Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes Arrive for 113th Grey Cup
The two top-seeded teams converge in Calgary for Sunday's championship showdown.
1Championship Teams Reach Calgary
The Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes have officially arrived in Calgary to prepare for the 113th Grey Cup. This highly anticipated showdown marks the conclusion of the professional football season. Both teams secured their spots after successful division final performances last Saturday, setting the stage for a competitive championship match this Sunday.
2Edmonton Ends Playoff Drought
The Edmonton Elks return to the Grey Cup for the first time since their 2015 championship victory. Finishing first in the West Division with a 13-5 record, the team successfully ended a five-year playoff drought. They earned their place in the final by defeating the B.C. Lions with a decisive 28-16 score.
3Montreal's Dominant Season Path
The Montreal Alouettes enter the final with a league-best 14-4 record, having finished at the top of the East Division. Their path to the Grey Cup included a 33-23 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the division final. The team demonstrated consistent performance throughout the regular season to reach this championship stage.
4Season Series Competitive Balance
The two finalists split their two-game season series earlier this year, with each team securing a victory on their home turf. This historical parity suggests a closely contested match on Sunday. Neither team holds a clear statistical advantage based on their head-to-head encounters, making the upcoming game a highly unpredictable tactical battle.
5Trophy Arrival and Ceremony
The Grey Cup trophy arrived in Calgary on Monday, accompanied by traditional bagpipes and a Canadian Forces escort. The event served as a moment of reflection, as the proceedings honoured dozens of soldiers involved in a recent deadly fire at CFB Wainwright. The trophy's arrival signals the official start of championship week.
6Context of Military Tribute
The inclusion of a Canadian Forces escort during the trophy arrival highlights the league's connection to the military community. By honouring those affected by the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, located southeast of Edmonton, the event organizers integrated a somber tone into the pre-game festivities, acknowledging the broader impact of the recent incident.
7Historical Significance of Event
The 113th Grey Cup represents a major milestone in Canadian professional football history. As the league's premier event, it draws significant national attention and serves as the culmination of months of intense competition. The return of Edmonton to the final adds a layer of narrative depth to this year's championship game proceedings.
8Final Preparations and Expectations
With both teams now settled in Calgary, the focus shifts to final practice sessions and tactical adjustments before Sunday's kickoff. Fans and analysts are closely watching how the Elks and Alouettes adapt to the championship environment. The outcome will determine which franchise claims the prestigious trophy and concludes their season as champions.