Home-field dream: Stampeders face uphill climb to Calgary’s Grey Cup

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeSportsFootballCFLCalgary Stampeders Home-field dream: Stampeders face uphill climb to Calgary’s Grey Cup Positivity for the Stampeders part of the buzz as organizers unveil plans for Calgary's Grey Cup Festival in November. Author of the article: By Todd Saelhof Published Sep 09, 2026 Last updated 54 minutes ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Calgary Stampeders president Jay McNeil speaks during the announcement of details for the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival at Stampede Park in Calgary on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. PHOTO BY GAVIN YOUNG /Postmedia Article content “Saddle up, Calgary.” Article content The 2026 Grey Cup Festival is in place for one of Canada’s annual traditions. Article content Article content Organizers rolled out the party plans Wednesday, highlighting what will be a spirited handful of days in The Stampede City come November. Article content The only hitch in the dream week is whether the home team can make the national dance at McMahon Stadium. Article content “We’ve got a hole to dig ourselves out of,” said Stampeders president Jay McNeil, during the festival’s schedule announcement at The Big Four Roadhouse. Article content Article content “But if we start to win and continue to win, we can be where we want to be at the end of the year.” Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content That hole became deeper on Labour Day. Article content The Stampeders owned an 18-point lead in the third quarter against the Edmonton Elks but were overwhelmed during a 24-point Elks fourth quarter, losing 38-28 at McMahon. Article content The result dropped the Stampeders to 5-7 with six regular-season games remaining. Meanwhile, the Elks strengthened their grip on first place in the Canadian Football League’s West Division at 9-3, followed by the defending Grey Cup-champion Saskatchewan Roughriders at 8-4. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the BC Lions are both 6-6, leaving the Stamps one win behind both clubs in a crowded fight for the two final playoff spots. Article content It makes Saturday’s Labour Day Rematch in Edmonton more than a chance to settle a score. A win would…