TORONTO — The Canadian Football League announced today the team nominees for the 2010 Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards.

The players were selected by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and the CFL head coaches.

In this first ballot, FRC representatives from each CFL city plus the respective head coach submitted votes for the six categories. Voters were asked to select players from their local CFL club who through on-field performance excellence, best represent the awards’ title – Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Canadian Player, Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, Most Outstanding Rookie, and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

The East and West nominees for the 2010 Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards will be announced on Thursday, November 11, 2010.

The league-wide winners will be announced during Grey Cup week at the Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards on Thursday, November 25 at the Edmonton Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Below are the first ballot nominee results:

* - Indicates a unanimous selection

B.C. Lions

Most Outstanding Player – Paul McCallum
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Paul McCallum*
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Korey Banks
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Yonus Davis
Most Outstanding Rookie – Solomon Elimimian
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Jovan Olafioye*

Edmonton Eskimos

Most Outstanding Player – Fred Stamps
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Calvin McCarty
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – T.J. Hill
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Tim St. Pierre
Most Outstanding Rookie – Daniel Porter
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Aaron Fiacconi

Calgary Stampeders

Most Outstanding Player – Henry Burris*
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Jon Cornish*
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Juwan Simpson
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Burke Dales
Most Outstanding Rookie – Edwin Harrison
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Ben Archibald*

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Most Outstanding Player – Darian Durant
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Andy Fantuz*
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – James Patrick
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Eddie Johnson
Most Outstanding Rookie – Shomari Williams*
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Jeremy O’Day

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Most Outstanding Player – Terrence Edwards
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Doug Brown
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Phillip Hunt*
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Jovon Johnson
Most Outstanding Rookie – Andre Douglas
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Brendon LaBatte*

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Most Outstanding Player – Kevin Glenn
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Dave Stala*
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Markeith Knowlton*
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Marcus Thigpen
Most Outstanding Rookie – Marcus Thigpen*
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Marwan Hage*

Toronto Argonauts

Most Outstanding Player – Cory Boyd
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Kevin Eiben*
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Ronald Flemons
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Chad Owens*
Most Outstanding Rookie – Evan McCollough
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Rob Murphy*

Montreal Alouettes

Most Outstanding Player – Anthony Calvillo*
Most Outstanding Canadian Player – Ben Cahoon
Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Chip Cox*
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player – Mike Giffin
Most Outstanding Rookie – Marc-Olivier Brouillette
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Josh Bourke

GREY CUP 2010 Game Day Information

Gates open at 2:30pm

Pre-Game Ceremonies begin at 3:30pm

Grey Cup 2010 kickoff at 4:30pm

Expect line-ups, arrive early!

*There is no parking available at Commonwealth Stadium or in the surrounding areas, for the 2010 Grey Cup Game but we are pleased to offer:

Transportation

Eskimos Green & Go

Your tickets not only get you in….they get you to the game and home again.

Just show your ticket and you’re on Park n’ Ride, LRT or regular transit service two hours before and after game time…FREE!

For more information call ETS BusLink (780) 496-1600

Light Rail Transit (LRT)

Edmonton’s light rail transit (LRT) system is a surface and underground train that runs from Clareview in the northeast, through downtown Edmonton and the University of Alberta campus, ending at Century Park Station in the south. Commonwealth Stadium is located at Stadium LRT Station. Several downtown LRT stations connect to Edmonton’s convenient pedway system. Direct connections with bus service can be made from all LRT Stations.

The LRT is one of the fastest and safest ways to travel in Edmonton. Trains operate at a maximum speed of 70 km/h and run every 5 minutes during weekday peak hours, 10 minutes during mid-weekday and 15 minutes during weekday evenings. The LRT runs every 10/15 minutes on Saturday and every 15 minutes on Sunday. LRT is powered by electricity and carries over 74,000 passengers on an average day. Daily LRT service from Clareview Station starts at 5:00 A.M. and goes until 11:45 P.M. From Century Park service begins at 5:30 A.M. and goes until 12:19 A.M.

For LRT schedule information visit:
http://coewebapps.edmonton.ca/external/transit/routeschedule.aspx?route=LRT

For a map of the LRT route visit:
http://webdocs.edmonton.ca/transit/route_schedules_and_maps/APR10/RT201.GIF

For fare information visit:
http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/fares/types-of-fares.aspx

*An ETS Day Pass offers unlimited travel for a specific day.

