The Hamilton Sports Group has unveiled their plans for this year’s Grey Cup Festival, which will run from November 13-19.
“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,” said Scott Mitchell, the CEO and managing partner of the Hamilton Sports Group, in a statement. “Today’s announcement is just the beginning. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing more and more details, including amazing opportunities to see great entertainers from the world of music and comedy.”
The festival’s hub will be centred on James Street, which will be closed to traffic between Barton Street and York Boulevard. The area will have live music, a collection of food trucks, the Hamilton Christmas Market, photo opportunities, and art installations.
Other events will include the Canadian Armed Forces Fan Zone at the John Weir Foote Armoury, Grey Cup Traditions at the Hamilton Convention Centre, and the Grey Cup Hamilton Santa Claus Parade.
“On behalf of the entire Canadian Football League, I want to congratulate Hamilton Sports Group and their partners on a plan for a festival that will be true to our game, authentically Hamilton, and fun for everyone,” said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The annual CFL awards show will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, located 75 kilometres southeast of the city. Following the show, guests will be welcomed to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino theatre for a live concert, though the performing act has not yet been announced.
A complimentary shuttle bus service to Grey Cup Fesitval events in Hamilton will be provided for fans staying in Niagara Falls hotels from Nov. 16-18. The service will also be available for game day on Sunday, Nov. 19.
“We are so proud to support the 2023 edition of the iconic Grey Cup Festival,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Bringing one of Canada’s greatest traditions and largest sporting competitions back to the Hamilton region will deliver substantial economic benefits for Ontario, support jobs and boost local tourism.”
The big game will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19 at Tim Hortons Field. Hamilton hosted the Grey Cup in 2021, though COVID-19 restrictions prevented the city from executing many of the events typically associated with the Grey Cup Festival.
