Edmonton Eskimos release 2014 schedule

Edmonton Eskimos' Mike Cornell, left, sacks Calgary Stampeders' quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, during second half CFL football action in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. (Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The Edmonton Eskimos released their schedule for the upcoming CFL season Wednesday, which included a few changes that should meet with approval from fans.

The Eskimos kick off the 2014 regular season against the BC Lions on June 28, the Eskies’ home opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats takes place on July 4.

One notable change for fans this year is tied to the Labour Day classic with the Stamps. Instead of a Friday game, the Labour Day rematch will take place Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.

“We requested the Labour Day Rematch be held on a Saturday and I am thrilled to see the request was granted,” Eskimos President and CEO Len Rhodes said in a press release. “A Saturday rematch allows us to return the student voucher promotion back to the game where it belongs and to allow our young fans to help us fill the house.”

CTV Edmonton’s Sports Director Adam Cook said another benefit of the Saturday game is that the team will have an extra day to recover from their September 1 game against Calgary.

“The extra day of rest will be a huge bonus for the players, rather than playing two games in 5 days,” Cook said.

In addition, the Ottawa REDBLACKS will make their first trip to Edmonton, and play in Commonwealth against the Eskimos on July 11 – the Esks head back east for a rematch against the REDBLACKS on August 15.

The 2014 schedule also had another difference from previous years.

“[It is] strange to see the [Saskatchewan Roughriders] making just one regular season visit to Commonwealth,” Cook said. “The invasion of Rider Nation is always something to look forward to.”

As far as pre-season matchups, the Eskimos have two games on their schedule – on June 13, the B.C. Lions will play in Commonwealth Stadium June 13, then the Eskimos will meet the Roughriders on June 20 in Mosaic Stadium.

The full Eskimos 2014 schedule can be found online.