Riders fans seal Grey Cup ticket deal during Greek vacation

WINNIPEG — A Saskatchewan couple’s dream of attending the Grey Cup was secured in an unlikely place — a Greek island — thanks to a friendly deal struck with Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans.

“I’m Denise Nelson and my husband, Kelly and I are enthusiastic Saskatchewan Roughrider fans residing in Regina. In mid September we vacationed to Europe with friends. Our first stop was Greece. Prior to our departure, I investigated purchasing Grey Cup tickets. No luck," Denise shared with SaskToday. 

“On October 3, Kelly and I along with our friends, Darcy Ready and Sandi White, were exploring the island of Milos, particularly Polonia. We were on the wharf looking towards the island of Kimolos when a young gentleman called out, ‘Saskatchewan Roughriders!’ Darcy was wearing a Saskatchewan Roughriders ball cap.

“I responded, ‘You are Canadians!’ The young couple responded, ‘Winnipeg Blue Bombers!’ We all laughed. Cody and Mallory explained that they are avid fans and season ticket holders.

“I said to them, ‘Okay you guys, the Bombers have won for years; it is our turn. I want to go to the Grey Cup if the Riders get to play in the Grey Cup.’ Cody replied, ‘If the Blue Bombers don’t make it to the Grey Cup, I will sell you my tickets to the Grey Cup game.’

“I was overjoyed. My dream comes true.

“We exchanged contact information and wished each other a great vacation in Greece.

“October 27th while in Paris on our return home to Regina, I texted Cody: ‘Okay so the Blue Bombers are crossing over to the East. You know what I am praying for…’

“Cody replied, ‘Yes, I know. The tickets are yours if we lose out and the Riders are in.’

“After watching an intense Lions vs. Riders game in Regina on November 8th and extreme excitement about the Riders’ win, I texted Cody to confirm our deal made in Greece.

“The Bombers were out and the Riders are in!

“We made the necessary e-transfers, and we are going to the Grey Cup, Denis said the day before the game, noting that they were planning to meet again at the Grey Cup as Cody and Mallory were planning to be there as well. 

Stay tuned to SaskToday.ca and SportscCage.com on Nov. 16 for comprehensive Grey Cup coverage.

-Submitted by Denise Nelson.