SOLD-OUT 2007 GREY CUP GAME BOOSTS TOURISM IN ONTARIO

 

TORONTO — The McGuinty government has invested $200,000 to help market the Grey Cup Festival in Toronto which ends on Sunday with a sold out game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, said Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca today.

 

“The Grey Cup Festival and television broadcast of the game gives thousands of visitors and viewers a great opportunity to see all that Toronto has to offer,” said Fonseca. “Our government is pleased to help promote this exciting festival to football fans across the country and in border states.”

 

The 2007 Grey Cup Festival runs from November 21-25, when the 95th Grey Cup Game kicks off. 

The game, which returns to Toronto for the first time in 15 years, will feature a performance by rock singer Lenny Kravitz during the half-time show. Festival events across the city include music, comedy and street celebrations at more than 50 Toronto venues.

 

“We are thrilled to bring Canada’s largest professional sporting event back to Toronto,” said Brad Watters, General Manager of the 2007 Grey Cup Festival. “Thanks to the generous support of the Ministry of Tourism, we were able to generate a lot of buzz about this festival and the game.”

 

The Ontario government has invested in many other sport tourism initiatives including:

• $8 million to help build the National Soccer Stadium, which hosted the FIFA Under 20 World Cup soccer tournament in May.
• $225,000 to help promote the 2007 Steelback Grand Prix, which took place from July 6-8.
• $150,000 to help market the 2007 Rogers Cup, which took place from August 11-19.

 

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Contacts:

Alicia Farrow, Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391