The City of Ottawa is celebrating the Redblacks’ historic victory with a parade at noon today, Nov. 29. The parade will begin at Bank Street and Pretoria Avenue and end at Lansdowne Park for a Redblacks rally. Fans are encouraged to walk along the sidewalks to Lansdowne.
“Cancel your plans tomorrow. You’re going to a rally… one to celebrate our #GreyCup CHAMPS! #RNation,” the City of Ottawa tweeted.
Members of the team, along with team officials and coaches, will be marching with a band and the prestigious Grey Cup itself.
It’s been four long decades since the City of Ottawa has won the Grey Cup.
After a tight game, the Ottawa Redblacks won 39-33 over the Calgary Stampeders in overtime on Sunday, Nov. 27, at the BMO Field in Toronto.
The victory over Calgary was in the same city as the 64th Grey Cup win by the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1976 – 40 years ago.
Now the 104th Grey Cup win will be celebrated with Redblacks players, coaches and team officials.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is scheduled attend the parade alongside members of the Redblacks team.
Watson celebrated the win via Twitter: “We did it Ottawa! Congratulations to the hardest working team in the @CFL – The @Redblacks! The whole city is proud of you! #GreyCup.”
Henry Burris, 41, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Burris almost didn’t start after injuring his leg during pre-game warmups, but rallied just as the game began.
Burris scored two touchdowns and threw a total of 461 yards. He is the oldest starting quarterback to take home the Grey Cup.
The Ottawa Police will be leading a rolling street closure during the parade. Cars parked along Bank Street will not be allowed to move until the parade is complete. The parade is expected to last for about 30 minutes, according to the City of Ottawa.