In downtown Toronto a capacity crowd gathered to witness the 100th Grey Cup, a milestone game that linked the city’s rich football history with a modern celebration. More than fifty-two thousand fans filled the arena and the surrounding streets as the Toronto Argonauts faced the Calgary Stampeders, both teams chasing a championship in Canada’s oldest professional football final. The occasion blended tradition with a live, citywide party, culminating in a 35-22 victory for Toronto.
From the opening kickoff, the Argonauts set the tone with a balanced attack that kept Calgary on its heels. Three touchdowns in the first half gave Toronto a comfortable lead, and although the Stampeders mounted a late charge, their only major score came in the final minutes of regulation as time slipped away.
Chad Kackert earned the game’s Most Outstanding Player honor after a complete performance. He carried 20 times for 133 yards and added eight receptions for 62 yards, repeatedly moving the chains and finishing drives. Ricky Foley, another key piece of Toronto’s lineup, was recognized as the top Canadian in the game, a nod to his relentless blocking and the way his linemen created space for the running backs and passing plays.
Calgary did manage a late touchdown, but it only capped a game that had been controlled by the Argonauts for most of the evening. The early three touchdown burst by Toronto built the lead and kept Calgary chasing, with the Argos’ defense clamping down when needed to preserve the margin.
Halftime presented a memorable mix of Canadian music. Gordon Lightfoot opened the show, making way for Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench and Justin Bieber. The crowd responded with energy to Marianas Trench, then joined Jepsen for her signature Call Me Maybe, before Bieber closed the night with Boyfriend, a performance that seemed to echo the city’s excitement about the night’s events.
It was a moment Bieber anticipated publicly. It is an honor to be here at the Grey Cup, the artist told the audience before launching into a chorus that reverberated through the stadium and across screens nationwide.
Fans left the stadium proud of a win that reinforced Toronto’s status as a hub for Canadian football. The victory put a bright shine on the Argonauts’ season and set expectations for the team’s future endeavors as they move ahead in the schedule.
Ultimately the spectacle stood as a snapshot of Canadian culture where sport and music meet on a single stage. The Grey Cup centennial in Toronto will be remembered for the seamless blend of competitive football and live entertainment that united thousands in celebration and left a lasting impression on the city.