In 2010, the Grey Cup playoff game will be hosted in Edmonton, Alberta, on November 28th. This is the 98th Grey Cup and is the third to be hosted in Edmonton. Grey Cup parties are being held at many local pubs and restaurants and, of course, in many homes across Canada.
2010 Grey Cup Playoff Game Time and Teams Playing for the Grey Cup
The 98th Grey Cup will begin at 6PM EST. Competing for the Grey Cup title are the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes. TSN is showing the game for those who are staying home to watch. Tickets for this event are totally sold-out.
Grey Cup Playoff Party Food Ideas for Hosting the Party
If you decide to watch the game and take in the festivities at a local pub or restaurant, then the menu will be jam-packed with munchies to consider during game time.
However, if you are hosting a Grey Cup party, you will need a good selection of foods to go along with the drinks and celebrations of the evening. Some popular ideas for food if you are hosting a Grey Cup party:
- Pizza
- Chicken wings
- Vegetable tray
- Spinach dip with bread and/or chips
- Cheese and meat platters
- Chips and pretzels
- Potato salad
- Jalapeno poppers
- Nuts
The game will last a couple of hours at least and after-party celebrations are likely. Be sure to store the food accordingly to avoid any chance of food poisoning. Keep items cold that require it by placing them on a platter of ice and keep heated items covered with foil or a lid. Crock pots are another good way to keep items warm.
Grey Cup Playoff Party Drinks and Drinking Tips
Whether you will be celebrating the Grey Cup outside of the home or inside the home, you should remain responsible with your drinking. Police are always out in force catching drunk drivers and unruly drunks after Grey Cup, so keep that in mind when drinking during the Grey Cup game.
If you plan to go out that night, consider taking a cab or bus to where you need to go. If you have a designated driver that is great, but watch to make sure they stay that way all night. If they don't, it's better to take a cab than to risk driving and causing injury to yourself or innocent parties.
If you are hosting the Grey Cup party this year, help your guests remain responsible too. Keep the coffee going and make it available all night. Having a pitcher of ice-cold water by the food will also help promote drinking water in between the alcoholic drinks. Staple drinks for Grey Cup parties are:
- Rum, Rye or Vodka mixed with pop
- Beer
To make things interesting, consider make slush drinks and adding some food coloring to represent the team you are cheering for!
In the end though, if you are hosting the party it is your responsibility to ensure your guests don't drink and drive. Watch your friends and help them avoid drinking and driving by offering them coffee, water or, if you have to, taking away their keys and getting them an alternate ride home.
After the Grey Cup Playoff Game
Win or lose, after parties are inevitable after the Grey Cup game. Winning teams and their fans are in high gear and ready to continue the celebration, though getting slapped with a fine of being a public nuisance isn't the goal. The losing team and its fans aren't always as happy and can lead to riots in streets, at pubs or even in the stands at the game itself.
By the time the game is over, emotions will be running high for both teams and more than likely, plenty of alcohol will be running through your veins. Keep yourself in check and try to avoid any mishaps. Calling your boss on Monday morning and telling him or her that you spent the night in jail probably won't help out your career.
As for the teams, they've both worked hard to get where they are and unfortunately, only one team can win. All you can hope for are good playing conditions, an exciting game and an evening of fun with friends and friendly competition.
References:
Grey Cup CFL. "Grey Cup Coming to Edmonton In 2010" (accessed November 26, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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