Park & Ride

Regular football Park & Ride service will be provided for the Grey Cup Game. The Green & Go program allows free travel to the Game on ETS. For more information visit:
http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/special_events_services/football-park-ride.aspx

If you are picking up your ticket at Commonwealth Stadium, regular ETS fares apply for travel to the game. Keep your ticket stub for a free ride home after the game. ETS tickets, monthly passes and transfers are also valid on ETS Park & Ride service.

For more information on Edmonton Transit System (ETS) visit:
www.takeETS.com

Commonwealth Stadium Policies

To help us provide an enjoyable and safe environment and to assist you with planning for your visit to Commonwealth Stadium, we offer the following services and information:

Guest Assist Program

GuestAssist texting service and the Fan Hotline are available:

Text: ESKIMOS to: 78247 or call (780) 477-3665 to report issues from your seat (standard text rates apply).

Security on Game Day

Due to heightened security measures at the gates, we strongly urge all fans to enter the stadium as early as possible to avoid delays. Random pat-downs and bag searches are done by Security outside of each Stadium entrance, and are supervised by ex police officers. By tendering a ticket and entering the stadium, fans consent to such searches. Individuals not consenting to the searches will be denied entry into the stadium. These premises are monitored by video cameras and your movements may be monitored and recorded.

Smoking Policy

The City of Edmonton has designated Commonwealth Stadium as a non-smoking facility (Bylaw #13333). Smoking is permitted outside of the stadium at Gates 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13. Please ensure that your hand is stamped prior to exiting the stadium.

Alcohol Policy

To ensure that those fans who drink alcoholic beverages do so responsibly, the following alcohol policies are in effect:
• Fans are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the stadium.
• Fans will not be allowed to enter Commonwealth Stadium if they appear intoxicated.
• Sale and possession of alcoholic beverages is limited to two per person.
• Fans who appear to be under the age of 25 must provide proper photo identification prior to being sold alcoholic beverages.
• Alcohol sales are closed at the end of the third quarter or earlier at Management’s discretion.
• Drunk and disorderly behaviour, as well as violation of any alcohol policy, will result in ejection from Commonwealth Stadium without refund and could result in arrest or prosecution, as well as the loss of Season Seats.
• No alcohol may be taken out of the suites or alumni room into general public areas unless it is held in a plastic container

To avoid any inconveniences, please note the following are items that are and are NOT allowed at Commonwealth Stadium: (All persons entering Commonwealth Stadium are subject to bag-checks and random pat-downs)

Prohibited Items (Subject to change without notice)

Please note that peanuts will no longer be available for purchase, nor will they be allowed into the stadium.
Weapons of any kind
Glass bottles, cans and two litre plastic bottles
Alcoholic beverages, drugs, narcotics and other illegal substances
Video cameras and other recording devices
Professional grade cameras and tripods
Pets (only service animals are permitted)
Air horns, megaphones
Beach balls
Any item deemed by Management to be dangerous or inappropriate

Permitted Items

Plastic bottles (one litre or less), juice boxes
Small snacks (with the exception of peanuts)
Binoculars
Still cameras (not professional)
Flags (on telescopic poles only. NO hockey sticks, dowels, etc are permitted)
Flags/banners cannot block or cover the Wall of Honour recipients, sponsor signage or any fan’s view
Small umbrellas (as long as they do not impede any fan’s view)
Small strollers (as long as they fold and can be stored safely under your seat and provided they do not interfere with other fans’ comfort and safety

Commonwealth Stadium History

Commonwealth Stadium has been home for the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club since August 30, 1978. The stadium was originally built for $20.9 million in 1978 to host the Commonwealth Games. It underwent renovations again in 1983 for the World University Games and then most recently in 2001, $22.17 million of major renovations were done when the World Championships in Athletics was held.

It was the only major sports stadium in Canada with natural grass, a unique feature favoured by many players, fans and spectators. Commonwealth Stadium, however, is now undergoing major redevelopment to ensure that it maintains its reputation as one of North America’s finest sports facilities and a new Field Turf surface was installed, costing an estimated $2.7 million.

In addition, the new North Central Community Recreation Centre and Field House is being built at a cost of $110 million. The Eskimo locker room will be completely renovated and expanded from 1,300 to 3,000 sq ft., and new offices for the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club will be located in this new facility. The official opening of the North Central Community Recreation Centre and Field House is expected to be held in winter of 2012.

