Winnipeg football fans got some big news Tuesday morning, as representatives of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Canadian Football League, and municipal and provincial officials formally announced that the 2025 Grey Cup game is coming to IG Field.
The game will be the first hosted in Winnipeg since 2015, and the city’s fifth time hosting overall, with previous championships also held in the Manitoba capital in 1991, 1998 and 2016 — although those three games were held at the now-demolished Winnipeg Stadium/Canad Inns Stadium.
The Bombers had previously put in a bid for the 2024 Grey Cup, although the B.C. Lions won that bid to host the game in Vancouver.
The province, which put down millions in a bid to land the game, says the event will generate more than $90 million in economic development.
“Manitoba is well-known for our ability to host major sports, entertainment and cultural events, including the successful staging of four prior Grey Cups,” said Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson.
“I am confident the 2025 Grey Cup festivities will boost our economy and showcase Manitoba as a destination-of-choice to live, visit and invest in.”
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said he’s excited the big game will return to his hometown.
“I’m thrilled for the city, the entire province of Manitoba and, of course, for all of our incredible fans across the country,” Ambrosie said.
“Hosting the Grey Cup is a tremendous honour, and I was blown away by the Blue Bombers’ plans to engage the community and put on an unforgettable celebration of our great game. I can’t wait to see it all unfold.”
With files from The Canadian Press