A rogue, unsanctioned and awesome party guide to the epic madness of the CFL Championship
0.1 THE INTRODUCTION TO PRAIRIE DOG’S UNOFFICIAL GREY CUP MANUAL
Some people probably don’t realize it, but there’s a Grey Cup game every year in this country! The reason folks aren’t more aware is probably because the game is held in a different city every year. Sometimes it’s in Toronto, sometimes it’s in Vancouver, then it’ll be in Toronto again, and then back to Vancouver. Maybe it goes to other cities, too, but who cares about that. This year it’s in Regina! And hopefully, this helpful manual will meet all your Regina Grey Cup information needs!
0.2 DISCLAIMER/WARNING
Prairie Dog’s Unofficial Grey Cup Manual was made by writers who, with a couple of exceptions, know jack shit about the CFL. This magazine is not responsible for any shame, embarrassment or violence that occurs as a result of applying the information in casual conversation.
1.0 WHAT ARE THIS “FOOT’S BALL”?
Football is the world’s most popular team sport. During what is called a “football match”, two teams of players move a ball up and down a field, attempting to knock it into the opposing team’s “net”. Players may contact the ball with their legs, hips, heads, ass, testicles and other body parts, but they’re not allowed to use their arms and hands… hang on, I’ve just been told the Grey Cup is the championship game of a sport called American football.
Well then, what the hell do we call real football?
Soccer?
Really?
What the fuck. /Stephen Whitworth
1.1 FOOTBALL EXPLAINED BY A VISUAL ARTIST
Recently, it occurred to me that by ignoring football, I’m excluding myself from a big part of what makes up Saskatchewan’s culture. Besides, I know plenty of people who casually follow the sport and don’t let it take over their lives.
With the Grey Cup upon us, maybe, I thought, I should just take the stick out of my ass and try to take an interest — or at least learn the basic rules of the game.
So I went to the library and took out a few books. My guides: Play It Like A Pro: Football by Bryant Lloyd (a nom de plume if I ever saw one), and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Football (which seemed appropriate).
Just as I was about to start cramming, I heard about an event at the Dunlop Art Gallery on Nov. 19. Jefferson Little’s Football 101 is a guide for the clueless to understanding and appreciating the game.
Little is in a good position to bridge the two solitudes — jocks and eggheads — as he played football and other sports when he was younger, and he’s also an artist who contributed to the Dunlop’s 2010 Green Is The Colour show commemorating the Roughriders’ 100th anniversary.
It doesn’t hurt that Little is also a teacher at Thom Collegiate, so he’s used to walking people through tough lessons.
I spoke to Little recently about his event and the sport itself.
So how is this session going to go down?
I’ll discuss the rules and procedures of football for the first 35 minutes or so. I will then work in the idea of mark-making — the X’s and O’s of the game and how this translates to action on the field. I will have hand stamps made to allow participants to become familiar with patterns and plays, but also use them as a means to be creative themselves. This will be in the form of a work on paper, so participants will have an opportunity to come away from the event with something they created themselves.
So, you’re assuming that people attending this event are starting from little to no knowledge?
Yeah. I mean, I don’t want to say it’s “football for dummies”. But it’s football for artsies.”
Why do you think there’s such a divide between arts and sports?
I don’t have a simple answer for that. I mean, it’s a violent thing and there’s dudes getting hurt out there — and boy, is it exciting when we win. I don’t know how to reconcile all those feelings as a thinking man. But, maybe it’s a kind of bizarre sense of community that sport culture kind of brings together. I appreciate it and have history with it. I don’t watch it to see people get hurt or big hits, but the dramatic sense of timing between two players. At its best, it’s a game of timing, the ebb and flow of the game.
If you’re new to the game, it’s almost impossible to follow. It’s not like soccer, where the ball is pretty much always in play, and you’re just supposed to get it in the net. In football, the action stops and starts, and a lot depends on where you’re throwing from or where you’re tackled or whatever. And there are yard lines. It’s so complicated! I recently learned that the Canadian field longer than the American one.
