The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will honour their 1988 and 1990 Grey Cup championship teams at a Hall of Fame celebration in Winnipeg on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The event will take place at the RBC Convention Centre, one day after both teams are recognized during the club’s home game against the Toronto Argonauts.
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Two championship teams join the Hall of Fame
The 1988 and 1990 squads have been selected as the Winnipeg Football Club’s 2026 Hall of Fame class.
The teams will join the 1984 Grey Cup team, which was inducted in 2024, as part of the club’s effort to recognize the championship groups behind its 12 Grey Cup victories.
The 1988 team holds a special place in Canadian football history.
Winnipeg finished the regular season with a 9-9 record before defeating Hamilton in the Eastern Semi-Final, Toronto in the Eastern Final and B.C. in the Grey Cup.
The club’s 22-21 win over the Lions in Ottawa made Winnipeg the first .500 team in Grey Cup history to win the championship.
The 1990 team followed with a dominant championship season.
Winnipeg finished first in the East Division at 12-6, defeated Toronto in the Eastern Final and beat Edmonton 50-11 in the Grey Cup at Vancouver’s B.C. Place.
That victory gave the Blue Bombers their 10th Grey Cup championship and completed a run of three titles in seven seasons, following the 1984 and 1988 victories.
A celebration of the people behind the titles
The two championship teams were led by general manager Cal Murphy and head coach Mike Riley, two influential figures in Blue Bombers history.
Murphy served as Winnipeg’s head coach, general manager and later held both roles during his time with the club.
He was also added to the Blue Bombers’ Ring of Honour in 2026.
Riley, who coached the 1988 and 1990 teams, remains closely associated with one of the most successful periods in the franchise’s history.
Notable players from the championship era included quarterbacks Sean Salisbury and Tom Burgess, receiver James Murphy, defensive lineman Michael Gray, linebacker James West, punter Bob Cameron and kicker Trevor Kennerd.
The 1988 Grey Cup victory was secured by a late Kennerd field goal, while James Murphy was named the game’s offensive MVP after recording 165 receiving yards and a touchdown.
In the 1990 championship, Burgess and defensive standout Greg Battle were named the game’s offensive and defensive MVPs.
Fullback Warren Hudson was recognized as the top Canadian.
What is planned for September 26
The 2026 celebration is being presented as a reworked gala rather than a traditional sit-down dinner.
Guests are scheduled to attend a VIP reception beginning at 6 p.m., followed by general reception access at 6:30 p.m. Food stations are set to open at 7:30 p.m.
The evening will include appearances by alumni, Hall of Famers and current Blue Bombers players, along with live music, a host bar and silent and live auctions.
The organization says the event will support amateur football in Manitoba, connecting the franchise’s past achievements with the development of future players.
| Event detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Venue | RBC Convention Centre, York Ballroom |
| VIP reception | 6 p.m. |
| General reception | 6:30 p.m. |
| Food stations | 7:30 p.m. |
| Cause | Amateur football in Manitoba |
Why the teams remain significant
The 1988 and 1990 championships marked the Blue Bombers’ return to the top of the Canadian Football League after the club’s 1984 title.
The 1988 victory was especially notable because Winnipeg entered the playoffs after an uneven regular season and was not considered the favourite against B.C. The team’s late comeback and defensive stand produced one of the closest Grey Cup finishes in franchise history.
Two years later, the Blue Bombers entered the Grey Cup as a stronger regular-season team and produced one of the largest championship margins in club history.
Together, the teams helped establish the late-1980s and early-1990s Blue Bombers as one of the defining eras of the franchise.
The Hall of Fame recognition also gives the organization an opportunity to acknowledge coaches, executives, support staff and players whose contributions extended beyond the most visible names.
Recognition begins during the Argonauts game
The 1988 and 1990 teams will first be celebrated during Winnipeg’s home game against Toronto on Friday, September 25.
The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. Central Time kickoff at Princess Auto Stadium as part of Week 17 of the 2026 CFL season.
The following evening’s Hall of Fame celebration will provide a more extensive setting for former teammates, fans and supporters to gather around the two championship teams.
For the Blue Bombers, the weekend combines current-season football with a look back at the players and football leaders who delivered two of the franchise’s most memorable Grey Cup victories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame celebration?
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Which Blue Bombers teams are being inducted in 2026?
The 1988 and 1990 Grey Cup championship teams are the 2026 Hall of Fame class.
Where will the Blue Bombers Hall of Fame celebration take place?
The event will be held in the York Ballroom at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
What did the 1988 Blue Bombers accomplish?
Winnipeg became the first .500 team in Grey Cup history to win the championship after finishing the regular season 9-9.
What was the score of the 1990 Grey Cup?
The Blue Bombers defeated Edmonton 50-11 in the 1990 Grey Cup at B.C. Place in Vancouver.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, event details, championship records and Hall of Fame information were checked against official Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Canadian Football League sources.
Disclaimer: Event times and programming may change, so attendees should confirm final details with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before attending.