Grey Cup Festival activities begin in Regina

Years of planning have finally culminated in the 2022 Grey Cup Kickoff Party.

Crystal Stus, the director of marketing with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, said Wednesday she’s eager to get fans in the door.

“We are well-staffed (and) well-equipped and we are so excited to host people from across the nation,” said Stus.

The Grey Cup Kickoff Party started Wednesday at 5 p.m., and runs until 10 p.m. at the International Trade Centre. The Grey Cup trophy will be on hand after a trip down Highway 11 from Saskatoon, and Regina musician Colin James will perform.

The Digital Zone, which sits just outside the doors to the Kickoff Party, features seven different activation sites.

Stus said it was a priority to include technology in the games.

“We wanted to introduce more people to the sport of football this year, and that was a nice way to mirror technology and sports,” said Stus.

One of the features at the Grey Cup Festival‘s Digital Zone at the International Trade Centre in Regina. (Gillian Massie/980 CJME)

The Digital Zone will feature activities like a V/R-cade, where you can throw dodgeballs with your friends through a VR set. There’s a “Pose with the Pros” photo booth where people can choose which CFL team to take a photo with and Field Goal Frenzy, a life-sized projection field-goal competition.

The NexGen Energy Street Festival is set for Thursday, and promises a winter wonderland with a 30-foot tube slide.

The Digital Zone, SaskPower Family Fair, Huddle in the Heartland, Gainers Heartland and a community stage are all free to the public, and will run Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

“We really wanted to make this festival appeal and inclusive for families, and people of all ages,” Stus said.

Team party rooms also are to begin Thursday, with tickets available for $104 to go to the rooms of all the teams at the REAL District. Riderville will be the largest party room, and will be equipped with a 100-foot-long super bar.