Reported by: Brian Wong, Senior Editor, FeverSports Media & Education Society.
This Saturday, the heart of Calgary won’t just beat from the sidelines — it’ll be right on the field at McMahon Stadium. The Calgary Stampeders are throwing open the gates for their annual Fan Fest on May 31, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be more than just a football event — it’s a citywide celebration.
Nick Bojda, the Stampeders’ Director of Football Operations, calls it a “family fun atmosphere” — and he’s not just talking about the bouncy castles. “It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s all about community,” Bojda told FeverSports’ Brian Wong.
Kicking off at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, Fan Fest is a perfect Saturday plan for families and fans alike. By 10 a.m., the field opens to the public for a whirlwind of activities: face painting, games, player autographs, and even the chance to test your football skills on the very turf where legends have played. Hungry again? The Telus Patio will be serving up food and drinks at happy hour prices.
But the real headline moment comes at 10:30 a.m., when — for the first time ever — the Stampeders will reveal their final 2025 roster live at Fan Fest. “It’s a huge deal,” Bojda says. “The fans there will be the first to see who made the team. That’s never happened before at this event.”
And yes, the Grey Cup will be there too. So bring your camera — and your championship dreams.
So whether you’re a lifelong Stamps supporter or a newcomer looking to make your first stadium memory, Fan Fest is calling.
Fan Fest isn’t just about touchdowns and team rosters. As Bojda emphasized, it’s about inclusion, belonging, and discovery. “A lot of people coming to Calgary have never even been to McMahon,” he says. “You don’t need to understand football to come out and enjoy yourself. Just take in the experience.”
With a special nod to the team’s 80th anniversary, this year’s event leads into an even bigger celebration on June 7, when past players and fans alike will gather to mark eight decades of grit, glory, and red and white pride.
So whether you’re a lifelong Stamps supporter or a newcomer looking to make your first stadium memory, Fan Fest is calling.
