CF-18 to fly over Ottawa Redblacks home opener

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jet performs a flypast over TD Place Stadium before a CFL football game between the Ottawa Redblacks and the Montreal Alouettes, in Ottawa on Friday, June 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

A CF-18 Hornet will help kick off a new Ottawa Redblacks season this weekend.

The Ottawa Redblacks host the Edmonton Elks on Saturday night at TD Place.

The Canadian Armed Forces announced on Thursday a CF-18 Hornets from 3 Wing Bagotville will fly over TD Place before kickoff at 7 p.m.

“The aircraft will fly over Ottawa at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their flight itinerary,” the Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement.

“Flypasts conducted by Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.”

The flyby will mark the 2026 home opener for the Redblacks and Military Appreciation Day.

The Ottawa Redblacks are hosting the Kick-Off in the Capital event for the home opener. Events include a pre-game happy hour and live entertainment, with fireworks after the game.

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