Grey Cup Festival adds limited party pass inventory following sellout, CFL fan backlash

Photo: Winnipeg Football Club
The Grey Cup Festival has put extra party passes up for sale following online backlash from longtime CFL fans who were momentarily left out in the cold.

Many diehard supporters took to social media to express their frustration about missing out on the chance to buy three-day Grey Cup Festival party passes, which allow guests to enter the concert series and team parties that will run Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15 in Winnipeg.

Multiple fans who travel to Grey Cup annually reached out to 3DownNation indicating that they would cancel their trips if they were unable to procure party passes.

Rhéanne Marcoux, the vice-president of marketing and communications for this year’s Grey Cup, told 3DownNation on Wednesday that new inventory was created after working with the appropriate partners, although it’s “super limited” in quantity. She also indicated that the Festival has been working with fans who reached out looking for tickets after the original inventory sold out.

According to Marcoux, the number of Festival tickets is “consistent” with past years, attributing the early sell-out to “incredible demand.” Festival tickets went on sale to the public in July after the majority of passes were sold during pre-sales for CFL season ticket holders and those who purchased Grey Cup tickets.

For fans unable to purchase party passes, there will be an outdoor social located outside the convention centre in Winnipeg that can be attended free of charge. There are also limited tickets available for several events on Friday, November 14, including the Brad Paisley concert and CFL Alumni Association luncheon. Tickets for the CFL Awards show, which will be held on Thursday, November 13, go on sale next week.

The Grey Cup, which is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 at Princess Auto Stadium, has been close to a sellout for weeks. According to the Ticketmaster map, there are approximately 150 seats left for sale. The halftime show has still not been announced.

Those who wish to purchase Grey Cup Festival party passes can do so here as long as supplies last.