The CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to compete against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this Sunday, December 12, on home turf during the 108th Grey Cup championship game.

Needless to say, Hamilton is excited.

St. John the Baptist School was asked by Tourism Hamilton to design a #GreyCup window for the Lister Block @hwcdsb @MadalenaJohn Thanks to Mr Defaria and Ms. Frattaroli and the grade 7 students. @Ticats pic.twitter.com/ztUnD4QIXT

— Lisa St. Aubin (@lisastauby) December 7, 2021

Effectively the closest thing Canada has to the Super Bowl, the Grey Cup is a really big deal in football — one worthy of a truly royal escort to and from wherever it may be headed.

Thanks to our 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron members who safely transported the Grey Cup to Hamilton by CH-146 Griffon! https://t.co/936QRFiuR9

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) December 7, 2021

It even gets a seat belt.

Precious cargo! 🏆

Next stop: Hamilton! #GreyCup | #CFL pic.twitter.com/PJgVUJLF6b

— 108th Grey Cup (@GreyCupFestival) December 7, 2021

The cup was first awarded all the way back in 1909 and, save for a few suspensions due to war, severe weather and most-recently a pandemic, CFL teams have been vying for the trophy anually ever since.

Fans seem similarly obsessed.

‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ https://t.co/PG9CnPMSv5

— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) December 6, 2021

This time around, the Grey Cup is being held at Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field, which itself sounds almost parodically Canadian but, I can assure you, is very real.

The #GreyCup has arrived in Hamilton in advance of the big game this Sunday at Tim Hortons Field, with help from the Royal Canadian Air Force 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron! pic.twitter.com/rk2FsiYjLz

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) December 7, 2021

Also real were the duo of literal war planes that delivered the cup safely to Hamilton on Tuesday.

Two CH-146 Griffons have departed our ramp with the Grey Cup on board for arrival ceremonies at Bayfront Park! @CFL @GreyCupFestival @Ticats pic.twitter.com/QQnC5OaSDN

— Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (@CWHM) December 7, 2021

Same goes for the Mounties who escorted the trophy to its earthbound ride...

Putting the #GreyCup in a taxi after delivery by helicopter? https://t.co/2wTFQeFbN0

— John Radnor (@jradnor) December 7, 2021

And the soldiers in what look like storm tropper helmets who accompanied the cup from Mount Hope, Ontario.

From helicopter to Hamilton: 🚁🏆

Welcome to #GreyCup Week! pic.twitter.com/7g2OFU33tt

— CFL (@CFL) December 7, 2021

You see, while the sold out game is still five days away, Grey Cup festivities actually kicked off this morning in Hamilton, where two CH-146 Griffons arrived to present the cup at the city's Bayfront Park.

Here are the two @RCAF_ARC 430 Sqn, CH-146 Griffon helicopters that delivered the Grey Cup to Bayfront Park in Hamilton.@CFL @GreyCupFestival @Ticats #avgeek pic.twitter.com/KFStoAHrIs

— David Hills (@DavidartHills) December 7, 2021

Hundreds of fans (I'm presuming of the Ticats) were present to greet the military helicopters, alongside Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie and "various VIPS."

Full disclosure: I thought about mysteriously vanishing from work and making my way to Bayfront. But I'm being a good boy. Glad to see we are welcoming the cup with a chant though.

video description: a group of Ticats fans welcome the Grey Cup to a very cold and white Hamilton. https://t.co/k7Vj9oGIvp

— Luke "Ken" Williams (@LukeWilliamsL2) December 7, 2021

The Ticats beat out the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday to secure a place in this year's CFL finals, but it's worth noting that the game would have been played in Hamilton, regardless of who won.

Let's hope the teams playing this next game can keep their fights on the field.