Vancouver to host 2014 Grey Cup
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Canadian Football League’s prize game, the Grey Cup, is heading back to B.C.
The CFL granted B.C. the championship contest after Winnipeg decided not to host the game due to construction of the new stadium.
Vancouver last held the Grey Cup Game and Festival in 2011, the last time the B.C. Lions won the league.
During the announcement Friday in Vancouver, the B.C. government said it would kick in $2.7-million for Vancouver to host the 2014 Grey Cup.
B.C. Premier Christy Clark said hosting the 2011 Grey Cup generated more than $100-million in economic activity, and she expects that number to jump to jump an additional $20 to $30-million this time around.
“On a $2-million investment that’s pretty good. This is a great sporting event,” said Clark, sporting a BC Lions jersey.
BC Lions owner David Bradley will contribute the rest of the cash. Bradley, who is also a Canadian senator and the owner of the Toronto Argonauts, will be responsible for all of the expenses – but get all the net profit too.
He believes the CFL big event will bring in $150-million in tourism revenue, mostly to hotels, bars and restaurants.