Oh, you could do a whole class on comparisons between the American game and Canadian game — because their field is more narrow, so everyone is pushed into the middle a little bit more. But they have one less guy on the field. So, we’ve got a wider field, more guys, a bigger football and colder fans.
Ultimately what do you hope people will take away from this?
I’m hoping to, in some artful way, draw attention to the history behind this teamwork, and what are the marks that we make to communicate teamwork and success, and to appreciate those nuances. I just want to get to the core of the game. /Vanda Schmöckel
Football 101 for Artists and other Beginners is at the Dunlop Art Gallery on Nov. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m.
1.1.2 FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
Pssst! Hey you! Anxious about attending Grey Cup parties without a clue about what’s going on? Just clip and save this handy cheat sheet, and keep it in your back pocket. *Gleaned from reliable information off the internet.
Quarterback: throws the ball.
Running back: carries the ball.
Wide receiver: catches passes.
Tight end: Catches passes and blocks other players.
Linebacker: Huge and mean.
Defensive back: Last hope.
Down: A play or move, usually pretty short-lived. It’s this kind of staccato movement that, for outsiders, makes watching football about as exciting as watching a chess game.
Line of Scrimmage: Where the ball is placed when a down begins.
Touchdown: This is very good. The most points you can score at one time (worth six points).
Conversion: It’s complicated.
Field Goal: Boot the ball between the thingies (worth three points).
Safety: It’s really complicated.
Overtime: In Canadian football, if the game is tied, each team gets an equal number of shots at breaking the tie. A good time to go find your car in the parking lot. /Vanda Schmöckel
1.2 RIDER FAN FORUM: THE GREY CUP EDITION
Following the East and West semi-finals on Nov. 10, the list of Grey Cup contenders has been whittled to four. In the East, the Toronto Argonauts host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East final on Nov. 17. Later that day, the Calgary Stampeders entertain the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West final. The winners advance to the Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium on Nov. 24.
To get everyone primed for those games, and Grey Cup week to follow, we’re joined by Dog Blog commentators Cal Corduroy, Earl Camembert and Ron Mexico who are making their first appearance in the print edition of this esteemed rag.
For the first time in a long time, Toronto is healthy. But Hamilton took two of three from them this season. Who do you like in the East final?
RM: Toronto… no question. Not only for the reason you mention (health), but because they are by far the best team in the East, and perhaps the best-coached team in the league.
EC: I’m writing this after freezing my ass off in the West semi-. I went thru $50 of Hot Shots in that game. The East semi- was a total boner. I swear Guelph must have the worst weather in Canada. Every time I watched a game from there it was either pouring rain, windier than hell, or both. I don’t think I picked Hamilton right once this year, but I thought they were better than Montreal. Toronto QB Ricky Ray will be too much for Hamilton in the East final though.
CC: Toronto….God, I hope. I couldn’t handle that dipshit Henry [Hamilton QB Burris] being in the Cup.
What about the West final? Calgary lost some key players to injury late in the season, and coming off a bye week could be rusty. The Riders, meanwhile, have some momentum after their hard-fought win over the Lions at frigid Mosaic Stadium.
RM: As much as I am a Rider fan, I’m afraid this will be their last game. They limped through the second half of the season, and don’t seem overly composed to me. I know that’s an outsider perspective, but there seems to be blow-ups on the sidelines (coaches vs. players) and on the field (meltdowns and roughing penalties). Calgary’s line will continue to open holes for Jon Cornish, and the rest of the team will do enough to win.
EC: Darian Durant shut me up in the West semi. I was really critical of him in the first half, but he completely took the game over in the fourth quarter and almost single-handedly won it. In the final I think Calgary’s luck is going to run out. Too many injuries. Too many assholes, most notably their coach. Anyway, you can’t have a QB carousel going like they do and not have it catch up to you eventually. This is the week it does.
