CALGARY, AB - MAY 13, 2017: Calgary Stampeders host Fanfest at McMahon Stadium on Saturday morning. (Angela Burger/Calgary Stampeders).
A crowd in excess of 9,000 fans turned up at McMahon Stadium on Saturday for the 2017 edition of Fanfest. The annual event serves as the unofficial kickoff for the Stampeders football season.
“Fanfest is always a great event, not only because of all the activities in and around the stadium, but also because it’s a sign the new football season is almost here,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “It was great seeing all the enthusiastic fans today at McMahon and I look forward to seeing them again on June 6 when we face the BC Lions in our pre-season opener.”
Following a pancake breakfast in the East parking lot, fans made their way through the stadium gates for games, football-skills tests and other activities. Those in attendance had a chance to walk through the locker room, pose for a photo with the Grey Cup, watch performances by the Outriders, presented by Century Downs and Century Casino, and meet with players and coaches, not to mention Ralph the Dog and Quick Six the touchdown horse.
Players Andrew Buckley, Rob Cote, Ben D’Aguilar, Brad Erdos, Dan Federkeil, Deron Mayo, Rob Maver, Bo Levi Mitchell, Charlie Power, Alex Singleton, Quinn Smith, Adam Thibault and Spencer Wilson as well as alumnus Jon Cornish were in attendance along with head coach Dave Dickenson, special-teams coordinator Mark Kilam, defensive line coach Corey Mace, running backs coach Marc Mueller and quarterbacks coach Ryan Dinwiddie.
During a brief formal presentation on stage, the Stamps’ new 2017 promotional video was unveiled. In addition, a pair of players were honoured as Mayo received the Presidents’ Ring — which goes to the Stampeders player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field — while Mitchell was presented with Herm Harrison Memorial Award for his extensive community involvement.
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