50 of the biggest stars in Canadian football will be in Winnipeg next month for the second annual Canadian Football League (CFL) Week.

Last year’s event took place in Regina, and was well-received and attended by fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and others who traveled therem, according to the league.

CFL Chief Marketing, Digital and Strategy Officer, Christina Litz said Winnipeg was a logical choice for year two.

“The fandom for the Bombers and the league is so strong here,” Litz said at today’s announcement. “As this event continues to grow it’s important we bring it to our strongest markets.”

“We’ve already heard from people in Saskatchewan who attended last year’s event that they’re going to travel here because they had so much fun.”

Litz says the CFL is a small and intimate league that heavily relies on a close relationship between its fans and players.

This event gives fans across the country an opportunity to meet the league’s biggest stars in one location.

“There is accessibility to our players for fans that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere,” Litz said. “Fans tell us they want to interact with players 12 months a year and that’s what this is all about; it’s bringing the game closer to fans.”

Blue Bombers running back and Winnipegger Andrew Harris took part in last year’s event and said meeting other players and fans from around the league was unique.

“It’s an opportunity (for fans) to see the real side of us and engage with us,” Harris said. “It’s also amazing to have 50 players in a more relaxed environment where you can talk to someone you don’t normally talk to.”

“It’s pretty much the last time we’re friendly with the opposition.”

The event takes place from March 21-25, 2018 and will include number of events, including a fan festival at the RBC Convention Centre, flag football camps, the annual CFL National Combine featuring draft eligible players and the unveiling of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame class of 2018.

The league says there is no charge for any of the events attached to CFL Week, but people do have to reserve seats to the combine.

More information and a schedule of events can be found at cfl.ca.