Regina, SK - Regina has been selected as the host city for the 2013 Grey Cup. “This is great news for Regina and for Saskatchewan” declared Larry Hiles, President & CEO of the Regina Regional Opportunities Commission (RROC).

“For large sporting events such as these, every dollar spent results in two dollars for Saskatchewan business,” said Hiles. Events of this magnitude yield a large economic impact for the Regina region. Direct impact will be clearly felt by local businesses, restaurants, hotels and more.

RROC, using event information from the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the sports tourism assessment model of the Conference Board of Canada, estimates the total provincial impact of the 2013 Grey Cup will be between $45m and $50M, with $30m to $35M, impacting the Regina area.

Beyond the obvious economic impact Hiles also noted that “this kind of event involves hundreds of part-time employment opportunities which we estimate will provide income equivalent to 400 full time jobs.”

“With such a big event we have to be prepared to host thousands of visitors, and we are confident that the Regina region will be ready by 2013. We anticipate hotel room availability will be 35% higher in 2013 than in 2003 based on the development of new hotels in Regina,” Hiles confirmed. When Moose Jaw’s capacity is added we expect to have more than 4000 hotel rooms available by 2013. Additionally, the Friends with Friends program can accommodate thousands of guests and the Home Stay program can be expanded to accommodate as many additional guests as needed. As well, extra capacity can be developed utilizing corporate suites, bed and breakfasts, education institutions and potentially even campgrounds.

Media Contact

Jennifer Nelson
Director of Communications
RROC
306-791-1816
Jnelson@reginaroc.com