This Friday (August 29) marks 65 years since the first-ever home football game at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium, the long-time home of the Calgary Stampeders.
Built in just 103 days, the stadium first opened on August 15, 1960, under a 99-year lease with the City of Calgary.
Its construction was made possible thanks to a $300,000 donation from Calgary oilmen Frank and George McMahon to the University of Alberta in Calgary, which later became the University of Calgary.
Since then, McMahon has played host to countless historic moments, from Grey Cup championships to Olympic ceremonies.
McMahon Milestones
- Aug. 8, 1960 – Officially christened McMahon Stadium by the University of Alberta in Calgary.
- Aug. 15, 1960 – First game: Calgary Stampeders fall 38-23 to Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
- Aug. 29, 1960 – Calgary earns first home victory, defeating Saskatchewan Roughriders 23-15.
- 1964 – University of Calgary Dinos begin playing at McMahon.
- 1975 – $1.125-million renovation adds artificial turf: stadium hosts Grey Cup.
- 1978 – $4.5-million expansion adds 7,000 seats, amateur sports facilities, tunnel, and new press box.
- 1983–1988 – Major upgrades for the 1988 Winter Olympics, including new turf, sound system, and temporary seating for Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
- 1990 – Queen Elizabeth II visits; Calgary Highlanders receive Queen’s Colour.
- 1993, 2000, 2009, 2019 – McMahon hosts Grey Cup games.
- 1997 – Hosts the World Police and Fire Games.
- 2011 – NHL Heritage Classic held at the stadium.
- 2013 – Aluminum benches replaced with fitted seating.
- 2014 – New 30×50-foot scoreboard, auxiliary scoreboard, FieldTurf surface, and expanded concourses added.
- 2025 – Wild FC professional women’s soccer team begins playing at McMahon.
Looking ahead, Calgary will host the Grey Cup in 2026, marking the 66th anniversary of the iconic venue.
In the meantime, fans won’t have to wait long for more football action at McMahon.
The annual Labour Day Classic between the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks kicks off Monday, September 1, at 4 p.m.
**With information from the Alberta Hall of Fame and the Calgary Stampeders Website
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