Stampeders Preview 2026 Grey Cup Legacy Project

CALGARY, AB – The Calgary Stampeders, the Grey Cup Festival and City of Calgary came together Saturday to officially preview the Calgary Stampeders Community Flag Football Sports Fields at Fonda Park, the legacy project of the 2026 Grey Cup Festival.

The legacy project was made possible through Calgary’s successful bid to host the 2026 Grey Cup, led by Tourism Calgary in partnership with the Calgary Stampeders and key community partners. The successful bid created the opportunity to bring the Grey Cup back to Calgary and establish a lasting community legacy that will extend well beyond the 2026 Festival and game.

The three new Class C flag football fields will provide dedicated space for amateur and youth athletes to learn, compete and connect through sport, while expanding access to flag football programming in Calgary.

“The Calgary Stampeders Community Flag Football Sports Fields at Fonda Park are a great example of what we can accomplish when our city, our sports community and our partners come together around a shared goal,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “These fields will create more opportunities for young Calgarians to get active, build friendships be a part of a team."

The project is part of the Stampeders Foundation 2026 Grey Cup Legacy Project and builds on the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting amateur football in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

“We are incredibly proud to see the Calgary Stampeders Community Flag Football Sports Fields come to life alongside the City of Calgary,” said Jay McNeil, President of the Calgary Stampeders. “Growing the game at the grassroots level is an important part of the Stampeders Foundation’s work, and these fields will give young athletes a dedicated place to learn the game, compete and grow.”

The Stampeders Foundation has committed $500,000 to the legacy project, supported by funds raised through 50/50 sales at Calgary Stampeders home games throughout the 2026 season, the Grey Cup Festival 50/50 presented by Rheem and the 113th Grey Cup.

“Community has been at the heart of the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival from the very beginning,” says Karen Dommett, Executive Director of the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival. "This legacy project extends that community spirit beyond the Festival itself, creating a lasting space where teamwork, connection and community can continue to grow for generations to come.”

The fields are expected to open for public use and bookings in April 2027.

Saturday’s community celebration gave Calgarians an early look at the new fields and included a pancake breakfast hosted by the Calgary Grey Cup Committee, a live performance by 2026 Grey Cup Festival theme song winner Lewis Cardinal, appearances by Calgary Stampeders players and youth flag football demonstrations.

“For many families here, this will be their first real opportunity to play flag football close to home and removes travel as a barrier to participation," said Logan Ruzycki, Coach, Calgary Youth Flag Football League. "This area hasn't had the kind of field space some other neighbourhoods take for granted. That's what makes this project so important."

The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival will take place at Stampede Park from November 11–14, 2026, culminating with the 113th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium on November 15. For more information and Festival tickets, visit greycupfestival.ca.