Grey Cup Gala
Walking into the Rogers Centre was “comparable to the Vancouver Olympics” Says a volunteer. The field at the Scotiabank Grey Cup Gala was glistening with red and blue for the Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders. The transparent plastic tables and chairs were shining in the spotlight of the 100th Grey Cup Celebration. The event took place on the same field that the game would be played the following Sunday.
The food was set up in different booths all over the field. The variety of smells was embraced by the air, vigorous smells from the delicious food, prepared by renowned celebrity chef and head judge of Top Chef Canada, Mark McEwan and executive chef of internationally acclaimed restaurant Buca, Rob Gentile.
The preparation for this venue was setup swiftly, just in time for guests to arrive to the night they will never forget.
The doors opened welcoming the guests in through a one of a kind entranceway of a giant football helmet. The football helmet sat at the base of the stairs at the field, which really set the mood. Customized Helmets by a world renown Sports artist were auctioned off in a silent auction. There was one from each team and of course the 100th Grey Cup Special Edition helmet.
On either side of the field were the Stampeders and the Argonauts logos blocked off by a rope painted on. Also in the middle of the field they had painted the 100th Grey Cup logo.
There were also performances everywhere in the stadium. There were two stages; some of the performances took place on the stages while a couple others took place in the stands and one even in the back of a truck. There was an act performed by a 14-year-old boy named Jon Dretto who is a guitar player and a 15-year- old country singer Madison Kozak. When they sang it
“Made everyone at the event feel young again.” Said a Scotiabank employee.
There was also a country singer named Brad mates and a pop singer Chris Willis who performed on the stages.
The Argo’s cheerleaders were roaming around the stadium taking photos with the guests, they also did the final performance with Chris Willis and ran the silent auction.
A couple of well-known faces made an appearance Damon Allen, a well known Argonauts alumni and Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who is also a well-known football player. There was also a touching cheer and speech by Chris Rudge, executive chairman of the 100th Grey Cup.
“AAARRRRGGGGOOOOSSSS!” cheered Rudge.
The Grey Cup was marched onto the field by military personel and placed on a table at the point on the field that the 100th Grey Cup was painted on the field. It was placed while Brad Mates sang a touching ballet from the stands.
The night ended with a cheerful group of people hoping for their team to bring home the 100th Grey Cup and go down in history.
This celebration was surly a night to remember, glorious food, spectacular company, a gorgeous venue and wonderful entertainment.
TORONTO, Ont. (21/11/12) Chris Rudge Executive Chairman and CEO of the Argonauts was laughing it up with a couple of the Argos cheerleaders before they did their performance with Chris Willis at the Scotiabank Gala on Wednesday night. Photo by: Laura Boudreau.
Game day outside the Rogers Centre:
TORONTO, Ont. (25/11/12) Fans of the Montreal Alouettes, from left Stephane Gagnon, Alain Belisle, Michel Belisle, Real Taillon and Richard Binette get ready to entre the Rogers Centre for the big game. Photo by: Laura Boudreau
TORONTO, Ont. (25/11/12) Fans of the Toronto Argonauts wait for the Rogers Centre to open so they could watch the 100th Grey Cup game. From left Lauraine Woods, Rachel Woods and Paul Woods were cheering on with the rest of the crowd while eating Frank's Red Hot Ribs. Photo by: Laura Boudreau.
TORONTO, Ont. (25/11/12) Fans of all CFL teams march in the parade to take the Grey Cup to the Rogers Centre. Photo by: Laura Boudreau.
TORONTO, Ont. (25/11/12) He calls himself the Argos number 1 fan. Lance Miller has gone to 10 grey cup games and is a huge CFL fan. "I want nothing more than my team to win again!" said Miller with his sword and shield in hand, smile on his face and spirit in his heart. Photo by: Laura Boudreau.
TORONTO, Ont. (21/11/12) Chris Rudge Executive Chairman and CEO of the Argonauts was laughing it up with a couple of the Argos cheerleaders before they did their performance with Chris Willis at the Scotiabank Gala on Wednesday night. Photo by: Laura Boudreau.