CC: If it was based on dicks on the team, Calgary would win by a landslide. Unfortunately, the dick-meter is not the gauge for winning. Riders beat the Stamps in a cold one.
Since this issue hits the streets before the division finals, you’ll have to peer into your crystal balls to forecast a Grey Cup outcome. But assuming the finals play out as you expect, who do you like?
RM: Should be a real tight game. I’ll assume it will be wicked cold, and that will favour Calgary. I’ll say Calgary over Toronto in a close one.
EC: I think the Riders will be there. If they are, it’ll be crazy here that week. And if they are, they’ll win. If Calgary gets there, they can suck my ass. Toronto blows them out.
CC: Mayhem in Riderville. Tough call as Ricky Ray usually singes the Riders. Cold weather in the Riders favour. Riders hold a Grey Cup victory parade and invite the asshole Stamps to pull the floats, with Henry wearing his bra as parade marshallette. /Gregory Beatty
2.0 TROUBLESHOOTING & SURVIVAL GUIDE
Planning for the Grey Cup probably began the moment the announcement was made back in October 2011 that the game would be held in Regina in 2013. Now, Grey Cup Week is almost here. And all that planning is about to pay off — at least, we hope it will. What could wrong with the 101st Grey Cup? Well, we’re no psychics. But here’s some things to troubleshoot for. /Gregory Beatty
2.1 WEATHER
Best case scenario: game day is mild, with temps creeping above zero degrees C in the afternoon, light winds, and no snow. Worst case scenario: visit YouTube and type “1970 western final” into the search box. The first clip is especially instructive, with a parka-clad Ernie Afaganis welcoming TV viewers to Taylor Field for the deciding game of the best of three West final between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders. I was at that heartbreaker of a game with my mom and aunt. It was held on Nov. 22, and ended with Larry Robinson booting a last-play field goal in a bloody blizzard to give the Stamps a 15-14 win. Holy shit was it cold!
So far this fall, the weather’s been decent. So hopefully that trend will hold until after Grey Cup. In case it doesn’t, here’s some tips. First off, for out-of-towners who may be unfamiliar with the concept of wind-chill in a Saskatchewan context, let me assure you that it’s a vital meteorological stat. When you get a stiff wind blowing out of the north or east at this time of the year, it can feel like you’re in a knife-fight with Doc Ock (the classic multi-armed version, not the current incarnation that’s hilariously possessed Peter Parker). Second, dress in layers, starting with a cozy pair of thermal underwear. Make sure your head is covered too — I find a toque/hood combination works well. And if it’s especially frigid, get some HotShots to keep your extremities free of frost-bite. /Gregory Beatty
2.1.1 WEATHER VS. CLOTHING
The Grey Cup is coming! End of the month, I’m told, though I really try hard to pay no attention. Why anyone would attempt to put on any event outdoors in November, in Saskatchewan, is beyond me. Tricky business, weather is, and Saskatchewan’s weather is trickier than most. So for those brave souls from out of province, traveling here for the roll-of-the-dice experience the end of November promises to be, a few helpful tips about surviving outdoor Saskatchewan, in downtown Regina.
LAYERS. LOTS AND LOTS OF LAYERS Yes, I know Greg just said this. I’m saying it again. Preferably cotton, then wool, then cotton again and wool, then, maybe more cotton/wool topped off with something the wind cannot penetrate. Like tinfoil or vinyl. I hear those plastic tarps work very well, with the added bonus of them coming in green! Festive! Don’t worry about moisture getting trapped inside. Your body heat will turn it into a sauna, and most of us need to lose a few pounds anyway.
HEAD PROTECTION Usually a full face ski mask, with extra material around the nose area topped off with some sort of down filled toque again with a wind proof covering. This is where the tarp can do double duty. In addition, ear muffs are highly recommended. For those that need better instructions: ski mask first, then ear muffs, then toque. That way the toque holds the ear muffs in place.
