Calgary to Build Three Youth Flag Football Fields Before Grey Cup

Three new youth flag football fields will be constructed in Calgary, enhancing community sports facilities in the lead-up to the 113th Grey Cup on November 15, 2026. This initiative is part of the broader Grey Cup Festival, which the city will host, marking the sixth time the championship game has taken place in Calgary.

Running from November 8 to 14, the festival is expected to draw over 350,000 visitors, according to estimates from Tourism Calgary. “It was Stampeders fans and Calgary’s western hospitality that started the festival tradition back in 1948,” said Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO of Tourism Calgary. “We’re honoured to carry that legacy forward and show the country that nobody hosts quite like Calgary.”

The Grey Cup Festival aims to leave a lasting impact on the host city. In this spirit, the Calgary Stampeders Foundation has committed $500,000 towards the construction of the new fields at Fonda Park. This investment will transform underutilized green space into a vibrant, year-round community sport area.

“By investing in community youth flag football fields, we’re creating accessible spaces where young people can discover the game, build confidence, and stay active,” stated Jay McNeil, president of the Calgary Stampeders. “This project ensures the impact of the Grey Cup Festival will be felt in Calgary for years to come.”

Construction of the fields will commence in spring 2026, with the expectation that the north and south fields will be operational by late summer or early fall. Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted the significance of the project, noting, “With the support of the Stampeders Foundation’s 2026 Grey Cup legacy project and the city’s ongoing investment in parks and recreation, we’re responding to the growing popularity of flag football and creating more inclusive opportunities for Calgarians to get active and connect through sport.”

The Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival at Stampede Park will culminate in the championship game at McMahon Stadium on November 15, showcasing the city’s commitment to sports and community engagement. As preparations continue, the new fields represent a significant step toward fostering a love for football among Calgary’s youth.