Stampeder Fanfest helps connect the team with its fans

The Calgary Stampeders hosted their fans at McMahon Stadium Saturday for Fanfest. Moses Waldu reports.

A little breakfast, live music, and football was on the agenda Saturday at one of the most popular events for Stampeder fans, Fanfest.

The annual event has been part of a long-standing tradition says Stampeders President, Jay McNeil.

“I think we’re going on 30 years. It originally started back when there wasn’t digital ticketing. It was a way to get season ticket holders to come and pick up their tickets. And then it’s evolved into this, fan engagement piece where it’s just it grows bigger and bigger every year.”

The afternoon was filled with activities like from bouncy castles to face painting, and an autograph session with current Stampeders’ players and alumni.

Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson sees Fanfest as a great opportunity to inspire and give back to the fans who support the club.

“It allows them to get to know these people as real people.” Dickenson said.

“I think it’s important to know that as a young man or a young woman that is looking for some role models or some people they can connect to, or maybe some dreams that they can look to try to accomplish.”

Declining interest

A 2023 Angus Reid Institute poll showed a decline in interest from males 18 to 34, that follow the league “very closely or closely” in contrast to fans 55 and over.

Recent trends are moving in a better direction according to McNeil and adds that events like Fanfest continue to engage even younger people.

“We spent a lot of time strategizing around how do we get how do we bring in a younger demographic.” McNeil said. “You look at some of the things that Winnipeg’s done, you know, they’ve been a leader in that. Fanfest is one piece of that.”

The Stampeders have one more preseason game on Friday May 29 in Edmonton, before they kickoff the 2026 CFL season June 5 vs Winnipeg at McMahon Stadium.