Stadium Facts:
Stadium Capacity: 59,537

Largest Regular Season Crowd: 62,517
(largest crowd for a CFL regular season game)
September 26, 2009
Saskatchewan 23 Edmonton 20

Largest Playoff Crowd: 52,709*
November 15, 1981
Edmonton 22 BC16
(*when stadium capacity was 52,709)

Largest Grey Cup Crowd: 62,531
November 24, 2002
Edmonton 16 Montreal 25

Grey Cups at Commonwealth Stadium:
1984, 1997, 2002, 2010

Presented by Edmonton Grey Cup Festival and LUE 42 Enterprises

4 guys x 20 football seasons = 80 years of bonding, rituals, and winning. Subtract 1 guy, add a lovely stranger, and risk breaking the streak. Join these devoted fans as they lose and rediscover their faith during an ill-fated season. Superstitious fans of any team, not just the CFL, will relate to the roller coaster season portrayed in this comedy!

Wednesday November 24 8:00 p.m. (All dates & times subject to change)
Thursday November 25 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 26 5:00 p.m.

Price $18/ticket (Cash bar for ticket holders, no alcohol in the theatre)

Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre(Basement Level)
Located in Huddletown, the Centre of the Festival!
Sir Winston Churchill Square,

Website: http://www.lue42.com/truegrid2010/

Office: Linda Wood Edwards

Location: Edmonton, AB

2011 Grey Cup logo

VANCOUVER — While fans of the CFL have been enjoying the races for postseason positions in a number of years, the 2011 Grey Cup committee has been hard at work planning next year’s celebration. Today, those plans were laid out before a packed room of media members who also got their first glimpse of the 2011 Grey Cup Festival brand.

Premier Gordon Campbell, who was represented at the event by Minister Colin Hansen, sent along his best wishes.

“Just like the 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games did, the 2011 Grey Cup will bring Canadians together from coast-to-coast,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “I want to thank all partners and all sponsors for coming together and organizing what will surely be a remarkable event.”

Next, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson kicked off the morning of announcements by pledging city’s support for the week-long celebration of Canadian football.

“We showed at the 2005 Grey Cup and 2010 Winter Games that Vancouver is a world-class host city,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “It’s great to have the Grey Cup coming back to Vancouver - I know that next year’s will be the best yet.”

Grey Cup chairman Moray Keith then unveiled the 2011 Grey Cup Festival brand developed locally by Barnstorm Creative Group. As in June when the committee unveiled its official Grey Cup Championship brand, the festival brand incorporates the Lions colours as well as unique west coast elements such as the Pacific Ocean, mountains and the new-look BC Place. In fact, the festival’s theme Raise the Roof speaks to the week-long party atmosphere that will come with Grey Cup events while noting the new retractable roof currently being built for the renovated stadium which last played host to the Grey Cup in 2005.

“The logo doesn’t just represent the Grey Cup Festival, it also reflects Vancouver’s re-emergence as Canada’s event and entertainment capital,” said Keith. “The Olympics showed the world that our city truly embraces and celebrates events that unite us all and the 2011 Grey Cup Festival will demonstrate that once again.”

In addition to introducing the festival brand, Keith also announced that BCLC has joined the list of premier partners which currently includes Safeway, Scotiabank and the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers. BCLC was also onboard as a partner for the very successful 2005 Grey Cup Festival.

“We are thrilled to welcome BCLC to our roster of those lending their support to this iconic Canadian celebration,” noted Keith. “As we have said in the past, their support of the Grey Cup Festival will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of its overall success and we thank BCLC for joining us today.”

BCLC will be the title partner of the Grey Cup Street Festival which will operate on Friday, Nov. 25th and Saturday, November 26th, 2011.

“The Grey Cup is one of Canada’s premier sporting events and we’re thrilled to be a partner for what will be a very exciting Grey Cup celebration,” said Kevin Gass, Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “For more than 10 years BCLC has proudly supported the BC Lions and we look forward to sharing this great Canadian tradition with football fans during next year’s Grey Cup Street Festival in Vancouver.”

Scott Ackles, General Manager of the 2011 Grey Cup began his list of important announcements by releasing the schedule of events planned for next year’s celebration.

