We are the champions, Lions win sixth Grey Cup
Posted November 28, 2011 5:48 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Lions are the 2011 Grey Cup champions and the party went well into the night after the home team beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23. As a result of the big win, thousands of fans hit the streets of Downtown Vancouver.
For many Lions fans who poured out of BC Place, it seemed as though the game met all their expectations. “BC was just a way better team, offensively and defensively. They just smoked them,” says one Lions fan.
“It was actually a lot of fun, even beforehand it was a great atmosphere,” added another party-goer. “I’ll sum it up by saying this could have been the best night of our lives and it was!”
The game also brought thousands of fans to bars around BC Place, which suggests that business likely saw a huge spike over the weekend.
Vancouver Police had a large presence around the stadium and in the city’s entertainment district as fans celebrated the win. They reported no major problems and were pleased that, for the most part, everyone was very well behaved.”
Post-game reaction
The Lions are just the fourth team to win the Grey Cup at home in CFL history, and it’s the first time it’s been done since the 1994 Lions captured the championship.
Travis Lulay was named MVP of the game as he was 21-of-37 for 320 yards and threw two touchdowns with no interceptions. Andrew Harris rushed for 65 yards and was named the game’s top Canadian. This is the sixth Grey Cup title for the Lions and the first since 2006.
The victory was before 54,313 fans at a sold-out BC Place. BC became the first team in CFL history to win the Grey Cup after losing its first five regular-season games.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was at the game, congratulated the Lions.
“On behalf of Canadians, I would like to congratulate the BC Lions on their excellent season and unwavering drive and determination which culminated in their victory at this year’s Grey Cup in Vancouver,” his statement reads.
“I would also like to congratulate the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on their significant achievement of winning the East Division Final and reaching the championship.”
Jann Arden sang the national anthem, and Nickelback rocked the half-time show.
