They're pumped up about the Grey Cup parties, the potential of a Toronto-Saskatchewan matchup and the game's tens of thousands of fans.
And officials have found a way to steer many of them a little more smoothly and safely to and from the CFL championship match -- whether they're drinking or not.
Outside city hall yesterday, an impromptu mini-pep rally broke out as Mayor Sam Katz and Blue Bomber president Lyle Bauer held the storied Grey Cup, while shoving aside their recent public spat over the local franchise's future ownership and stadium concerns.
"Everybody's pumped up," Katz said, while admitting to a sour taste left by the Bombers' agonizing 31-27 defeat to Toronto in last Sunday's East Division semifinal.
"We know that some fans are disappointed that the Bombers missed by just that much, but this is still going to be the best Grey Cup ever. And everyone should get out and support this event."
Bauer says he's certain that Grey Cup support from 'Peg fans is strong, even as more than 3,000 tickets remain unsold at Canad Inns Stadium after the Blue players have cleaned out their locker-room.
"When you've come off a 5-13 season, there's hope," he said of his club's disappointing 2005 campaign, before it finished 9-9 this year.
"They weren't necessarily buying tickets just because they really believed the Bombers were going to be in it. It's a great city for a Grey Cup and for hosting the biggest piece of Canadiana there is. I really believe that the week and festivals will be spectacular."
The grey mug arrived with Bauer as beer company Molson announced that it's teaming with Winnipeg Transit for the game. Under their partnership, Grey Cup ticket-holders will be allowed to ride for free on their way to the 94th edition of the football classic on Nov. 19, as long as it's on specially marked buses taking Portage Avenue from downtown or any of nine specific suburban routes.
"They will be express routes from the suburbs straight to the stadium. The downtown route will start at Portage and Main, with stops along the way," said Molson public affairs director Jeff Gaulin.
"We want to make sure fans can get to the game and enjoy the game, and get home safely," he added. "Don't drink and drive -- take the bus on us."
The fare-free transit plan comes as the CFL and Blue Bombers have decided to yank Canad Inns Stadium's regular alcohol-free zone from one of its grandstands -- meaning no Cup spectator in Section A is guaranteed to be clear of beer or booze during the action.
Transit's offer -- to cost the city about $25,000 -- will be detailed soon on its website.
Posters for the ride program will appear at liquor stores, bars, hotels and restaurants.
As for the teams in the game itself, Katz and Bauer weren't afraid to put their hopes in the open.
"It would be very inappropriate for the president and CEO to pick a favourite, but my birth certificate does say Saskatchewan on it," Bauer, a Saskatoon native, said of prospects for an influx of Roughrider faithful.
"They have good fans. And we've been fielding calls from people in Toronto who are pretty optimistic right now, as well."
Katz suggested that if the Bombers can't be in it, a Rider-Argonaut matchup would be ideal.
"I'd love to see Saskatchewan, because they would bring a lot of fans and they just have a good time. And you know what? I wouldn't mind seeing Pinball Clemons and Toronto back in," he said of the Argos head coach.
"Because they beat Winnipeg. I'd at least like to see the team that beat us in the Grey Cup."
The mayor added he won't miss the game, regardless of the weather conditions.
"Absolutely," he said. "And yes, I will wear long underwear."
