The Calgary Stampeders are set to host the Grey Cup in less than a month, but with the team ending the regular season on a bye week, they are stuck in a waiting game while their playoff fate is decided.
Nov. 15 marks the date the Canadian Football League will host the year’s biggest event at McMahon Stadium, the sixth time Calgary will host the championship game.
At a September press conference, Calgary Stampeders president Jay McNeil shared the effort that goes into hosting an event of this magnitude.
“And for us as an organization, we are incredibly honoured to be able to plan and deliver this year’s festival,” said McNeil.
As the organization looks ahead towards the week-long celebration, players and coaches found themselves in a wait-and-see situation.
Coming off a win on Saturday, the Stampeders finish the regular season with a nine-and-nine record.
The CFL has its final week of season games this weekend, but the Stampeders are the only team not on the slate. This leaves the Stampeders’ playoff hopes in the hands of the B.C. Lions as they face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, Oct. 23.
Calgary relies on a Blue Bombers loss in order to continue their season into the playoffs.
A Stampeder playoff spot would set up a matchup against either the Lions or the Toronto Argonauts. General Manager and Head Coach Dave Dickenson will use the bye week to focus there.
“We’ll keep working and lock in on those two opponents,” said Dave Dickenson
Stampeders players will get a few days off to rest as they await their final placement in the CFL’s West Division.
Quarterback Vernon Adams said the bye week will be for family time and watching the games play out.
“I’ll be prepared, you know, to play the following week,” added Adams.
The Stampeders started the season at five wins and eight losses before winning four of their last five games to give themselves a chance.
As Calgary and the football organization prepare to host the Grey Cup, the Calgary Stampeders play a waiting game for the opportunity to play in that game.
“I do think if we can get in, we can get in, we can make some noise, but we’ll see what happens,” said Dickenson.