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Features June 6, 2025

7 Things – Ticats @ Stamps

 

1. Us

The Stampeders kick off their 2025 campaign Saturday at 5 p.m. MT at McMahon Stadium. After a 2-0 preseason, Calgary is looking to get off to a fast start this year following a 5-12-1 record last season that saw the Stamps miss the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades. QB Vernon Adams Jr. will make his regular season debut alongside fellow offensive veterans Dominique Rhymes and Tevin Jones.

2. Them

Hamilton enters 2025 also looking to get back to the post-season after finishing last in the east with a 7-11 record last year. This will be former Stamps QB Bo Levi Mitchell’s second game in Calgary since his move to Ontario. These two teams also opened the season in Calgary last year.

3. Head-To-Head

The Stamps and Ticats split their two head-to-head matchups last season. The Red and White won the season opener at home by a 32-20 score while the Tiger-Cats returned the favour in Week 20 with a 42-20 victory. Calgary will head to Hamilton in Week 19 this season to finish off the two-game set.

4. Fast Facts

This will be the sixth time in history the Stamps have opened the season against the Tabbies. They’re 5-0 in the previous curtain-raisers against Hamilton – all of them played at McMahon – with wins in 1998 (by a score of 21-20), 2007 (37-9), 2015 (24-23), 2018 (28-14) and 2024 (32-24).

Overall, the Stampeders are 39-35-4 all-time in season-openers.

The Stamps’ home-opener represents the team’s 80th birthday party, presented by Tim Hortons. That means a number of Stamps alumni will take part in the festivities including representatives from Calgary various Grey Cup-championships teams over the years.

Doug Flutie, Mark McLoughlin, Marcus Crandell and Alex Singleton will be signing autographs in the new and improved East Fan Zone located outside Gate 2 prior to kickoff.

The Tim Hortons Beverage Truck will be on site at the Fan Zone from 3 p.m. until supplies last. The truck will be handing out free coffee and other hot beverages to fans.

Thanks to our Director of Communications Jean Lefebvre for handing off these facts!

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5. Depth Chart

6. Players to Watch:

Stamps: QB Vernon Adams Jr: V.A. begins his Stamps career on Saturday after playing his last two years in B.C. Adams Jr. threw for 2,292 yards and 16 touchdowns in nine starts last season.

Ticats: QB Bo Levi Mitchell: Mitchell was firmly in the MOP conversation last season and will look to build off of 2024 where he threw for 5,451 yards and 32 touchdowns.

7. Quotable

“It’s a short window of time, so enjoy it. Don’t be lazy, be prepared, and take advantage of the situation because it doesn’t last long.” – 1992 Grey Cup champion Doug Flutie offers his advice to the 2025 Stampeders team.