By William Lin
In anticipation of next month’s Grey Cup in Ottawa, Centretown businesses are gearing up for an economic boom that could bring millions of dollars to the region.
About 25,000 to 30,000 out-of-town fans are expected to descend upon the capital for the Grey Cup weekend, estimates Jacques Burelle, president of the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority.
“The fall tends to be quieter for visitors. It will be a shot in the arm (for Ottawa),” he says. “People will be staying at hotels, eating at restaurants, and shopping at malls.”
An estimated $43 million will be generated from additional business and spending, says Burelle, with a significant portion going to Centretown businesses.
The 92nd Grey Cup – with the teams still undecided – will be held on Nov. 21, at Frank Clair Stadium.
Nearly 40,000 tickets have already been sold and only
end-zone bleacher seats are
still available, game organizers say.
The Grey Cup weekend, with various festivities beginning four days before the game, has many downtown businesses preparing for the arrival of fans a month before kickoff.
Accommodations in the downtown area are nearly
all booked, according to some tourism workers, including the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel on Albert Street.
“We are full for that weekend, from (Nov. 17) on,” says Sheraton’s general manager Otto Heberlein, adding that dismal summer weather hurt business a bit.
“It will help our losses from earlier this year.”
Meanwhile, in an apparent move to boost the city’s economy and extend celebrations, city council has prolonged drinking hours at bars and restaurants until 3 a.m.
The move, which takes effect between Nov. 17 and 21, was initially approved by the city’s emergency and protective committee.
Griffin’s, a restaurant and nightclub located on Elgin Street, will be taking advantage of the extra hour.
“We’re planning some events leading up to the Grey Cup,” says owner Peter Abraham, adding that the extra hour may increase his profits by up to 25 per cent, equating that to an extra “three good nights.”
Abraham says they are still developing the themed nights, all leading up to the Grey Cup game.
Grey Cup organizers are also optimistic about the increased revenue that will result from the tourists and from nearly 40 scheduled events, including live bands, a hoe down, a family fun day, a historical exhibit and a post-game party.
The scheduled celebrations are part of the five-day Kickin’ It in the Capital Festival.
Arash Madani, Grey Cup spokesperson and director of media relations for the Ottawa Renegades, said they expect 40 per cent of the spectators to be out-of-towners.
“It puts us on the map. It’s the biggest sporting event annually, and it gives Ottawa the spotlight,” says Madani.
Meanwhile, Burelle says although millions will be injected into Ottawa during the Grey Cup weekend, long-term implications may mean much more to Ottawa.
“The larger picture that the game will mean for Ottawa is a picture-postcard of the city and what it has to offer,” Burelle says, adding that journalists from across Canada will not just be covering the game, but Ottawa as well.
This year’s Grey Cup marks the fifth time in football history that the game was hosted by Ottawa.
The last time Ottawa hosted the Grey Cup was in 1988.