Investing in championship games, helping create jobs and boosting local tourism
HAMILTON – The Ontario government is investing up to $3 million through the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster Program to support the return of the Canadian Football Leagues’ championship game to Hamilton. The funding includes $1.5 million for the 108th Grey Cup game on December 12 and $1.5 million for the 110th Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival in 2023. The investment will help support costs associated with hosting the games, create jobs, boost local tourism and have an overall positive economic impact on the province.
Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, was joined by Scott Mitchell, Chief Executive Office of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough—Glanbrook, and Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton, at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton to provide details about the announcement.
“Supporting iconic sport tourism events like the Grey Cup delivers substantial benefits, like new jobs, while stimulating both the local and provincial economies,” said Minister MacLeod. “It is exciting to welcome the championship back to the province twice in three seasons – to bring people together safely, showcase the Ontario spirit and give visitors a chance to experience all this province has to offer.”
The 108th and 110th Grey Cup games will be hosted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. In addition to the game, this funding will support traditional CFL media events, including the Grey Cup Arrival, CFL Awards, Head Coaches Conference and community events.
“The Grey Cup is this country’s largest annual sporting event and we’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to host such a prestigious Canadian tradition right here in Hamilton in both 2021 and 2023,” said Scott Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the Tiger-Cats. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Ontario government, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them and the rest of our partners and loyal CFL fans from across the country at Tim Hortons Field.”
“My hometown of Hamilton has been preparing for this year’s Grey Cup festivities for months and can’t wait to showcase its community pride to a national audience,” said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough—Glanbrook. “This investment will generate economic growth and deliver substantial benefits to Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe.”
The Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster program supports municipalities and organizations in Ontario to host large-scale events in Ontario. This support is part of an historic investment of nearly $50 million in Ontario’s festival and event sector through the Reconnect Festival and Event Program.
Quick Facts
- This year’s game is expected to feature a full-capacity audience at Tim Hortons Field, with every fan fully vaccinated. It will deliver the full Grey Cup game experience, including flyovers, and pre-game and half-time entertainment.
- The 108th Grey Cup is expected to reach an estimated 10 million viewers nationally.
- Every year, festivals and events support tens of thousands of jobs in Ontario and generate millions of dollars in revenue. According to past recipients of Celebrate Ontario funding, every $1 of provincial funding results in almost $21 of visitor spending.
- Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario – in 2018, the tourism industry supported more than 390,000 jobs and generated over $36 billion of economic activity for the province.
Quotes
“Hamilton is a growing community with boundless opportunities. We are thrilled to welcome the 2021 Grey Cup to Tim Hortons Field and are grateful to the Province for their generous investment. As we continue to build momentum post-pandemic, this investment will support economic growth and reinforce the possibilities for expansion throughout Hamilton. Home to local breweries, a dynamic food & beverage industry and a vibrant downtown core with shops and amenities, I look forward to welcoming fans from all over and invite them to explore all that Hamilton has to offer.”
– Fred Eisenberger
Mayor, City of Hamilton
“With its support for the 108th and 110th Grey Cups, Ontario is backing one of Canada’s greatest traditions and largest sporting events. But the government is also making a smart and strategic investment in tourism, hospitality and the economy. Studies have pegged the economic impact of all the activity from the Grey Cup game and surrounding events at between $80 million and $100 million. Ontario is recognizing that Grey Cup is more than great fun – it’s good business.”
– Randy Ambrosie
Commissioner of the Canadian Football League
Source Province of Ontario
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