GLOVES You’ll need to start again with layered protection. Those polyester-knit gloves fit fairly snugly, so when you pull the ski-doo mitts over top of them, they won’t bunch up too much. It kinda goes without saying that you’ll need to choose a beverage container that works well with limited finger accessibility. Plus, those toxic chemical hand warmers are a must!
FINALLY, YOUR FEET Layers again win the day, with cotton socks, then wool socks, followed again by… well you can see where this is going. The soles of your winter boots should be a minimum of two inches of solid rubber, preferably with snow tire tread patterns, maybe some studs just for safety’s sake. You don’t want the cold from the aluminum stands to travel through your boots into your feet. Those toxic hand warmers also come in a foot configuration, so take advantage of that. In addition, a three or four inch foam pad to sit on would probably be a good idea as well.
This, plus copious amounts of alcohol and junk food, will make your stay at Mosaic Stadium MUCH more pleasant. Me? I’m staying at home. /Darrol Hofmeister
2.2 TRANSPORTATION
You can find a complete list of Grey Cup events elsewhere in this guide. The bulk are being held in beautiful downtown Regina and at Evraz Place. To help you move between the two locations, free shuttle bus service is available Nov. 20-24. Taxis are another option. But even on a normal Regina weekend, cabs can be in short supply. So at peak periods during Grey Cup Week expect lengthy wait times. As for public transit, weekdays after 9 p.m. there’s once an hour service on routes that meander a fair bit, and service ends at midnight; and Sundays there’s once an hour service between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.… SO BE FOREWARNED. Although on game day there will be shuttles running from suburban malls to deliver fans to Mosaic Stadium and back out again.
Driving is also an option — just make sure you have a designated driver so everyone gets home safe. /Gregory Beatty
2.3 BOOZE SHORTAGE
It was Globe & Mail sports columnist Dick Beddoes who first described the Grey Cup as the Grand National Drunk. That was back in the day, of course, and hardcore boozing isn’t quite as socially acceptable as it once was. Alcohol remains an integral part of the Grey Cup, though. And with thousands of football fans descending on Regina from all parts of Canada, suppose the unthinkable happens and the various venues that are hosting Grey Cup parties run out of booze? To avert that calamity the savvy fan will ensure their larder is well-stocked. So wherever you’re staying in the city, make sure you scout out the nearest liquor store and after-hours off-sale. /Gregory Beatty
2.4 GIANT GOPHERS
Gophers are genetically distinct from our namesake the prairie dog, and Saskatchewan is crawling with them. Most are run-of-the-mill rodents. But should you happen to see a six-foot gopher wandering around, don’t automatically assume you’re suffering from alcohol-induced hallucinations and swear off drinking for the rest of Grey Cup. As veteran CFL fans know, the Riders have a mascot called Gainer the Gopher who is actually a dude dressed in a gopher costume. Aside from his extra-large size, Gainer can be distinguished from regular gophers by his #13 Rider jersey. Although like real gophers, Gainer doesn’t wear pants. So if you see a giant gopher wandering around in pants stop drinking immediately and get to a hospital.
2.5 GRUMPY RIDER FANS
For two Grey Cups in a row now, the host team has not only played in the big game, they’ve won it. And from day one of training camp this year Rider fans have been hoping and praying that their beloved team would follow in the cleats of the B.C. Lions in 2011 and the Toronto Argonauts in 2012 and reach the Grey Cup as the host team.
Twice before the Riders have hosted the Grey Cup. In 1995, they finished out of the playoffs with a 6W-12L record so fans’ hopes that the Green & White would play at home in the Grey Cup were dashed long before the regular season ended. In 2003, the Riders made the playoffs with an 11W-7L record. They then beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 37-21 in the West semi-final to advance to the West final against the Edmonton Eskimos where they lost 30-23. While close on the scoreboard, the game was a blowout, with the Esks building a 30-2 fourth quarter lead before the Riders scored three late TDs. So Rider Nation had a good half of football to reconcile itself to the fact the Green & White wouldn’t be playing in the Grey Cup.
