For those who’ve experienced the atmosphere of a Labour Day Classic, it’s easy to understand why it’s the biggest game on the schedule.

But for those that haven’t, they’re in for a treat.

“It’s going to be exciting, man,” rookie Marken Michel remarked. “Actually, I was talking to coach today in practice during one of our break periods and he was telling me about the excitement that comes into the stadium and just the fun and the atmosphere that’s going to be out here. I’m looking forward to it. I’m psyched.”

But it’s not just about an exciting game, it’s a critical rivalry matchup in a tight West Division.

Michel led the team out on July 22 (Photo by David Moll)

And Michel has taken notice of the way his coaches and veteran teammates are acting in the days prior the game.

“Honestly, it’s more so coming out here and the intensity that the coaches have in the meetings and in practice,” explained Michel. “I can tell by the way that the veterans are coming out here and attacking the day that this is a serious game.”

Michel and fellow rookie Tunde Adeleke have both experienced some big crowds and exciting games this season, but nothing of the magnitude of the Labour Day Classic.

And for a Canadian kid who grew up watching these games, it’s a special opportunity for Adeleke.

“I’ve always been excited to watch these games, sitting on the couch on Labour Day,” Adeleke said. “Now it’s crazy that I get to play in one and experience it firsthand.”

With a boisterous crowd, amplified opening ceremonies, and a jet flyover to open the Classic, it’s an atmosphere like no other game. Which does present a challenge.

“It’s going to bring a lot of energy to the game on our behalf. It’s definitely going to be to our advantage,” Michel stated. “We’re going to go out there and soak it all in, but we’ve got to always remember that we’ve got a point in front of us and we’ve got to take care of it. Edmonton is coming in with a whole bunch of great athletes and a great team, so we’ve got to go out and play our A-game.”

“We try not to think about the outside of it,” said Adeleke. “We just try to concentrate on what we have to do to win the game and make sure that the extra noise doesn’t negatively affect how we play.”

Adeleke is excited to play in his first Labour Day Classic (Photo by David Moll)

Edmonton comes to town on the heels of two straight losses, but having won their seven games prior to that.

With the standings so close in the West, there is more than just bragging rights up for grabs. The Stamps rookies are hoping they can help get it done come Monday afternoon.

“With Edmonton being so good this year and with this being such an important game, it’s really amps things up,” Adeleke said.

“They are going to come in here with everything that they have,” said Michel. “Our job is to go out there, compete, do our best and come out with a W.”