Winnipeg Blue Bombers Adam Bighill hoists the Grey Cup as the team arrives at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport on Monday, November 25, 2019 after winning the Grey Cup Sunday night. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Mike O’Shea, left, celebrates with his team in the locker room on Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their new shiny piece of football hardware are finally home.
The team and the Grey Cup touched down Monday afternoon at James Richardson International Airport to roaring cheers from fans.
The Bombers ended a 29-year Grey Cup drought Sunday night, hoisting the CFL’s coveted top prize in Calgary after a decisive 33-12 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“This is for you guys. We brought it home for you,” linebacker Adam Bighill yelled to the fans.
During celebrations at the airport, a slight mishap broke the Grey Cup into two pieces as players passed the trophy around.
“We break the drought, we break the cup,” emcee Ace Burpee said into the microphone to laughter.
The team and City of Winnipeg will host a victory parade on Tuesday. The parade will run from noon to 3 p.m. beginning at Hargrave and Portage Avenue and travel eastbound on Portage to culminate at The Forks.
The parade will include players, coaches, staff, Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Wade Miller, Premier Brian Pallister, Mayor Brian Bowman, the cheer and dance team, Buzz and Boomer, the Blue Bombers Drum Band, and Dancing Gabe.
Bob Irving of 680 CJOB will host the festivities, with speeches kicking off following a RCAF fly-past at 1:30 p.m.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers Grey Cup parade route. Click to enlarge. (BLUEBOMBERS.COM / GOOGLE MAPS)
The Champs have arrived Winnipeg! Welcome Home @wpgbluebombers – 2019 Grey Cup Champions #finaltouchdown #fortheW pic.twitter.com/HHABsH2GY6
— Winnipeg Airport (@YWGairport) November 25, 2019