If the Riders defy the odds on Nov. 17 and upend the Calgary Stampeders fans will be deliriously happy. If they end up losing, though, especially in the last minute like they did on Oct. 26 or in the West semi-final last year, Rider Nation will be devastated. And if fans of other CFL teams, especially those from Cowtown and whoever ends up representing the East, do too much trash-talking things could get UGLY.
/Gregory Beatty
2.6 SUPERSTITIOUS RIDER FANS
The Riders “boast” a mind-bogglingly pathetic .166 winning percentage with three victories in 18 Grey Cup appearances. To reverse a curse of that magnitude, desperate fans might feel that desperate measures are called for — like, say, kidnapping a rival fan or actual opposition player and sacrificing them at mid-field at Mosaic Stadium on Grey Cup eve. Talk about a black eye for Rider Nation. Grey Cup organizers, along with the Regina Police Service, need to ensure that doesn’t happen./Gregory Beatty
2.7 HOTEL SHORTAGE
With Regina’s population growing by leaps and bounds, at least as far as historical norms go, the city has long suffered from a shortage of affordable housing and rental accommodation. Our hotel capacity isn’t the best, either. Some new hotels are in the works, but not all of them will be ready in time for Grey Cup. So if you’re arriving in the city for the celebration, hopefully you’ve locked down a place to grab a few hours of shut-eye and have a quick shower before heading out for another day of festivities. Otherwise, you’ll pretty much have to party 24/7 to avoid succumbing to the elements. /Gregory Beatty
2.8 SMART PHONES
Most trouble-shooting guides usually have a list of numbers to call in case of emergency. But most people have smart phones now that literally put the world at their fingertips. Still, there may the odd person out there who doesn’t have a smart phone. Or something unexpected could happen and someone could be left without a working phone. So here’s some info to keep handy. Remember to dial 306 on local calls too as Saskatchewan recently introduced a second area code (639) to account for our growing population. And yes, for out-of-provincers, we have emergency 911 service just like you do at home. /Gregory Beatty
2.9 TAXI
Co-op: 306-525-2727
Capital: 306-791-2222
Regina Cabs: 306-543-3333
Premiere: 306-535-9394
Designated Driver Service: First Choice 306-535-9394
Regina Transit Info Line: 306-777-7433
Saskatchewan healthline: 811
2.10 HOSPITALS
Pasqua 4101 Dewdney Ave. 306-766-2222
General 1400 14th Ave. 306-766-4444
2.11 HOTEL
We don’t know where you’re staying, you goof. Look it up yourself.
2.12 THE UNKNOWN
What else could possibly go wrong? Plenty, I suppose. But if there’s one thing Regina knows how to throw, it’s a football related party. Back in the early ‘90s, after all, the CFL was in the doldrums. It wasn’t the only factor in the turnaround the league enjoyed, but the Grey Cup that was held here in 1995 helped revive interest in the game and its traditions. Realistically, though, you can pretty much guarantee things won’t run 100-per cent perfectly during Grey Cup Week. But that’s the magic of life. So let’s all get out there and enjoy a great week of football and community, okay? /Gregory Beatty
3.1 FOOD & DRINK
In addition to our annual Best of Regina readers’ poll, we do a Best of Food every spring where our readers vote on their favourite restaurants and pubs. If you’re in town for Grey Cup, here’s some of their recommendations:
BEST BBQ: Jack Keaton’s (5650 Rochdale Blvd. 306-522-7227)
