The CFL’s two Alberta-based franchises are set to clash on Saturday in the rematch of their Labour Day Classic rivalry, but it appears they are also locked in a battle off the field.
According to a report from play-by-play man Mark Stephens, the Calgary Stampeders have submitted a bid to host the 2026 Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium. The news comes after a representative of 3DownNation in attendance confirmed that new Edmonton Elks’ owner Larry Thompson told the crowd at a fan event on Wednesday night that his team was also launching a bid for the event at Commonwealth Stadium.
It is unclear at this time whether there are other teams in contention for the event.
McMahon Stadium last hosted a Grey Cup in 2019, when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Commonwealth hosted the event the year prior, as the Stampeders beat the Ottawa Redblacks.
Both stadiums have been criticized for being out of date and in need of significant renovations. Each venue has hosted the CFL championship game five times since their construction.
The 2024 Grey Cup is set to be played at BC Place in Vancouver, while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will host the game at Princess Auto Stadium in 2025. An announcement on the 2026 venue is expected later this fall.
