CFL Calgary Stampeders

It's a Blackout at the Labour Day Classic

Published on August 30, 2023 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Calgary Stampeders News Release


Calgary Stampeders vs Edmonton Elks

Labour Day Classic

Presented by ATB

McMahon Stadium

Monday, Sept. 4

5 p.m. MDT

TV: TSN (Canada), CBS Sports (United States)

Radio: QR Calgary, SiriusXM 167

Streaming: CFL+ (International)

It's a renewal of one of the great traditions in the CFL as Calgary plays host to Edmonton in the Labour Day Classic.

Since 1982 and for all but two seasons since 1969, the Stampeders have faced their provincial rivals at McMahon Stadium on the first Monday of September.

It was in 1949 that the now-familiar Calgary-Edmonton Labour Day matchup was born as the Alberta teams played five straight years in Edmonton before the series was briefly abandoned. Then, in 1959, the rivalry was renewed with Calgary serving as hosts and, with only a few exceptions, it is in this form the tradition continues to exist.

Calgary and Edmonton have played 56 times on Labour Day since 1959 and the Stamps lead the series 29-26-1. Including games against other opponents, a total of 66 Labour Day games have been played in Calgary over the years, with the Stamps posting a 39-26-1 record.

In this year's matchup, the Stamps (3-8) are trying to snap a three-game losing streak including a 39-31 setback last week in Toronto. The Elks (2-9) have won two straight games after an 0-9 start and are coming off a 30-20 home-field victory over the Ottawa Redblacks.

Both teams' quarterbacks are looking to build on strong games last week as Calgary's Jake Maier had 387 passing yards and four touchdowns against Toronto while Edmonton's Tre Ford threw for 317 and accounted for two touchdowns - one passing and one rushing - against Ottawa.

The Stamps are 1-4 at home this season and 1-5 against the West Division. The Elks are 1-4 on the road and 0-6 against divisional opponents.

The traditional home-and-home series between the provincial rivals concludes with the Labour Day rematch at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Attack in black

Fans are encouraged to wear their black Stampeders gear when they come to McMahon on Monday as part of the Stampeders' Labour Day Blackout event.

On game day only, the Stamps Store at McMahon Stadium will have an exclusive black tonal logo T-shirt on special for $20 (plus GST).

Including the regular season and post-season, this year's Labour Day Classic marks the 47th time in franchise history the Stampeders will wear black jerseys. The Stamps have an all-time record of 35-11 while wearing black, good for a .761 winning percentage.

The Stamps were the first CFL team to introduce a permanent third jersey when they unveiled black jerseys for the Labour Day Classic on Sept. 6, 1994, and they capped the occasion with a 48-15 win over Edmonton.

Jade Eagleson on stage presented by ATB

At halftime, Canadian Country Music Award-winning artist and multiple-time JUNO Award nominee Jade Eagleson will be performing on the McMahon stage.

Gridiron Gardens presented by Coors Light

The Labour Day Classic fun begins two hours before kickoff at 3 p.m. at the Gridiron Gardens, located on the field immediately south of McMahon Stadium.

Attractions include:

A poster featuring the Stampeders' defensive line for the first 2,000 fans

Stampeders player autographs

Calgary Hitmen player autographs and Shooter Tutor

BBQ station

Live DJ music

Personnel and vehicles from Calgary Police Services, the Calgary Fire Department, the RCMP and EMS

The Outriders

Face painting

Yard games and photo booth

Giant inflatable and kid coasters

Game-day specials at the Stamps Store kiosk

Sponsor activations

During the game, fans will get a chance to win tickets to the Calgary Hitmen's home-opener and the Century Downs World's Fastest Cow, undefeated in 2023, will be back in action.

In addition, one lucky will go home with $10,000 courtesy of ATB's Possibility Pot.

Check out the Calgary Stampeders Statistics

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Canadian Football League Stories from August 30, 2023


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