Grey Cup fever has taken over Vancouver, and the City is warning drivers and event-goers that traffic will be impacted in several ways.
Though the big game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers doesn’t take place until November 17, there are plenty of fun and exciting events for fans to check out throughout the week.
And while the schedule of festivities includes Canada’s largest drone show, a special water-crossing zip line, and more, there will also be several major road closures to accommodate all of the activities.
“As part of the Grey Cup festivities, various road closures will be in effect throughout the week from November 8 to 18,” said the City of Vancouver in a release. “Traffic disruptions are anticipated for those travelling in and out of downtown.”
Road closures and traffic impacts scheduled for this week include:
Grey Cup Street Festival at Vancouver Convention Centre
- Closures are in effect until Sunday, November 17 at 8 pm
- Canada Place closed from Thurlow Street to Howe Street
- Thurlow Street and Burrard Street closed from Cordova Street to Canada Place
Grey Cup Backyard Street Party at BC Place Stadium
- Closures are in effect from Saturday, November 16 from 6 am to Sunday, November 17 at 10 pm
- Robson Street closed from Cambie Street to Beatty Street
- Beatty Street closed from Smithe Street to West Georgia Street
- Cambie Street closed from Smithe Street to West Georgia Street (November 17 from 12:30 to 3 pm)
@TheTrews/X
Grey Cup Fan March from Canada Place to BC Place Stadium
- Closures are in effect on Sunday, November 17 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm
- Howe Street closed from Canada Place to Robson Street
- Robson Street closed from Howe Street to Beatty Street
Grey Cup Block Party at BC Place Stadium
- Closures are in effect Saturday, November 16 from 11 pm to Sunday, November 17 at 10 pm
- Pacific Boulevard closed from Smithe Street to Pat Quinn Way
City of Vancouver
On November 5, Grey Cup organizers announced that the championship game was nearing 50,000 tickets sold. That leaves only about 5,000 seats remaining, as BC Place’s capacity for football is 54,500.
There’s more to the Grey Cup than just the game. Organizers expect 500,000 people to check out the massive festival in the lead-up to the big game.
Fans are invited to check out the team parties held from November 14 to 16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Sam Roberts and The Trews highlight the Saturday night concert at the venue on November 16.
CFL
And we can’t forget that the Jonas Brothers will headline the halftime show during the Grey Cup.
There is also a long list of performers scheduled on the Payworks Entertainment Stage from November 13 to 16. Every one of those concerts will be free to attend as organizers shut down Canada Place Way from Thurlow Street to Burrard Street.
When: Now until November 17, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events, purchase online
With files from Rob Williams and Offside staff