Calgary Stampeders vs BC Lions
McMahon Stadium
Friday, June 14
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Radio: News Talk 770
TV: None
Presented by
It’s been 15 days since the Stampeders rookies stepped onto the McMahon Stadium turf. For the veteran, an even dozen days have passed since the start of 2013 training camp.
For 20 practices, it’s been red against white and white against red in a long series of drills and simulated game conditions. Now, finally, it’s time to line up against guys wearing different-coloured jerseys and to start playing for real.
“We did get some good work in,” said head coach and general manager John Hufnagel of the first two weeks of camp, “and we’re anxious to play a football game.”
That chance happens tonight at McMahon as the Stamps host the BC Lions in CFL pre-season play. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on News Talk 770.
Nominally, Friday’s contest is a rematch of the 2012 West final — won 34-29 by the Red and White — but in reality the game is all about veterans rounding into form and ensuring they retain their roster spots and the youngsters trying to impress the coaches and force their way into the long-term picture.
Hufnagel says he plans to play three incumbent quarterbacks — Drew Tate, Kevin Glenn and Bo Levi Mitchell — and possibly Ryan Perrilloux, too, if the rookie has picked up the offence quickly enough after a late arrival to camp.
Fans are expected to get their first 2013 look at returning veterans such as 2012 rushing champion Jon Cornish, 10th-year Stamp Nik Lewis, sackmaster Charleston Hughes, emerging receiver star Maurice Price and dynamic middle linebacker Juwan Simpson, just to name a few.
This will also be the first game-action test for Brad Sinopoli, the former Hec Crighton-winning quarterback who has made a strong impression in camp after making the conversion to receiver.
There are also rookies such as 2013 draft picks Ben D’Aguilar, Brett Jones, Charlie Power, Shane Bergman and Yannick Morin-Plante.
The Stamps’ trip to the 2012 Grey Cup started with a pair of pre-season victories — 20-17 over Edmonton and 33-31 over Saskatchewan. Calgary is 8-2 in tune-ups for the regular season since Hufnagel took over the reins in 2008.
Tickets
The Stampeders are offering special Father’s Day deals ahead of tonight’s game. Fans purchasing season tickets before Friday will qualify to win the ultimate Father’s Day Gift Pack, which includes a BBQ, BBQ cover and utensils, parking pass and pre-game sideline pass for the June 28 regular-season opener and a customized Stamps jersey and cap. Fans purchasing tickets for Friday’s game qualify to win a customized Stamps jersey and cap. Visit the special Father’s Day promotion page for more details. Fans wishing to purchase season or single-game tickets are encouraged to call the Ticket Office at (403-289-0258 or 1-800-667-3267) or click here.
Nissan Fan Zone
The activity starts two hours before kickoff with the Nissan Fan Zone, which is located across from the Ticket Office on the East side of McMahon Stadium. Select Stamps players will be on hand to meet fans, pose for photos and sign autographs. The Fan Zone will also feature the Tailgate Food Truck.
Stampeders Kids Club
The Stampeders have again teamed up with New York Fries to present the Kids Club. Stop by the tent in the North concourse behind sections J and K to learn more about the program and to register. Memberships are just $30 for the entire season and include, among other things, an official membership card and lanyard, a 30-per cent discount voucher for the Stamps Store (one-time use) and a Kids Club starter pack that includes a Stamps drawstring backpack, an autograph pen, a mini-football, a Whatever it Takes T-shirt and a New York Fries passport. There’s also on-line registration at Stampeders.com/KidsClub.