“The Festival has two outstanding focal points that will run simultaneously,” said Ackles. “The first is the Vancouver Convention Centre which is one of Canada’s best hosting facilities. The other is Robson Street and Terry Fox Plaza which are located at the doorstep of BC Place. Both locations will provide the perfect backdrop for fans across the country to gather and celebrate our nation’s biggest sporting event.”

Events slated during the 2011 Grey Cup Festival include
• Gibson’s Finest Player Awards (Thursday, November 24th)
• Grey Cup Festival Beer Gardens (Friday, Nov. 25th - Sunday, Nov. 27th )
• BCLC Street Festival (Friday, Nov. 25th – Saturday, Nov. 26th)
• Scotiabank CFL Football Experience (Friday, Nov. 25th - Sat. Nov. 26th )
• Team parties (Friday, Nov. 25th – Sunday Nov. 27th)
• Scotiabank Gala Dinner (Saturday, Nov 26th )
• Vancouver Sun Fan Fest (Saturday, Nov 26th)
• Safeway Grey Cup Festival Parade (Saturday, Nov 26th)
• Pregame Tailgate Party (Sunday, Nov. 27th)
• 99th Grey Cup Championship (Sunday Nov. 27th )

Tickets to the 2011 Grey Cup are expected to be a hot item and Lions season ticket holders will get first crack at attending the big game. Prices will range from $125 to $375 when they are released to the general public next June, but 2011 Lions season ticket holders will be able to get priority seating at prices that range from $100 to $295.

“It’s important to reward fans who have been loyal to the club and this is their exclusive opportunity to secure the best possible seating locations,” said Ackles.

The 2011 Grey Cup Committee now turns its attention to this year’s Grey Cup to be held in Edmonton. “We have 20 committee members who will travel to Edmonton with Vancouver Tourism to promote our event in 2011 as well as spend time with local organizers to ensure the 99th edition of Canada’s national championship is the best ever.”

The hamilton Tiger Cats present Tiger Town 2010
Time 26 November at 18:00 - 27 November at 00:00
Location The Citadel Theatre - Edmonton Citadel Theatre
More info Tiger Town
Tiger Town will be rockin’ out in the heart of the Grey Cup district at the Citadel Theatre.

Fri.Nov. 26
6:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Friday entertainment includes: Life of Riley and Chain of Fools.

Sat. Nov. 27
12:00 NOON to 2:00 AM

Saturday entertainment includes: Two for the Show, Lee Harvey Osmond featuring Tom Wilson, Life of Riley and 54-40

Join our MC for the weekend, Pigskin Pete and be sure to attend Pigskin Pete’s Party each night at 10:30pm.

$20.00
Tickets available at the Citadel on the day of event at the door.

Citadel Theatre
9828 101 A AVE, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V4
(780) 426-4811
citadeltheatre.com

Friends,

Do you:

• love a great Manitoba social?
• enjoy digging into a plate of rye bread, kobasa, cheese cubes and dill pickle spears?
• start your Grey Cup weekend on Friday afternoon?
• have a hatful of Touchdown Manitoba lapel pins?
• think Touchdown Manitoba consistently ranks as THE best party of Grey Cup week?

If you answered YES to any of the above, then we consider you a Friend of Touchdown Manitoba, and this year we have a special ticket offer just for you!

The “Friends of Touchdown Manitoba” VIP Package is only $100, and includes:

• two special GOLD tickets to Touchdown Manitoba 2010, which allow you early entry (get in at 12:30 pm, grab a seat and beat the rush at the bar!)
• an intimate mini-set by Cherry Suede before the doors open
• a Friends of Touchdown Manitoba “schwag bag”.
• PLUS, you’ll still get all the usual fun stuff you’ve come to expect from the biggest Manitoba social of Grey Cup week….that awesome social buffet, the great entertainment lineup headlined by Cherry Suede, TDMB lapel pins, loads of fabulous choice auction prizes, and a chance to get your picture taken with the Grey Cup.

Availability of the “Friends of Touchdown Manitoba” VIP Package is limited. Proceeds from this special package will support our fundraising efforts for Touchdown Manitoba in Edmonton, and will allow us to keep Touchdown Manitoba on the map as THE best party of Grey Cup Week!

For more information, and to order your “Friends of Touchdown Manitoba” VIP Package, please email Cathy at [email protected], or call (204) 837-6869.

On behalf of the dedicated volunteers who organize Touchdown Manitoba….thank you very much for your support!!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TOUCHDOWN MANITOBA 2010

The biggest Manitoba SOCIAL of Grey Cup week!!!

