CALGARY, AB — The Calgary Stampeders unveiled the brand and vision for the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival, marking a major milestone as the city prepares to host one of Canada’s biggest and most celebrated sporting events.
“The Grey Cup Festival is about bringing people together across generations, neighbourhoods and fan bases to celebrate our city and our shared love of football,” said Alex Pourbaix, Co-Chair of the 2026 Grey Cup Festival. “With the support of our community partners, and Title Sponsor Cenovus Energy, we’re building a Festival that reflects Calgary’s spirit, creates meaningful shared experiences and leaves a lasting legacy for our city.”
“The rich tradition of the Grey Cup Festival, bringing Canadians together in a shared love of sport and community, is a fantastic fit with Cenovus’s commitment to support the places we call home,” said Jeff Lawson, Cenovus’s Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development & Chief Sustainability Officer. “The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival will showcase the energy, pride and connection that make Calgary – and all of Canada – so special.”
Rooted in connection, tradition and community, the Grey Cup Festival brand reflects Calgary’s role as a historic gathering place. Inspired by the city’s western spirit, it captures pride, momentum and belonging. As the 113th Grey Cup returns to Calgary for a sixth time, the city is ready to unite generations of fans, celebrate shared traditions, and create lasting memories for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
“The 113th Grey Cup is about more than a championship game,” said Deborah Yedlin, Co-Chair of the 2026 Grey Cup Festival. “It’s about bringing the country together through shared experiences, celebrating Calgary on a national stage and leaving a meaningful legacy that benefits our city long after the Festival ends.”
The delivery of the Grey Cup Festival is guided by multiple steering committees and supported by a broad network of community partners and sponsors. This collaborative structure brings together diverse expertise to support a city-wide celebration designed to showcase Calgary and create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
The Festival is expected to deliver significant economic and community benefits for Calgary and Alberta, showcasing the city on a national stage while driving tourism, local business activity and civic pride.
“Major events like the Grey Cup Festival, put Alberta in the national Spotlight, delivering excitement and meaningful economic impact across our province. They create valuable opportunities for local businesses, inspire Albertan athletes and help drive long-term tourism growth – all while bringing people together to celebrate the love of sport and community spirit,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport, Government of Alberta.
Tourism Calgary estimates the Festival will attract more than 350,000 people over the week-long celebration, delivering significant benefits for local businesses, hotels and attractions. Additional programming details will be announced in the months ahead.
“Calgary is ready to host the greatest party in Canada. By activating the Culture + Entertainment District and Stampede Park as festival headquarters, we are creating something tremendously unique and fun for fans across Canada to enjoy,” said Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “It was Stampeders fans and Calgary’s western hospitality that started the festival tradition back in 1948. We’re honoured to carry that legacy forward and show the country that nobody hosts quite like Calgary.”
As part of its long-term community commitment, the Festival will deliver a meaningful legacy through Calgary Stampeders Community Flag Football Fields. Supported by a $500,000 investment from the Calgary Stampeders Foundation, the project will see three new youth flag football fields constructed in Fonda Park, transforming under utilized green space into a year-round community sport asset.
“This legacy investment reflects our commitment to the future of football and to building healthier, more connected communities,” said Jay McNeil, President of the Calgary Stampeders. “By investing in community youth flag football fields, we’re creating accessible spaces where young people can discover the game, build confidence and stay active. This project ensures the impact of the Grey Cup Festival will be felt in Calgary for years to come.”
Working collaboratively with the City of Calgary, construction is planned to begin in Spring 2026, with the north and south fields expected to be operational by late summer or early fall, creating new opportunities for youth, schools and community programs to participate in the rapidly growing sport of flag football.
“The new youth flag football fields at Fonda Park are a great example of what’s possible when strong community partnerships come together around a shared goal. With the support of the Stampeders Foundation’s 2026 Grey Cup Legacy Project and The City’s ongoing investment in parks and recreation, we’re responding to the growing popularity of flag football and creating more inclusive opportunities for Calgarians to get active and connect through sport,” said Jeromy Farkas, Mayor, City of Calgary.
Planning for the Grey Cup Festival is well underway, with volunteer recruitment now open. Calgarians and football fans across the country are invited to be part of the journey to 113th Grey Cup.
The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival will take place at Stampede Park from November 8–14, 2026, culminating with the 113th Grey Cup game at McMahon Stadium on November 15. For updates and opportunities to get involved, visit www.greycupfestival.ca.