. “We’ve got the best staff in the league, in the world… I’ve got the best team-mates in the world,” the quarterback added.
The Eskimos were joined by Mayor Don Iveson at the fan rally from noon to 1 p.m. MST at Churchill Square outside City Hall. Len Rhodes, Jones and Brian Mason also spoke.
Each player took a turn hoisting the Grey Cup over their head while a crowd of about 2,000 people cheered them on.
Watch: Highlights from Eskimos’ Grey Cup rally
“If anyone asks ‘how does it feel to win a championship?’ This is how it feels,” said Rhodes to the packed square. “Edmonton I love you! Thank you!” He thanked the players for being champions on the field and off – helping out in the community year-round.
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“They are the best team in Canada,” yelled Mason. “In the best city in Canada… with the best fans in the world.”
Watch below: Four-year-old Eskimos fan pumped up during Grey Cup celebration
The Eskimos beat the Ottawa Redblacks 26-20 in Winnipeg on Sunday, to capture their 14th Grey Cup win. The last time the Esks won the Grey Cup was in 2005.
READ MORE: Edmonton Eskimos add to winning Grey Cup tradition after decade-long drought
Global News will be covering the rally live on air and on our website. Anchor Shaye Ganam and sports anchor Kevin Karius will provide live coverage from Churchill Square, and reporters Erin Chalmers and Quinn Ohler will be on the ground tweeting photos and gathering reaction from fans.
You can watch our livestream on this page, starting at noon MST.
WATCH: A party is slated for Tuesday to honour the 2015 Grey Cup Champions. Shallima Maharaj reports.
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