Friday, November 26th, 2010

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Admission for “Friends of Touchdown Manitoba” VIP ticket-holders at 12:30pm)

Hall “C”, Shaw Conference Centre

Edmonton, AB

Featuring CHERRY SUEDE !!!

For more information, please visit www.touchdownmanitoba.com.

SEE YOU IN EDMONTON!!!

EDMONTON — Two Canadian music legends will rock the country’s biggest and most iconic sporting event when Randy Bachman and Fred Turner star at the Pepsi Max Half-Time Show at the 98th Grey Cup November 28th on TSN and RDS.

“This is a huge honour and we’re tremendously excited about it,” said Bachman, who reunited with Turner, as “Bachman & Turner”, last spring, 20 years after Bachman-Turner Overdrive became an international musical phenomenon with extraordinary global success marked by hits such as “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”, “Taking Care of Business”, “Hey You”, and “Looking Out for #1.”

“The Grey Cup is the battle of the titans, east versus west, and pure Canadiana. Played over the years in snow and ice and sleet, it’s like a great Canadian band that drives through a blizzard to get to a gig. The show always goes on and it’s always a great show.”

Like Bachman, Turner remembers growing up in Winnipeg cheering for the Blue Bombers, and joining their local “quarterback club” for young fans.

“I’m excited to be playing with Randy again. It’s been like putting on a pair of old slippers, the transition has been so smooth,” Turner said.

“And to be part of such an important event, that means so much to Canadians, is just a big plus, plus, plus.”

The duo and their top-notch band have released two new singles, “Rolling Along” and “Slave to the Rhythm,” which are currently available for sale at iTunes.

The tracks are featured on Bachman & Turner’s self-titled, brand new album released last month on E1 Music (Canada) and RBE Music/Fontana (U.S.).

“Pepsi MAX is proud of its distinction as the best tasting zero-calorie cola, equally proud to be the title sponsor of the Grey Cup Half Time Show, and especially excited about this year’s artists,” said Dale Hooper, Vice-President Marketing, PepsiCo Beverages Canada.

“There couldn’t be a better musical choice than Bachman & Turner. These guys are legends who have earned their place on centre stage at Canada’s premier sporting event. Together, we’re going to rock this year’s Grey Cup Half Time Show like never before.”

The news the group is headlining the Pepsi Max halftime show at Grey Cup this year was officially announced today on TSN during halftime of the CFL game between the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“The Grey Cup is more than a game, and more than a party. It’s a Canadian icon, a celebration of our country, its history, and its culture, and yet it remains true to its down to earth roots, accessible to our fans and an annual part of the lives of so many Canadians,”said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

“In that way, Bachman & Turner are a perfect fit. Here are two musical legends, representative of an incredible era in Canadian music, and yet they and their sound are down to earth and completely without pretense. We know they’ll rock a sold-out Commonwealth Stadium.”

Bachman & Turner are to be celebrated for their achievements and contributions to rock history with an induction to the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame next March, during Canadian Music Week in Toronto.

Randy Bachman’s legendary career took off in the mid 70s, when he earned his first colossal success with the Winnipeg rock band the Guess Who, when their hit “American Woman” scored the #1 spot on the Billboard charts, a first for any Canadian act.

He soared further when he teamed with Fred Turner in Bachman-Turner Overdrive: the band’s distinctive brand of stripped down, blue collar, meat ‘n’ potatoes rock headlined some of the biggest arenas in the world – from New York’s Madison Square Garden and London’s Hammersmith Odeon, to Hamburg’s Congress Centrum and the Falkoner Centre in Copenhagen.

When the two stars went their separate ways later that decade, Randy Bachman continued to pursue his unwavering love for music as a solo artist, as well as being part of the much-celebrated Guess Who reunion, then Bachman-Cummings, and subsequently establishing himself as a jazz artist and host of the CBC/Sirius radio show, “Vinyl Tap.” Meanwhile, Fred Turner carried on with the other members of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, before retiring from music at the end of the 90’s to indulge his passion for cars.

But the two had lingering feelings, which persisted for more than a decade, that they had some “unfinished” musical business. The result was Bachman & Turner’s world debut in June of this year at the Sweden Rock Festival, alongside some of their contemporaries including Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses and Billy Idol.