BEST BEER MENU: Beer Bros. (1801 Scarth St. 306-586-2237)
BEST RESTAURANT: LaBodega (2228 Albert St. 306-546-3660)
BEST BREWPUB & PUB FOOD: Bushwakker (2206 Dewdney Ave. 306-359-7276);
BEST CHEF: Flip (1970 Hamilton St. 306-205-8345)
BEST CHINESE: Peking House (1850 Rose St. 306-757-3038)
BEST COFFEE SHOP: Atlantis (1992 Hamilton St. 306-565-2213)
BEST FAST FOOD: Burger Baron (681 Albert St. 306-522-0323; 2830 Quance St. 306-522-0360)
BEST INDIAN: Flavours of India (305 Victoria Ave. 306-757-5353)
BEST LUXURY DATE: Willow on Wascana (3000 Wascana 306-585-3663)
BEST PIZZA & TAKE-OUT/DELIVERY: Copper Kettle (1953 Scarth St. 306-525-3545)
BEST SANDWICH: Italian Star Deli (1611 Victoria Ave. 306-757-6733)
BEST SUSHI: Michi (1943 Scarth St. 306-565-0141)
BEST THAI: Siam (1946 Hamilton St. 306-352-8424)
BEST VEGETARIAN: 13th Ave. Coffeehouse (3136 13th Ave. 306-522-3111)
BEST WICKED BENDER: O’Hanlon’s (1947 Scarth St. 306-566-4094)
BEST WINGS: Bonzzini’s (4634 Albert St. 306-586-3553)
OTHER FAVOURITES
Afghan Cuisine (832 Albert St. 306-949-0800)
Birmingham’s (2635 E. Starlite St. 306-546-3647)
Caraway Grill Indian Bistro (1625 Broad Street 306-522-4243)
Cathedral Village Freehouse (2062 Albert St. 306-359-1661)
Creekside Pub (3125 Eastgate Dr. 306-721-2739)
Fireside Bistro (2305 Smith St. 306-761-2305)
Juliana Pizza (5064 4th Ave. 306-543-1221)
King’s Head Tavern (433 Albert St. N 306-949-2633)
Last Straw Brewpub (127 Albert St. N 306-543-3331)
Lancaster Taphouse (2529 Gordon Rd. 306-570-2323)
Plum Garden (4355 Albert St. 306-337-2889)
3.2 ABOUT THOSE PEOPLE WHO GET YOU FOOD & BOOZE
LISTEN UP. During the Grey Cup, there will be a massive increase in dining, imbibing and other indulging. The local establishments will do their part to keep the town fed and watered, but don’t forget: THIS IS A TWO WAY STREET. There are rules, guidelines and things you just need to keep in mind. Such as:
1.) PLEASE BE PATIENT If you waited in line to get in, then the place is packed. The staff are working their butts off so you can get in and out. WE ALL WANT THE SAME THINGS. Large parties and big groups; be understanding. You may wait longer for seating, you may not all be able to sit together, and you may not receive separate checks. I’m sorry.
2.) ALWAYS HAVE YOUR ID ON YOU Wedding rings, facial hair, a sense of entitlement, etc. do not count as government issued identification, and are not going to get you served alcohol. Don’t be surprised or offended when we ask for it.
3.) DON’T BE A JERK WHEN YOU SIT DOWN Pick a table that is appropriately sized to accommodate your party. Two people at a table for 10 is selfish and ignorant.
4.) HOLLERING DON’T DO IT! No whistling, no snapping, no grabbing, no sexual harassment, and no my name is not “Bro” or “Babe”.
5.) WHAAAT DO YOU WAAANT??? Know your order. Feel free to ask questions, but have some sort of idea what you want. I am not telepathic, and I probably have a lot of other tables to get to.
6.) ANTICIPATE YOUR NEEDS Order rounds of drinks, not just one at a time. If the server is at the table and you will need a drink in the next 10 minutes, order. Avoid over complicating your order.
7.) CASH IS KING Always have cash or be prepared to throw down a card for that tab. NO DEBIT AT THE BAR!
8.) TIPPING Industry average is 20 per cent. There are a slew of folks (cooks, bartenders, bussers, hosts, dishwashers) that get a portion of this tip. Good service should be rewarded — and so will good tipping. WINK! No, not that kind of wink, you idiot. Don’t be gross.
