Vancouver had Roar on the Shore. Last year, Regina put on a Celebration in Rider Nation. Winnipegs official Grey Cup slogan for the 2015 CFL championship and the festival around it: You Belong Here. The slogan was unveiled at Winnipeg Square, Friday, along with a blue-and-gold logo that says, Grey Cup Festival Winnipeg 2015, featuring a gold, scarf-like banner under outlines of the Grey Cup and the new stadiums roof-line. In attendance were Blue Bombers quarterback Drew Willy and Winnipegs only 2014 CFL all-star, receiver Clarence Denmark, along with embattled Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger and newly minted Mayor Brian Bowman. Wouldnt it be great if we were playing in that game next year — wouldnt that be something? Selinger said in his address. Bowman, a self-proclaimed Bomber fan, pulled on a No. 15 jersey before issuing a similar challenge to the team enduring the CFLs longest current Grey Cup drought, at 24 years and counting. I dont think its more pressure, Willy said of the political cheerleading. Its an opportunity to make history. Willy was with Saskatchewan when the Riders hosted and won the big game a year ago. He led the Bombers to a 5-1 start this past season, but Winnipeg dropped 10 of its last 12 games to finish 7-11 and out of the playoffs for the third consecutive year. I know how special it was in 2013 for our team. And 2015s got to be a big year for us, Willy said. We beat both teams that were in the Grey Cup this year. We almost beat Hamilton twice. It could go either way — who gets hot at the right time. Obviously we werent hot enough at the end of the season. The Bombers last played in the Grey Cup in 2011, losing to B.C., the fifth straight time Winnipeg reached the big game, only to lose. Bombers CEO Wade Miller said stadium capacity would be increased from 33,234 to 40,500 for the Grey Cup. In addition, the four entrance gates will be moved back to increase concourse and concession space. Fridays announcement also saw the opening of a new Bomber/Grey Cup store at Winnipeg Square. Details on Grey Cup festival venues and attractions are still a few months away.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 01:23:17 +0000
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