The band is currently playing select shows in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, backed by top musicians Brent Howard, Marc LaFrance and Mick Dalla-Vee and, now, on the road to the Grey Cup.

The Grey Cup 2010 Festival Committee and Molson Canadian are excited to announce that solo artist Matthew Good and rising rock group Theory of a Deadman will be performing at the 2010 Grey Cup Molson Canadian Friday Cabaret.

Burnaby, British Columbia native Matthew Good broke into the Canadian music scene in the early ‘90’s with his band the Matthew Good Band. Their first album, Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, made on a budget of $5000, eventually set the mark as the highest selling independent label released by a Canadian artist. Since then the three-time Juno award winner has launched a successful music career, breaking into a solo career in 2003 releasing five albums as a solo artist. His most recent album Vancouver was released in 2009 and featured the first single “Last Parade”.

Theory of a Deadman also hails from beautiful British Columbia. The group from Delta, BC formed in 2001 and has since released three albums and are currently working on their fourth which is said to be released in 2011. The Canadian rock trio entertained thousands of Canadian football fans on November 23, 2008 as they headlined the 96^th Grey Cup halftime show.

Tickets for the 2010 Grey Cup Molson Canadian Friday Cabaret are available now through www.greycupfestival2010.com/events for $39.50 each.

The 2010 Grey Cup Festival will kickoff the evening of Wednesday, November 24^th and will run Thursday, November 25^th through Saturday, November 27^th 11:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday, November 28^th 11:00am – 2:00pm.

TORONTO – Five-time JUNO Award nominees, The Trews, will perform “O Canada” at the sold out 98th Grey Cup in Edmonton.

“The singing of our national anthem at our national championship is a quintessential Canadian moment shared by millions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast”, said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

“So we’re thrilled that a band that started on the east coast, now lives in Ontario, and has been embraced by fans across the country will lead a packed Commonwealth Stadium in O Canada.”

In addition to performing the national anthem, the Bumstead/ Universal Recording artists will also perform at the official 98th Grey Cup post-game party at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Doors open at 9:00pm and fans can attend by purchasing tickets at www.greycupfestival2010.com/events.

The Trews – comprised of lead vocalist Colin MacDonald; his brother, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald; cousin, drummer Sean Dalton, and long-time friend, bassist Jack Syperek – are a Canadian success story, with two gold albums; 10 Top-10 Radio singles, and close to 800 live shows under its belt.

In May 2010, the band released a charity single, “Highway of Heroes,” on iTunes to raise money for the Canadian Hero Fund, which helps provide academic scholarships to family members of fallen military personnel. The song was inspired by the death of Captain Nichola Goddard, who grew up in Antigonish and was also taught by the Macdonald brothers’ mother.

“Every Canadian knows the Grey Cup, and to know we’re going to be part of it is really exciting,” said Trews’ Colin MacDonald. “This is a real honour. We can’t wait for kickoff.”

Perennially recognized for their creative output, The Trews are 5x JUNO Award nominees, were nominated for Best New Band by SPIN.com and Best New Band by Classic Rock magazine in the UK.

The 2010 Grey Cup Festival announced today that they, in conjunction with Capital Power, will be bringing the Capital Power Zipline to the 2010 Grey Cup Festival. The 520′ long, 80′ high ecotourism adventure will soar above the TELUS StreetFest for the duration of the festival.

The Capital Power Zipline will be supported by the Canadian Military with members of the Armed Forces assisting with the operation of the attraction. The Zipline is free to patrons; however donations for the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre will be welcomed.

“Capital Power is excited to be a Platinum Sponsor of the Grey Cup Festival and bring the thrill of the Capital Power Zipline to the 2010 Grey Cup Festival,” says Brian Vaasjo, Capital Power President and CEO. “We are proud of our hometown and the opportunity this event gives up to recognize the contributions of the men and women of the Canadian Forces and raise funds for the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Centre.”

“The Canadian Forces are proud to support this years CFL Grey Cup and truly appreciated the continuing asupport from the City of Edmonton, it’s local communities and organizations such as Capital Power and the Grey Cup Festival,” says Major John Shorten, Community Operations Officer for Land Force Western Area/Joint Task Force West. “We are definitely looking forward to the Grey Cup festivities coming up this November in Edmonton”

Duane Vienneau, 2010 Grey Cup Festival Executive Director also announced today that Churchill Square will be renamed ‘Huddle Town’ for the week leading up to the CFL Championship game as football fans from across the nation gather for the biggest party of the year. The City of Edmonton is providing funding support for the 2010 Grey Cup Festival and Huddle Town.

