Grey Cup fans get the party started in Winnipeg

Fans from across Canada are in Winnipeg to celebrate the 103rd Grey Cup, but they aren't waiting for Sunday's game to start celebrating.

The Ottawa Redblacks face the Edmonton Eskimos at 5 p.m. at Investors Group Field.Approximately28,000 football fans are expected to bein Winnipeg for the game and relatedfestivities.

Edmonton fans perform The Eskimo Fight Song

9 years ago

Duration 0:53

Edmonton fans are amped up and ready to go for the 103rd Grey Cup in Winnipeg

Ottawa Redblack's field goal chant

9 years ago

Duration 0:33

Ottawa Redblack's fans perform chant when their kicker completes a field goal.

Football fans came out in force to show off their team colours at the Touchdown Manitoba party at the RBC Convention Centre on Friday.

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Former WinnipeggerJennifer Ellistravelled to Winnipeg from Ottawa to cheer onthe Redblacks.

"Super excited the party is going to be fun but the game is where it's at," she said.

Ellis expects there willbe a "big contest" between the quarterbacks during Sunday's game.

"I've been going to the Grey Cup since 1974," said Blue Bombers-turned-Ottawa fanJohn(Cooch) Couture.

The comradery and friends Couturemet during Grey Cup festivities are more important than any football game, he said.

"The game is very important but as you see here, people talking having a good time, all clean fun, that's what it's all about," he said.

"I can't stand Edmonton. I don't know why," said Winnipeg's Braydon Ayotte, who will be cheering for Ottawa during the Grey Cup.

"They're from the West and they play the Bombers every year, so it's just typical to choose a team from the East," he said.

Frankie Feketeis one Winnipegger bucking that trend. He's cheering for Edmonton and hopes to see his team hoist the cup in person on Sunday.

"I've been a fan since the day I was born," he said. "I'm pumped for the game."

Go to the Grey Cup Festival website fora full list of events and parties.