2026 Grey Cup championship coming to Calgary
Calgary has been selected as the host city for the 2026 Grey Cup championship, announced CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie on Friday. He expressed his excitement about the decision, stating that Calgary always makes visitors feel welcome. The Canadian Football League board of governors, along with all nine teams, have awarded the 2026 Grey Cup to the Calgary Stampeders.
One of the contributing factors to Calgary winning the bid was the improvements made to Stampede Park and the BMO Centre. While the Grey Cup party will be held at Stampede Park, the game itself will take place at McMahon Stadium. President of the Calgary Stampeders, Jay McNeil, emphasized the honor of hosting such a significant event and highlighted the impact it will have on the city, province, and the sport of football as a whole.
In addition to football and music, the Grey Cup rodeo will be making a return in 2026, promising to be bigger and better than ever. Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow, projected that the Grey Cup festival will bring in around $50 million in investment to Calgary. The province has pledged $4 million to support this goal, emphasizing the importance of investing in sports for the city’s growth.
McMahon Stadium, where the game will be held, will be celebrating its 66th anniversary during the Grey Cup festival. Ambrosie has previously expressed concerns about the aging stadium, but also shared fond memories of playing there during his CFL career. Despite its age, McMahon Stadium holds historical significance and has undergone multiple renovations over the years to accommodate its current capacity of 35,400.
The stadium, owned by the University of Calgary and operated by the McMahon Stadium Society, was originally built in 1960 and named after Frank and George McMahon, who contributed to its construction. It has hosted numerous events over the years, including the inaugural game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Calgary Stampeders.
As Calgary prepares to host the 113th Grey Cup in 2026, the city is gearing up for an unforgettable event that will showcase the best of Canadian football and entertainment. With investments being made to enhance the fan experience and celebrate the sport’s rich history, the 2026 Grey Cup is set to be a memorable occasion for fans, players, and the entire community.
