Championship history meets a new chapter at McMahon Stadium
Naomi Campbell, Staff Writer
For the first time since 2019, the Grey Cup returns to Calgary, bringing Canadian football’s championship game back to McMahon Stadium.
On Nov. 15, the 113th Grey Cup will mark the sixth time Calgary has hosted the Canadian Football League (CFL) championship match, adding another chapter to the stadium’s long-standing history.
Since opening its doors in 1960, McMahon Stadium has been home to the Calgary Stampeders and some of the most memorable moments in CFL history. The stadium has previously hosted the Grey Cup in 1975, 1993, 2000, 2009 and 2019, welcoming thousands of fans from across the country to cheer on the league’s biggest game.
But the Grey Cup is more than the championship game. For Calgary, hosting means bringing the traditions, rivalries and celebrations of Canadian football into the heart of the city.
Built on championship history
McMahon’s Grey Cup history began in 1975, when the Edmonton Eskimos—now the Elks— defeated the Montreal Alouettes 9-8 in a defensive battle, marking the first Grey Cup game to be hosted in the Canadian prairies. Nearly two decades later, Edmonton returned to Calgary in 1993, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 33-23.
The 2000 championship matchup brought another close contest, with the BC Lions narrowly defeating the Alouettes 28-26.
However, arguably the most unforgettable games in McMahon’s championship-hosting history came in 2009.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders appeared to have secured the Grey Cup win against Montreal late in the fourth quarter, before officials called a too-many-men penalty, giving the Alouettes the opportunity to kick the winning field goal. Montreal completed the comeback with a 28-27 victory, leaving Saskatchewan fans stunned and adding another historic finish to the CFL record books.
Calgary most recently hosted the Grey Cup in 2019. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers went on to defeat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-12, ending the Bombers’ 29-year championship drought in front of a packed McMahon Stadium of 35,440 spectators.
More than just a game
While McMahon Stadium will be the centre of attention, the celebration will extend well beyond the football field.
The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival is scheduled Nov. 11-15 at Stampede Park, bringing live entertainment, team celebrations, tailgating and family-friendly activities to Calgary. This festival will combine football traditions with Calgary’s western hospitality, including concerts, rodeo entertainment and opportunities for fans to come together before the big game.
For travelling fans, the atmosphere and local community surrounding the game have been just as memorable as the football.
During the 2019 Grey Cup, Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans Tim Dobbie and Sheree Bashak—who attended the festivities dressed as the Grey Cup trophy—spoke fondly of the city’s efforts and their excitement to watch their team hopefully win it all at McMahon.
“The volunteers here have done a super, super job,” Bashak says.
“I think it’s Hamilton’s turn (to win) and it’s been fun to be in Calgary,” says Dobbie. “I think we’re in good shape.”
Calgary’s community atmosphere is something city organisers are hoping to recreate this year.
Calgary prepares for another chapter
With the Grey Cup returning to McMahon Stadium, Calgary has the opportunity to showcase its football history and welcome fans from across Canada.
McMahon is not exclusive to the Stampeders. The stadium is also home to the Calgary Wild, Colts, Gators, Wolfpack and many of the University of Calgary athletic programs. This opportunity will expose more Canadians to the Calgary sports scene as McMahon has been a cornerstone of the local athletic community for decades.
The stadium may have aged since its first championship in 1975, but its place in CFL history remains significant. From narrow victories to last-minute heartbreak, McMahon has witnessed some of the league’s most memorable championship moments.
As the 113th Grey Cup approaches, fans wait to see if their teams will survive through the gruelling CFL playoffs. The Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, BC Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers are all fighting for their spot in Calgary.
While the final matchup is yet to be determined, one thing is certain: Calgary is ready to welcome Canadian football back to one of its most historic stages.
For McMahon Stadium, it’s another opportunity to add to a championship legacy more than 50 years in the making.
For more information about historical matchups, player statistics, draft history and more, check out the CFL Guide and Record Book 2026.
McMahon Stadium started its Grey Cup preparation back in
May. Photo by Nathan Bergen
