Hamilton students get a day off to celebrate the Grey Cup
Students in Hamilton will have lots of time to celebrate the Grey Cup being held here in November, as the city’s public and Catholic school boards have both agreed to hold a PA Day on Nov. 17, the Friday before the big game.
The news came Tuesday, as Hamilton Sports Group unveiled its plans for the 2023 Grey Cup, which will be held Nov. 19 at Tim Hortons Field. It will mark the second time since 2021 that the Canadian Football League championship game will be held at the venue.
But in 2021, the CFL was just coming out of the global pandemic, which forced the league to cancel the 2020 campaign. Social-distancing protocols back then resulted in a drastically reduced Grey Cup festival.
This year, there will be over 40 events during Grey Cup week, from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19.
“Hamilton is the heart and soul of the 2023 Grey Cup Festival, which is our opportunity to show the country what makes our city so special,” Scott Mitchell, chief executive officer and managing partner of Hamilton Sports Group, said in a statement.
“Support from the Province of Ontario has paved the way for us to incorporate the accommodations and world-class entertainment facilities in Niagara — and to connect everything and everyone with free, safe and reliable shuttle services that will run from Niagara Falls to downtown Hamilton during the festival.”
Concerts, parties, flag football game planned
From Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, James Street North will be closed to vehicles between York Boulevard and Wilson Street, allowing people to access the John Weir Foote Armoury, a hub for several public events. There will be entertainment, free of charge, available for fans.
The Canadian Armed Forces Fan Zone at the Armoury will feature a specially constructed 35-yard turf football field, complete with stands and a scoreboard. It will host the Hamilton Flag Football Classic, a multi-day tournament run by Football Ontario.
Meanwhile, the Hamilton Convention Centre, FirstOntario Centre and Bridgeworks event space will also stage a number of team parties for all nine CFL teams, with TigerTown located at the FirstOntario Centre along with a concert series. The annual CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon will take place Nov. 17 at LiUNA Station, and – unsurprisingly to most Hamiltonians – the Stipley neighbourhood, near the stadium, will host a game day block party.
The Hamilton Santa Claus Parade has been moved to Nov. 18 to be part of the Grey Cup Festival.
“As Mayor, and as a lifelong fan, I’m so excited to see the Grey Cup return to Hamilton again this November,” said Andrea Horwath in the release. “I can’t wait to welcome football fans from across the country as we cheer on our teams to victory. Oskee Wee Wee – Go Ticats!”