9.) BE NICE, GOD DAMMIT All jokes aside, the nicer you are to a server, the better your service will be. If a server likes you, strings can be pulled. It’s not all about money… being polite gets you a long way. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. With all that in mind, have fun. Be safe. Don’t drink and drive. Tip your cabby. Peace.
This concerned message was brought you by two anonymous local servers.
3.3 DRUGS AND SEX
We’ve seen this stuff in movies but they don’t happen in Regina. Feeling lonely? Jonesing for some “mary jane”? Go to church and pray, sinner. /Everyone
4.0 FESTIVE FUN FOR FOOTBALL FANS
Here’s a breakdown of football-themed happenings in Regina during the run-up to the Grey Cup. Official events are marked with an asterisk, and more details and ticket info can be found by visiting 101greycupfestival.ca. Accredited volunteers will also be on duty at all the official events to answer any questions you may have.
/Gregory Beatty
4.1 ONGOING EVENTS
SPECTATE Grey Cup-themed art exhibit by Belinda Kriek that explores the passion of CFL fans. MacKenzie Art Gallery (3475 Albert St.). (Until Dec. 1.)
COUNTDOWN TO THE GREY CUP: A SALUTE TO THE 1966, 1989 & 2007 CHAMPS The Saskatchewan Roughriders have been around since 1910. In that time, they’ve won a grand total of three Grey Cups. This exhibit celebrates those triumphs. Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (2205 Victoria Ave.). (Runs until Dec. 31. Adults $5, Students $2, Families $10.)
4.2 DAILY EVENTS
NOVEMBER 17
CELEBRATE GREY CUP! Family-friendly celebration of football as a sport and cultural activity in Saskatchewan. Central Library (2311 12th Ave.). (2-3:30 p.m., register at 306-777-6030.)
NOVEMBER 20
OPENING CEREMONY* Kick-off celebration with live entertainment and greetings from dignitaries. Mosaic Festival Village at City Square Plaza. (Noon-2 p.m.)
TELUS STREET FESTIVAL* Includes interactive displays and live entertainment for the entire family. Mosaic Festival Village at F.W. Hill Mall. (Nov. 20-23.)
NISSAN FAMILY ZONE* Family friendly festival of winter activities and carnival fun. Mosaic Festival Village at City Square Plaza. (Nov. 20-23.)
MOSAIC UNDERGROUND TENT* Live entertainment, contests and personal appearances by CFL luminaries. Mosaic Festival Village at City Square Plaza. (Nov. 20-23.)
RIDERVILLE*Fan party hosted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders with live entertainment and mucho revelry. Credit Union EventPlex, Evraz Place. (Nov. 20-24.)
RIDERGIRL Written and performed by Ottawa-based, Saskatchewan-born Colleen Sutton, this fringe play uses football as a metaphor for life. Artesian (2627 13th Ave.). (Nov. 20-23, 7 p.m. $25 advance, $30 door.)
VARSITY STADIUM Using a clip from the first football game televised in Canada, the 1950 “Mud Bowl”, Ontario artist Aubrey Reeves creates a short animation and flipbook to commemorate her grandfather’s participation in the game. Central Library (2311 12th Ave.). (Nov. 20-24.)
GREY CUP MEMORY ZONE Wall display of favourite Grey Cup memories submitted by CFL fans. Central Library (2311 12th Ave.). (Nov. 20-24.)
NOVEMBER 21
GIBSON’S FINEST CFL PLAYER AWARDS* Hosted by Brent Butt and Glen Suitor, with CFL stars and alumni in attendance and award presentations in six categories. Conexus Arts Centre (200A Lakeshore Dr.). (6:30-9 p.m.)
LEADER-POST PLAYER AWARDS POST-PARTY* Opportunity to mingle with CFL stars and alumni. Conexus Arts Centre (200A Lakeshore Dr.). (6:30-11 p.m.)