“The City of Edmonton is thrilled to support the Edmonton 2010 Grey Cup Festival,” says Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Opportunities to host events like the Grey Cup are a great source of pride for Edmontonians, and the 2010 festivities promise to be the best yet. This will bring tremendous excitement to our city and will attract visitors from across the country.”

Joining the ranks of Premier Partner is TELUS with one of the main attractions of Huddle Town being the TELUS StreetFest. The TELUS StreetFest will run down three blocks of 99^th Street and will contain an entertainment stage, food vendors, and Partner activations led by the TELUS Fun Zone.

“The 2010 Grey Cup Festival will be an unforgettable experience for not only Edmontonians, but for Canadian football fans across the country. TELUS and our 3,200 team members in Edmonton are thrilled to be a big part of the Grey Cup excitement,” says Andrea Goertz, Vice-President of TELUS Enterprise Services and Strategic Initiatives. “The Grey Cup Festival is a great Canadian tradition and, as Premier Partner, TELUS is committed to making TELUS StreetFest the event you won’t want to miss.”

CAT, City Centre Mall, CN, Nissan, Reebok and Purolator are also sponsoring a number of elements taking place in Huddle Town and throughout the 2010 Grey Cup Festival.

Doug Seath, The CAT Rental Store Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager says, “The CAT Rental Store is proud to be the official equipment supplier of the 2010 Grey Cup. The Grey Cup is truly a Canadian cultural event like no other and we are honoured to participate as a partner with the Grey Cup Festival 2010 and the CFL. We look forward to Edmonton welcoming the rest of the country for what will be the greatest Grey Cup event ever.”

“The 2010 Grey Cup event is like no other,” says Greg Burns, Marketing Manager for Edmonton City Centre. “It truly is a uniquely Canadian event that appeals to all Canadians. As well as the 170 stores and services, the TELUS StreetFest will continue into our mall. This fits into our mandate of making the shopping experience more vibrant, fun and entertaining.”

CN Field will be an attraction that will bring in fans of all different ages. The wading pool in front of City Hall will be converted into a 60’ x 120’ mini football field complete with turf and uprights. Programming and games have been set to appeal to football fans of all ages. The field will be lit so activities can run all day and into the evening. “CN is proud to be a sponsor of the 2010 Grey Cup in Edmonton, home to over one thousand CN employees,” said Michael Cory, Senior Vice President of CN’s Western Region, which is headquartered in the City of Champions. “This promises to be a great celebration of sport, of the City of Edmonton and of the great game of Canadian Football.”

Nissan Ride and Drive is an auto show style set-up where fans are able to test drive a Nissan vehicle. “Nissan Canada’s support of the 2010 Grey Cup in Edmonton reflects the value we see in reaching out to the Canadian football audience,” says Harry Jodoin, Senior Manager. Regional Advertising, Corporate Sponsorships and Events. “Through this partnership, Nissan will deliver even more exhilaration to fans attending the Grey Cup Festival with the opportunity to test drive Nissan vehicle with a CFL Alumni.”

“The entire Reebok Team is very proud to be partners with the CFL and the 2010 Grey Cup Festival in Edmonton,” says Daniel Gervais, VP and General Manager of Reebok Canada. “We know that the City of Edmonton and all it’s citizens will be supporting this great event this is so unique in many ways. We are excited to be involved in what promises to be a fantastic gathering for all Canadians and we look forward to be a part of the festivities that will lead up to the game on Sunday, November 28^th.”

“Purolator is proud to be a partner of the 2010 Grey Cup Festival in Edmonton,” says Brian Collins, Purolator Marketing Specialist, Corporate Sponsorship. “As a partner of the CFL and all eight teams, partnering with the Festival is a natural extension for our business and our employees. Intergrating the Purolator Tackle Hunger program in the Grey Cup Parade allows us to further extend the program and continue to help those in need.” Purolator will have their donation boxes set up along the Grey Cup Parade route as well as two trucks in the parade that will be collecting items from parade attendees.

The 2010 Grey Cup Festival will kickoff the evening of Wednesday, November 24^th and will run Thursday, November 25^th through Saturday, November 27^th 11:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday, November 28^th 11:00am – 2:00pm.