STAMPS PACK FANFEST
More than 8,000 fans passed through the gates of McMahon Stadium on Saturday for the latest edition of Fanfest, presented by Your Alberta Ram Dealers.
Fanfest annually serves as the unofficial kickoff event for the Stampeders football season.
“Thanks to all the fans who came out and made Fanfest a big success,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “It was a beautiful day and it was great to see that everyone is so excited a new season is just around the corner.”
The day got under way with a pancake breakfast in the parking lot and continued inside on the McMahon Stadium turf with booths, partner activations, games and activities.
Fans walked through the locker room, enjoyed food on the TELUS patio, met Ralph the Dog and Quick Six the Stampeders touchdown horse and got autographs from players Simon Charbonneau-Campeau, Rob Cote, Ben D’Aguilar, Dan Federkeil, James Green, Jeff Hecht, Rob Maver, Deron Mayo, Bo Levi Mitchell, Rene Paredes, Anthony Parker, Charlie Power, Tim St. Pierre, Drew Tate, Adam Thibault and Spencer Wilson.
Also on hand were Stamps alumni including recently retired all-star running back Jon Cornish, who on Saturday was introduced as a game-day ambassador for the Stampeders in 2016.
The day also featured performances by the Outriders dance and cheer team, the chance to pose for photos with the Grey Cup, inflatables, football drills supervised by members of the University of Calgary Dinos and the opportunity to purchase Stamps gear including the new jerseys released earlier this week.
Rob Cote, the winner of the Presidents’ Ring – which goes to the Stampeders player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field – was formally honoured and Herm Harrison Memorial Award winner Bo Levi Mitchell was recognized for his tireless community involvement.
CFL fans gonna miss superstar Jon Cornish.
"CFL fans gonna miss superstar Jon Cornish" …….not one iota!!!!
Big turnout they must have marketed as a Roughrider Fan Fest
Whoa!! More than 8000 in a city of more than a million. That's some impressive numbers. More than 8000 you say. Wow!
Rod, you writing articles on the Stampeders now?
Not well advertised, must have only provided notice to season ticket holders about this event.
Otherwise I would have shown up for some pancakes wearing my Rider gear
"Wearing Rider gear" …….I doubt you would have been able to get in, not even Gainer can get in!
And that would have been a dick move … great on the Stamps to have a good day. Respect.
Respect from Rider fans…your asking a lot cause I don't think they know what that means…not a stamps fan but good to get the fans into it early, also not a rider fan
Absolutely disgusting how some posters bash everything that doesn't say that the riders, jones and murphy are somehow the greatest. You people are disgusting. There are more opinion in this world than just yours. There are other great teams and not everyone things jones and murphy are any good.
Regarding the comment about Jones and Murphy being no good…
Sure your entitled to your opinion, but the evidence would strongly suggest otherwise…
Good PR for the CFL and enhances the Stamps in 'cowtown". I like it.
Not sure why we have dumb nuts always have to put down something. Does it make you feel important? Jeez…