For the first time since 2014, Canada’s Largest Annual Sporting Event returns to the West Coast as Vancouver prepares to host the 111th Grey Cup. This is the 17th time in BC Lions franchise history.
The Grey Cup Festival is in full swing with a handful of free activations in downtown Vancouver, as they plan to host 500,000 fans from across the country.
I wandered Cordova Street by the convention centre where the street has been closed off. The live DJ on the entertainment stage drew in crowds with techno music and beat drops. On the stage were cheerleaders helping to rally the crowd with pom poms.
There, the Burrard Landing marker was lit in a gradient of orange from light to dark.
And the sails of Canada Place were in the same BC Lions colour, furthering the city’s goal of “painting the town orange”. Even the neighbouring trees had lights strung up, they danced with colours and orange to the beat of the music on the stage.
There were food and drink trucks parked for service, which included stand up bar space, pop up lounges, and brand sponsored booths offering opportunities to win novelty prizes. Chevrolet had a car showcase and the ability to play their claw machine games. Telus had their own purple themed lounge with complimentary popcorn. And RBC had people lining up to spin the wheel for giveaways.
There were also two ziplines running until 8pm. This allowed attendees to climb up high and propel across the convention centre or over the street party crowd.
The website also lists “immersive football experiences, legendary parties, cultural displays, and thrilling performances from a diverse lineup of entertainers”.
All the above were a surprise and bonus for me. I was actually on my way to Mahony and Sons waterside for Dave and Farhan’s Grey Cup Media Party. This was just one of the many events happening around Vancouver in celebration of Vancouver hosting the Grey Cup.
The guests tonight were sports writers and media, and here I was: here for the spirit sponsors. It was a mix and mingler with the ability to chat up our TSN hosts and other like-minded folks casually.
We were able to sample from Maker’s Mark and Bowmore’s collections, take photos with the Grey Cup, and visit the open bar for batched cocktails, beers, or wine. Mahoneys also prepared a self serve buffet.
The evening started with remarks from our event hosts and your chance to connect with either.
You can really taste the difference that being finished in seasoned Sherry oak Casks made. A new flavour profile from one of my favourite whiskies.
We also got to see their new packaging. The transition from white to black, which includes a new cork made from recycled oyster shell; a standout that speaks to them being mindful of their carbon reduction.
As for the whisky itself it was best described as a “sherry bomb” with the distinct scent of hickory immediately wafting on the nose, followed by its full mouthed flavour. This was such an easy drinking whisky and one that would pair well with barbecue meats and smash burgers.
They also had their classic 15 and 18 year old to sample from their own branded glencairn.
On the other side of the room was Maker’s Mark sampling their classic whisky as well as their 46.
Their station included Christmas sweaters for their bottles, and giant rubber versions of their seal as coasters.
At the bar they had pre-batch Reifel Rye Old Fashioned with Reifel Rye Canadian Whisky, Simple Syrup, and Angostura Bitters. Makers Mark Peach Bourbon Tea with Makers Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Peach Tea, and Lemonade. Plus a North Keep Cosmopolitan with Northern Keep Canadian Vodka, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice, and Lime Juice.
The Mahoney catered buffet line included their buffalo and salt and pepper wings with a ranch dip and celery sticks, tempura shrimp with a sweet and sour sauce, chicken satay on skewers, mushroom and guyere cheese quiches, and beef sliders. It hit the spot as far as pre-made, kept warm bar snacks went. Plus they served as punctuation points into between drinks.
Guests had the run of the place eating and drinking as much as they liked. We knew it was time to go when the Grey Cup was returned to its protective case and wheeled away. But not before I took a picture of me hugging and air kissing it, not realizing that touching it was a big no-no and that there were actually two dedicated staff members assigned to oversee its safety.
In short, a great event and my first foray into the world of sports media. This served as a nice warm up for this Sunday’s Grey Cup match up: Argonauts versus the Blue Bombers at BC Place.
