Source: Ben Matchett; Calgary Assistant Athletic Director (Communications)
CALGARY – Always a highlight of the year, the 2013 edition
of KICKOFF at the University of Calgary is shaping up to be the
best one ever with a new lively in-game experience, thanks to a
sponsorship by the Calgary Stampeders.
The Stamps have teamed up with the Dinos to provide the full
Canadian Football League in-game experience for Saturday's home
opener against the Saskatchewan Huskies, complete with on-field
contests, video, fireworks, and much more. It's an extension of an
ongoing partnership between the Dinos and the Stampeders and Flames
organizations which already includes Dinos season ticket inclusion
with Stampeder season tickets and other special events including
the Crowchild Classic at the Saddledome.
Now in its eighth season, KICKOFF is the best-attended Dinos game
of the year on campus and has become an important annual event,
bringing together students, faculty, staff and alumni to celebrate
the beginning of the school year and support the Dinos.
"I would like to thank the Calgary Stampeders for their generosity
and for helping make this year's kickoff a truly unique event,"
said President Elizabeth Cannon. "The Stamps' support provides a
great start to the season and celebrates our athletes who work hard
all year in their training, competition and studies."
For the Stampeders, the event is an opportunity to celebrate the
longstanding historical ties between the CFL franchise and the
Dinos, which share much more than a stadium. Both are committed
members of the Calgary community, and several Dinos players have
gone on to play professionally at McMahon – including current
Stampeders Matt Walter, Anthony Parker, and Dan Federkeil.
"Fans are in for a treat as this promises to be a great weekend of
football at McMahon," said Stampeders President Gordon Norrie. "The
wonderful relationship the Stampeders enjoy with both the Dinos and
the Colts is very important to us, and we wish Blake Nill and John
Stevens and their teams all the best."
KICKOFF festivities begin at 3 p.m. Saturday in the east parking
lot of McMahon Stadium with free Spolumbo's sausages and
commemorative t-shirts for the first 3,000 fans in attendance. The
tailgate party will also include face painting, inflatable games,
and much more, and the game itself will begin at 5 p.m.
The Dinos are currently ranked No. 5 in the latest national poll
after starting the season with wins over UBC and Regina. The
Huskies are also 2-0 and hold the No. 6 national ranking after
defeating Regina and Manitoba in their first two contests.
For more information, visit www.godinos.com/kickoff.