CFL Notebook: 111th Grey Cup Sets Record, Bombers Post $7M Profit

Hosting the 2024 Grey Cup game and festival generated $121.9 million in economic impact for Vancouver, the CFL announced Wednesday. 

The economic impact figures were released in a summary this week by Sport Tourism Canada.

The economic total is highest generated for a Grey Cup in over 10 years.

The summary also revealed the Grey Cup generated $45.6 million of visitor spending.

The six-day festival reported a total attendance of 547,698 people with 53,365 coming from out of town. It was also recognized as Sport Tourism Canada’s Prestige Award as Canada’s 2024 marquee sporting event.

Other findings included:

— A total of 90, 399 people were reported to attend an average of 2.9 days and 4.7 different events.

— Ninety-six per cent of out-of-town attendees stayed overnight in Vancouver during their stay, with 65 per cent doing so in hotels/motels.

— A total of 615 local jobs supported the festival, of which 583 and over $30.1 million in wages were supported locally.

— Some 800 volunteers were involved in the planning and delivery of Grey Cup week.

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers posted a $7-million operating profit last season, the CFL club announced Wednesday.

The community-owned franchise released its 2024 annual report, which also included a $7.1-million investment in improvements at Princess Auto Stadium.

“This success reflects the continued support of our season-ticket members, corporate partners and fans,” Bombers president/CEO Wade Miller said in a statement. “They play a fundamental role in the strength of our club both on and off the field.”

On the field, Winnipeg (11-7) finished atop the West Division standings for a fourth straight year. The Bombers advanced to the Grey Cup game for a fifth consecutive season before losing 41-24 to the Toronto Argonauts.

The Grey Cup loss was Winnipeg’s third straight and second in three seasons to Toronto.

The Bombers entered into an agreement with the Manitoba government and Triple B Stadium Inc. in 2021 that established a capital fund dedicated to long-term stadium improvements. In 2024, the franchise allocated $7.6 million to the fund at $1 million to its operating reserve.

That allowed the Bombers to proceed with significant upgrades throughout the facility. Last year, $7.1 million was invested into numerous projects, including the replacement of the turf and field wall at Princess Auto Stadium.

“The Winnipeg Football Club has a strong history of financial stability,” said Miller. “We are the financial stewards of Princess Auto Stadium, and will continue to invest in capital improvements to ensure it remains the best stadium in the CFLand delivers the best fan experience possible.”

(Canadian Press)