The Canadian Football League has finally announced a halftime act for the 2021 Grey Cup in Hamilton, naming widely popular local rock band the Arkells as the intermission entertainment for the December 12 event.
The Arkells are widely considered one of the most passionate, exuberant and in-demand live bands. As radio mainstays, sports-sync shoe-ins and curious students of culture, Arkells have remained ever present — building awareness and personal community experiences around their live shows and new music.
The most emblematic example of this being The Rally which is the Arkells hometown concert in Hamilton that was hailed as one of the biggest headline shows in the country, and is slated to return in 2022.
“The point of our band has always been to bring people together,” said frontman Max Kerman. “Canadians from coast-to-coast will descend on Hamilton for this event, and millions across the country will be taking it in from home. After the challenges of the past 20 months, we’re honoured to be the band that gets music and sports fans back to singing and dancing.”
On the heels of three No. 1 singles, Arkells continue to unleash new music and tour dates as the band and their fans return to live in-person festivities. The Arkells anticipated new album BLINK ONCE is out now.
Around the greater Hamilton area, Arkells music is loved and it is a choice many fans around the Hammer are sure to cheer.
“Given our history with this city, venue and fanbase, this announcement may not come as a total surprise,” said Kerman. “We’re exceptionally proud to be the first homegrown act to headline their city’s Grey Cup halftime time show and we’ve got an incredible show in store.”
“After so many years of hearing Ticats are Hummin’ at Hamilton games, we’re beyond thrilled that Arkells are able to join us at Grey Cup,” added CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Their energy on the stage and the action on the field will make this a Grey Cup to remember for the thousands of fans in the stands and the millions watching at home.”
The 108th playing of the Grey Cup will take place at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton on Sunday, December 12. Beginning at 6 p.m. ET, the broadcast will air nationwide on TSN and RDS.
