WINNIPEG — Ray Ratto had never been to a Grey Cup before, but after a week in Winnipeg concluded it’s counterpart south of the border has a lot to learn from the Canadian event. Tweeting on his way back to San Francisco, where he works as a columnist for CSN Bay area, “this is a worthwhile, even delightful week spent being reminded all the things the Super Bowl should be, and never will.”
This was a worthwhile, even delightful week spent being reminded all the things the Super Bowl should be, and never will.
— Ray Ratto (@RattoCSN) November 30, 2015Ratto has covered dozens of Super Bowls, and in 2016 his city will host the big game. So he pitched a trip to the Grey Cup to “see how the other half parties.”
He liked what he saw, telling Global News in an interview from California that some of the biggest differences were the parties, and the people.
“The Super Bowl is about two teams, and you don’t see fans from other teams gathering together,” Ratto said. “Maybe I would have to go to a few more Grey Cups to see more similarities, but I saw none. Which is all the good for Canada.”
The Grey Cup saw a six per cent increase in ratings this year, which must be a relief to the league where overall TV ratings this season are down. Last week the Canadian Football League released a new image and brand, and next week it’s website will see a new look, more accessible on a wide variety of platforms.
Christina Litz, Vice President of marketing for the league, says they’re looking to expand their audience by inviting them to not just experience the game, but the atmosphere of the CFL.
Last week, it hosted many firsts: One of the largest galas in league history, a red carpet for the players at the CFL awards, and a delivery by chopper for the Grey Cup to Investors Group Field.
“We’re just here to amplify that message and invite that next generation of fans into the tent,” Litz said.
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