Eskimos vs. Renegades Home Opener
July 3, 2002 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
EDMONTON â The Edmonton Eskimos will welcome the Ottawa Renegades to the Canadian Football League this Thursday night, July 4 with a 7:00 pm kickoff at Commonwealth Stadium, for the Esks first home game of the 2002 season. The game will be broadcast on TSN (Blackout locally), 630 CHED and TEAM 1200.
Get to the game first â because the first 5000 fans attending Thursday's game will receive an Edmonton Eskimo magnetic schedule â gates open one hour before kickoff. Spectators are also encouraged to check out the new concessions in the west pod at Commonwealth Stadium. The pod contains full concessions, picnic tables and a stage area. A live band will be performing in the west pod for the Molson Pre-game Party, which is open to the public starting at 6:00 pm. Come early to join in on the fun!
Getting to game just got easier for thousands of fans as Edmonton Transit expands Park & Ride services for game nights. West Edmonton Mall and Kingsway Shopping Centre will join the five other Park & Ride locations: Westmount Shopping Centre, Southgate Shopping Centre, Calder City Lot, Burns City Lot and Davies City Lot.
Fans should also be aware that security measures are being taken upon entrance to Commonwealth Stadium, to ensure their safety during the game. Every bag will be checked that enters the stadium. At each gate, there will be two lines, one for people carrying bags and another for those who do not. Security will be checking for glass containers, any item that could be used as a weapon and contraband.
Game Overview: This is the first of two meetings between the Esks and expansion âGades. The two will meet again Sunday, October 6th in the nations' capital. For what it's worth, the Eskimos played the old âRiders 52 times (30 wins, 20 losses, two ties).
If this game were a tv mini-series it might be called "Roots". No fewer than ten Renegades players and two of their coaches have ties to Edmonton. The âGades are fresh off a first rate performance in their first ever regular season home game, losing 30-26 in OT to Saskatchewan. Any team, let alone an expansion team, wants to post a win as quickly as possible, so there will be no shortage of incentive for Ottawa this evening. Eskimo coaches will no doubt want to see more of what was offered up in the first half against Calgary last week. Edmonton led the Stamps 24-0 at the half and probably left another 14 points on the field. "Old Mo" shifted in the second and the Esks were outscored 21-3. The Esks need to "make hay" while they can against Ottawa and then Toronto.
Edmonton's O-Coordinator Danny Maciocia has made it clear that on any given night, a balanced and effective offence will consist of 150 yards on the ground and 300 yards in the air. Against Calgary, the Esks' time of possession in the first half alone was 20 minutes, compared to just 9 minutes for the Stamps. On defence â The D-line, especially Payton, will put the heat on Dan Crowley and at the same time contain Darren Davis, who will be fired up against the team that traded for him in the off-season and then traded him away almost two weeks ago.
The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club started its 53rd season on June 28, 2002 in Calgary. The Eskimos home opener versus Ottawa is July 4, with the next home game versus Toronto on July 13. Tickets are available now in person at the Edmonton Eskimo Team Store, 9023 111 Avenue or by phone at (780) 448-ESKS, 1-800-667-3757 or by Ticketmaster at (780) 451-8000 or (780) 447-6800. The Edmonton Eskimo Football club will also host the 2002 Grey Cup on November 24, 2002. For more information on the Edmonton Eskimos, please visit our web site at www.esks.com.
Canadian Football League Stories from July 3, 2002
- CFL week two report - OSC Original by David Standish
- Lions sign Thompson - B.C. Lions
- Wide Mouth Mason to Perform Free Concert for Roughrider Fans - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Esks' Mobley and Payton named CFL Stars of Week #1 - Edmonton Elks
- Eskimos vs. Renegades Home Opener - Edmonton Elks
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