It’s time for the Calgary Stampeders to get back up on that horse.
After failing to qualify for the Canadian Football League (CFL) playoffs last year for the first time since 2004, the Stamps will look to get back there this season.
The Stampeders have wrapped up their preseason matchups in winning fashion, picking up a 26-16 victory over the B.C. Lions and a 31-4 win over their Alberta rivals, the Edmonton Elks.
The scene now shifts to Calgary’s season and home opener, which takes place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th at McMahon Stadium against the Hamilton Tiger Cats, who are led by former Stampeder quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.
Dave Dickenson, the general manager and head coach of the Stampeders, has overseen major changes since the team missed out on the playoffs in 2024. Of the 70 players on the roster, 34 are in their first year with the team.
“We decided to go in a different direction,” Dickenson told Calgary Herald reporter Todd Saelhof.
“We have to grow, but we don’t have a lot of time to grow, meaning let’s start off and get working and show up and play well. But … yeah … it definitely has changed here.”
Added Dickenson: “We’ve got to improve all areas of our team.”
The Stampeders – who are celebrating their 80th birthday this year – play 18 regular season games, with the hope of returning to meaningful postseason play in November.
The last Grey Cup victory for the Stamps came in 2018 when they defeated the Ottawa Redblacks at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
Related Link: https://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/cfl/calgary-stampeders/2025-calgary-stampeders-guide-definitely-changed-here.