When the inaugural Stampede Bowl was announced, I rolled my eyes. 

Why do we need another bowl game?

And, for that matter, what does a bowl game in a professional league even mean?

I have to admit, I was wrong. The first annual Stampede Bowl was a complete success. And, I’m already looking forward to the next one. 

1st Annual Stampede Bowl

The game itself was a huge success for the Calgary Stampeders. 

Over 22,000 fans were on hand to watch them hand the Winnipeg Blue Bombers their first loss of the season, 37–16. 

It was an exciting game, start to finish. It featured Vernon Adams Jr.’s first touchdown pass of the season, as well as Damien Alford’s first touchdown catch of his career. 

The Stampede Bowl standouts included: 

• QB Vernon Adams Jr.: 13-of-18, 222 yards, 2 TDs
• RB Dedrick Mills: 18 carries for 93 yards, 1 TD
• WR Jalen Philpot: 2 receptions for 75 yards
• Damon Webb and Derrick Moncrief’s pick-sixes

What Made it Such a Success

Despite the on-field excitement, the game itself wasn’t what made the Stampede Bowl special. The festive atmosphere made it special. 

All the events in the lead-up to the game were a lot of fun for fans. It created an atmosphere that’s rare to see in week 5 of a long season. 

The CFL season is 18 games long, 20 if you count preseason. And, 22 if you count bye weeks. 

The first few games are exciting because fans are excited that football is back. 

The last few games are exciting because teams are fighting for final playoff positioning. 

The games in the middle are hit and miss. Sure, there’s a lot of great football there. But those games don’t generate the same excitement as the big games early or late in the season. 

The Stampede Bowl was different. 

It gave the fans something to get excited about, and it was a lot of fun. The win and the trophy that came along with it were great. But it was the new family-friendly event that stole the show. 

For many families, the Stampede Bowl might just become a yearly tradition.