RECORD CROWD ATTENDS STAMPS FANFEST
A record crowd of more than 12,000 passed through the gates at McMahon Stadium on Saturday for Fanfest, presented by Alberta Ram Dealers. This free annual event allows Stampeders players, coaches, the Outriders dance team, Ralph the Dog and fans to interact on the McMahon turf on the final weekend before the start of training camp for the new Canadian Football League season. “It was a beautiful day and a fantastic event and I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season,” said Stampeders president Gordon Norrie. “Thanks to everyone who turned up in record numbers today.” The day got under way with a pancake breakfast in the East parking lot as the Calgary Grey Cup committee served more than 1,200 breakfasts to hungry fans. The activities then moved inside the stadium with player autographs, pictures with the Grey Cup, locker-room tours, partner activations, games and activities. The players and coaches were introduced, with star running back Jon Cornish, toting the Grey Cup, being the last to come up on stage. Two members of the team were formally honoured on Saturday as Corey Mace received the Presidents’ Ring – which goes to the Stamps player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field – while Randy Chevrier was presented with the Herm Harrison Memorial Award for his tireless community involvement.
As much as I hate the Stumps I am glad when I hear of reports like this with teams getting good fan support. Good for the league.
Also, I flew into Toronto the other day and our approach for Rwy 24R brought us right along side BMO field. It looks like a great place to watch football right on the water. I'm hopefull this will turn around that franchise.
It was a bunch of 60 and 70 year olds thinking it was the band the Stampeders.
Most left the place with wild eyes
I agree with anon #1. I despise the Stamps, but am very happy to hear such great support there.
YAWWWWWWNNNNN!!!
The Stamps will repeat. The truth of the matter is Calgary is the best team in the CFL and has been ever since John Hufnagel took the reins. We haven't had that kind of 'stay on top year after year' since the days of George and Ronnie. That still doesn't mean I like them but I do respect them. That's why it's such a good feeling to beat them once in a while. They are the 'classless class of the league.'
No question that the Stamps will be the team in first place at the end of the regular season. However, it only takes one great effort in one play-off game to get by them and into the Cup. It has been done and it can be done despite the odds.
Bay Rock O.
BMO field might be a nice place to watch a game in summer but come late september and october when its raining or snowing with the wind coming off the lake, the crowds might be worse than they are now. better schedule lots of summer home games but they are probably up against the jays anyhow.
Such a rich city, such an ugly stadium!!!
Get with it Stamps, the rest of the league is now passing you by…
Go Riders!!!
Kel in Victoria