Tourism study shows Regina Grey Cup had major economic impact

The Toronto Argonauts won the 109th Grey Cup in Regina on Nov. 20, narrowly defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23.

But there were some bigger numbers happening behind the scenes at the CFL championship, as the game and accompanying festival had a major economic impact in Saskatchewan and beyond.

That’s according to a study by Sport Tourism Canada, which found the event generated $67.8 million in economic impact across the country and added $25.7 million to Saskatchewan’s GDP.

(980 CJME file photo)

“The event yielded $22.8 million in wages and salaries in Canada through the support of 388 jobs, of which 291 jobs and $16.7 million in wages and salaries were in Saskatchewan,” the Saskatchewan Roughriders said in a media release Wednesday.

Roughriders president-CEO Craig Reynolds said he’s incredibly proud of how the event turned out, and noted the goal was to create a provincial celebration that could be enjoyed by entire families.

“Through the hard work of more than 1,000 volunteers and the tremendous support of Rider Nation and CFL fans across the league, we accomplished something truly special not only for those that attended, but for the entire Saskatchewan community,” Reynolds said in a statement.

While the game had 33,350 fans in the stands at Mosaic Stadium, the team said the total attendance over the six-day festival added up to 210,000, and 26,669 out-of-town visitors made the trip to Regina to take in the on-field action and all the festivities.

The Grey Cup’s economic impact saw $19.6 million in tourism spending, the team noted, and an average of $1,516 per party was spent on accommodations, restaurants, entertainment and retail.

More than 8.2 million viewers tuned in to parts of the game on TSN and RDS, the Roughriders added.

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said he was never doubtful that the game and the festival would be a big success.

“We knew the City of Regina, the province of Saskatchewan and the Roughriders would put on a tremendous event but seeing that vision come to life was truly awe-inspiring,” the commissioner said in a statement.

“We’re beyond grateful to our passionate fans, Rider Nation, organizers, staff and volunteers; it is their incredible efforts that grew our great game and brought in nearly $70 million nationally to strengthen and support Canadian families and communities.”

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters expressed her thanks to everyone involved in making the event a success.

“We are thrilled to see the $21.2-million economic impact that the 109th Grey Cup and 2022 Grey Cup Festival brought to Regina,” Masters said in a statement.

“Hosting major events like the Grey Cup brings people to our city, spurring activity for our local businesses and ultimately enhancing our quality of life and civic pride and presents an opportunity to showcase our identity as a fantastic host city.”