113th Grey Cup

Host Selection and Venue

The decision to award the 113th Grey Cup to Calgary was finalized in November 2024 following a competitive bidding process. Both the Edmonton Elks and the Calgary Stampeders had submitted bids to host the 2026 championship game. The Edmonton bid was contingent on proposed renovations to Commonwealth Stadium, while Calgary's successful proposal centred on the use of McMahon Stadium. The official announcement confirmed Calgary as the host city, marking its sixth time staging the event. The stadium's selection continues a tradition of holding the championship in established CFL venues with strong local fan support.

Game Date and Scheduling

The 113th Grey Cup is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. This date aligns with the league's recent pattern of holding the championship on the third Sunday of November, which will be the fifth consecutive season following this schedule. Notably, the 2026 game will be the earliest calendar date on which a Grey Cup championship game has ever been played. The CFL's latest Collective Bargaining Agreement provided the league with the option to move the start of the regular season up by 30 days, which could have impacted the playoff and championship schedule. However, the league confirmed during the host city announcement that the traditional late-November date would be maintained for the 2026 championship, ensuring consistency for fans and broadcast partners.

The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival

The football game is the centrepiece of a larger celebration known as the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival, which runs from November 11 to 14 at Stampede Park. This four-day festival transforms Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District into a hub of activity leading up to the championship game. Festival organizers describe it as a celebration designed to bring Canadians together, featuring a blend of live entertainment, football programming, free family activities, and Western cultural experiences. The festival officially begins on Wednesday, November 11, with a Kick-Off Party at the Big Four Roadhouse featuring the band The Trews. This opening event will include a special Remembrance Day acknowledgement to honour Canadian veterans and active service members. The festival aims to present Calgary's hospitality and spirit to visitors from across the country.

At the heart of the festival grounds will be the Street Festival presented by Suncor, located in Lot 3 from November 12 to 14. This free, family-friendly area will include daily pancake breakfasts presented by MNP, licensed beer gardens, and the ATCO Energy Warming Zone. Interactive attractions include an art installation and a Northern Lights experience, along with nightly drone shows. Live local entertainment will be provided on an outdoor stage presented by Coca-Cola, with programming supported by Calgary Arts Development. Football remains a central theme, with both indoor and outdoor turf spaces provided by GTR Turf featuring skills clinics and demonstrations led by Football Alberta. The festival will also include traditional Indigenous game demonstrations presented by Dodginghorse Ranch.

Game Day Entertainment and Ceremonies

The 113th Grey Cup game day will feature significant ceremonial and entertainment elements. Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan has been scheduled to perform the national anthem prior to kickoff. Her performance will be followed by a historic flyover conducted by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team. This flyover is notable as it is planned to be the final public performance by the Snowbirds before the team's scheduled retirement. For the halftime show, American country music artist Riley Green will take the stage to perform. These entertainment bookings are designed to complement the on-field action and provide a memorable spectacle for the sold-out crowd at McMahon Stadium and the national television audience.

Ticketing and Volunteer Program

Tickets for the 113th Grey Cup game at McMahon Stadium went on sale in 2026, with reports indicating nearly 50 per cent of available tickets were sold shortly after sales opened. Tickets can be purchased through official channels like Ticketmaster. For the accompanying festival, tickets and corporate packages are available for purchase through the official GreyCupFestival.ca website. The festival's operations will be supported by a substantial volunteer corps. The Volunteer Program, presented by CIBC, will involve nearly 950 volunteers who will perform various roles throughout the week. These roles include welcoming visitors, supporting event operations, helping fans find their way around the festival grounds, and presenting Calgary's renowned hospitality to guests from across Canada.

Economic and Cultural Significance

Hosting the Grey Cup is a major economic and cultural event for Calgary and the province of Alberta. Alberta's Minister of Tourism and Sport, Andrew Boitchenko, emphasized that the event provides an opportunity to present the province's people, passion for sport, and hospitality to a national audience. Large-scale events like the Grey Cup Festival support local tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting thousands of visitors who utilize hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas noted the event allows the city to demonstrate the spirit and character that make it special. Beyond economics, the week is framed as a national celebration that transcends sport, uniting Canadians from all regions through shared traditions and community experiences centred around one of the country's most storied sporting competitions.

Local Attractions and Visitor Experience

For visitors travelling to Calgary for the Grey Cup, the city and festival organizers are promoting a wide array of local attractions and experiences. Beyond the events at Stampede Park, recommendations include exploring the live entertainment, nightlife, and shops along 17th Avenue SW. Those interested in Western culture can visit Heritage Park Historical Village to experience notable Calgary history. The Calgary Tower offers panoramic skyline views of the city. Calgary's burgeoning culinary scene is also highlighted, with local favourites such as Bridgette Bar, Belmont Diner, First Street Market, and Comery Block Barbecue cited as destinations for visitors. These offerings aim to provide a comprehensive experience that combines the excitement of the championship with the unique flavour and attractions of Calgary and southern Alberta.

Questions about 113th Grey Cup

When and where is the 113th Grey Cup?

The 113th Grey Cup is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026. The game will be played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta, with kickoff at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. This marks the sixth time Calgary has hosted the CFL championship game.

Which stadium will host the 113th Grey Cup?

The 113th Grey Cup will be hosted at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. This marks the sixth time that Calgary has hosted the Grey Cup championship game. The most recent Grey Cup held in Calgary was in 2019. The stadium will welcome fans for the championship on November 15, 2026.

How can I get tickets for the 113th Grey Cup game?

Tickets for the 113th Grey Cup are now on sale. They can be purchased for the game at McMahon Stadium on Sunday, November 15, 2026. As of the latest information, almost 50 per cent of tickets are already sold out. Tickets are available through official channels like Ticketmaster.

What is the schedule for the 2026 Grey Cup Festival?

The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival runs from November 11 to 14, 2026, at Stampede Park. The festival leads into the 113th Grey Cup game on November 15. It features four days of live entertainment, football activities, and family friendly events. The celebration includes a kick off party on November 11.

What time does the 113th Grey Cup game kick off?

The 113th Grey Cup game is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. MST on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The game will be played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. This early November date makes it the earliest a Grey Cup championship game has been played in a calendar year.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.