CFL TEAM HOSPITALITY ROOMS* Fan parties hosted by various CFL teams, with access to all the shenanigans and debauchery via a Team Party Pass. Includes the Lion’s Den, Tiger Town, Atlantic Schooners Down East Kitchen Party and more. Co-operator’s Centre, Evraz Place. (Nov. 20-23.)
HEDLEY* Presented as part of the Molson Canadian Live Champion’s Concert Series with The Reason and Thee Attack. Brandt Centre, Evraz Place. (8 p.m. $51-$82.)
NOVEMBER 22
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS Hosted by broadcaster Rod Pedersen, with guests George Reed, Marcus and Damon Allen and more. Casino Regina Lounge (1880 Saskatchewan Dr.). (8:15 a.m. $25.)
CFLAA LEGENDS LUNCHEON*Hosted by SaskLotteries, with CFL alumni in attendance and a Grey Cup photo op available to attendees. Also includes the presentation of the Alumni of the Year award to co-recipients George Reed and Carm Carteri. Queensbury Convention Centre, Evraz Place. (Noon-2 p.m.)
CANADIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PARTY* Includes the official announcement of 2014 inductees, with proceeds going to support the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013.Travelodge Hotel (4177 Albert St.). (7-11 p.m.)
CATHEDRAL AREA FOOTBALL PARTY Includes live music with Billy Hughes & the Double Down and a silent auction. Cathedral Community Centre (2900 13thAve.) (7:30-11:30 p.m. $10.)
BARENAKED LADIES* Presented as part of the Molson Canadian Live Champion’s Concert Series with The Waltons and The Minnow. Brandt Centre, Evraz Place. (8 p.m. $37-$67.75.)
NOVEMBER 23
SAFEWAY GREY CUP PARADE* Celebration of Canadian football and seasonal spirit, with floats, marching bands and more. Route runs north on Albert St. from the Saskatchewan Legislature to Dewdney Ave. (9:30-11:30 a.m.)
CHEER EXTRAVAGANZA* Friendly competition between CFL cheer teams. Nissan Family Zone at City Square Plaza (2 p.m.)
SCOTIABANK GALA — TASTE OF THE NATION* Hosted by Brent Butt, with entertainment by Serena Ryder, Duo Lumix and Silk. Casino Regina Lounge (1880 Saskatchewan Dr.) and Delta Hotel (1919 Saskatchewan Dr.). (5-11:30 p.m.)
BIG & RICH* Presented as part of the Molson Canadian Live Champion’s Concert Series with Brett Kissel and Codie Prevost. Brandt Centre, Evraz Place. (8 p.m. $51-$77.75.)
GREGG ZAUN’S GREY CUP BASH Includes performances by Dallas Smith and Cash Crawford. The Exchange (2431 8th Ave.) (Doors at 8 p.m., tickets $100 advance and $125 door, with proceeds to support the Gregg Zaun Foundation.)
NOVEMBER 24
PRE-GAME PARTY* Features a performance by Juno Award-winning Saskatoon retro-rockers the Sheepdogs with opening act One Bad Son. Credit Union EventPlex, Evraz Place. (Noon-5 p.m., $33.)
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF* Features food, drink and entertainment in a tail-gate party environment. Queensbury Convention Centre, Evraz Place. (Noon-5 p.m.)
SUN LIFE FAN MARCH* Starting at the Hotel Saskatchewan (2125 Victoria Ave.), fans parade through the downtown with the Grey Cup in tow, picking up other fans along the way and proceeding to Mosaic Stadium for the game. Downtown Regina. (1:30 p.m.)
PRACTICE FIELD PARTY* Family friendly re-creation of the downtown Mosaic Festival Village in preparation for the game. Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field. (2-5 p.m.)
101ST GREY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP* Battle for CFL supremacy between the East and West representatives, with half-time entertainment provided by Hedley. Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field. (5 p.m.)
