Stamps fans getting ready to watch a game on June 11, 2016 (Photo by Angela Burger)
Calgary Stampeders vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Presented by
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McMahon Stadium
Friday, July 1
8 p.m. kickoff
Radio: Newstalk 770, SiriusXM 167
TV: TSN, ESPN2
The Stamps kick off their home-opener on Canada Day against the division-rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
It’s the seventh time since the turn of the century that the Stamps will be playing their first home game on Canada Day, with the most recent occasion coming in 2012 when Calgary defeated the Montreal Alouettes 38-10. It’s the first time since 2001 that the Stamps have faced the Bombers in a home-opener.
Both Calgary and Winnipeg suffered losses in Week 1 as the Stamps dropped a 20-18 decision at Vancouver’s BC Place while the Bombers fell at home by a 22-14 score against the Alouettes.
Calgary swept the three-game season series against Winnipeg in 2015 including a 26-25 victory on July 18 at McMahon Stadium. The Stamps have won 12 of their 13 most recent home games against the Bombers dating back to 2002.
Come out and celebrate Canada Day with the Red and White for a little football, fun and fireworks!
Download the game day flipcard
National Anthem: Justine Tyrell – Born and raised in Calgary, Justine has taken the stage for many notable events, galas, benefits, and concerts throughout Canada and has received nominations and honors for her contribution to Alberta Music and Culture.
Flag Bearer: Linebacker Alex Singleton who became a Canadian citizen in October 2015
Ceremonial Kickoff: Chris Terris (Telus VP – Strategy, Planning & Enablement)
Southland Transportation Kickoff Kid: Brodie
Calgary Sun Meet Your Favourite Stampeder: Jaden will meet Marquay McDaniel
TELUS #AllHeartStamps Hero of the Game: Sergeant Kelly Oberg
In memoriam: Moment of silence for Willie Burden and Fred James
Celebrate Canada Day with the Red and White
The Stamps will celebrate our country’s diversity with Multicultural Night as various nations will be represented in pre-game ceremonies. In addition, a group of new Canadians will be in attendance as special guests of the fooball club.
Prior to the game, 15,000 Canada rally towels, courtesy of TELUS, and 5,000 miniature Canadian flags will be handed out to fans. After the final whistle, fans are invited to stay in their seats for a post-game fireworks display.
Ram Fan Zone
The pre-game activity starts three hours prior to kickoff at 5 p.m. in the Ram Fan Zone, located in the east parking lot adjacent to the Ticket Office at McMahon Stadium.
- Stampeders player autographs – Lemar Durant and Karl Lavoie
- A live DJ
- Partner games and giveaways
- Opportunity to enter Ram’s King of the Field contest for a chance to win a 2016 Ram 1500 Sport truck
- YYC food trucks
- Outriders dance team
Community partner: Big Brothers Big Sisters
The Calgary Stampeders are proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area as the official Charity of the Game for Friday’s home-opener at McMahon.
Founded in 1994, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area is a volunteer-driven organization featuring programs designed to mentor nearly 2,000 local children and youth.
Halftime: Honouring a member of the team
Karyn Drake, who has ridden Quick Six the Touchdown Horse at Stampeders games for 23 years, will be honoured at halftime of Friday’s home-opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
After more than two decades of carrying the Canadian flag on a lap around McMahon Stadium during the pre-game anthem and celebrating Calgary touchdowns with a dash down the sideline, Karyn has announced her retirement as the touchdown horse rider.
“The sight of Karyn racing down the sidelines after a Stamps touchdown is one of the most iconic traditions in the CFL,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “Karyn and Quick Six have long been an important part of the team and we can’t thank Karyn enough for her years of service and the thrills she has provided for our fans.”
Karyn will be replaced by her daughter Chelsea, who will be riding a new Quick Six horse in 2016. The familiar white mustang who has been at Stamps games for the past 12 years is enjoying a well-deserved retirement on the Drake family ranch.
In addition to riding at more than 200 Stamps home games over the years, Karyn has represented the team at seven Grey Cups including Calgary victories in 1998, 2001, 2008 and 2014.
ARTICLE: Riding off into the sunset
Stamps Store Special
Mini-helmet $25 (reg. $50)

Stampeders Kids Club
The Stampeders have teamed up with Summit Kids 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, a Summit Kids cowbell, eye-blacks, temporary tattoos, an autograph pen, a mini-football and an exclusive Kids Club t-shirt. You can also register online by clicking here.
June 11 Giveaway: Red and White clappers courtesy of Summit Kids
50/50 presented by Remax
Don’t forget to buy your 50/50 tickets at the game! Look for the sellers in the bright yellow aprons throughout McMahon Stadium from the time gates open until the end of halftime.