Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium
McMahon Stadium has been the home of the Stampeders since it opened in 1960. The stadium is owned by the University of Calgary and named after two Calgary residents, oilman Frank McMahon and his brother, George. It was the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies. During home games, when Calgary scores a touchdown, a white gelding known as the "Quick Six" horse charges along the east sideline. Cowbells inside are ubiquitous. Don't miss the beery, brisket-filled tailgates, and if you're looking for a more exclusive experience, be sure to check out the stadium's unique patio seating.
Calgary Stampeders Football History
Founded in 1945, the Calgary Stampeders are the third-oldest active franchise in the Canadian Football League. Success came early for the Stampeders, who in 1948 romped through the regular season with 12 wins and no losses and beat the Ottawa Rough Riders, 12-7, in the Grey Cup. It remains the only undefeated season in CFL history. The particulars of that Grey Cup game in Toronto deserve a place in the history books, too. Victory was secured by way of the "sleeper play" — a touchdown scored by Norm Hill, who'd hid himself from the defense near the sideline and then flopped face-first onto the field. He caught the pass from quarterback Keith Spaith while lying on his back, or so the legend goes. The win touched off a boisterous celebration, with Calgary fans supposedly riding horses into the Royal York Hotel and even hoisting the Varsity Stadium goalposts through the front doors.
Since then, the Stampeders have won Grey Cups in 1971, 1992, 1998, 2001, 2008, 2014 and 2018. Under Wally Buono, head coach from 1990 to 2002, they reached the Cup six times in all. Between 2009 and 2014, coach John Hufnagel, a former Calgary quarterback, took the Stampeders to the Western final every year but 2011.