CFL 2025 Season

[elly63]

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by elly63

The article's title makes it sound like he will be defiant but if you read the article he and the Als are talking and he sees the point and they both are looking for another solution to the issue.

I guess I had a different take on it from you. I still don't see how the team/stadium will be able to control it. And it does annoy me when I watch those games, despite the justification:

“When I hear players from the Roughriders, the Bombers, or the teams themselves complain about it on social media, it just confirms that we, the thirteenth man, are doing our job. We want Percival Molson to be a nightmare of a stadium to play in. I think we’re doing a pretty good job at it. It’s not over.”

Nothing wrong with being the 13th man... I think it's important to make the environment for opposing offences more difficult. But relying on artificial means to create the nightmare isn't something I agree with.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

I guess I had a different take on it from you. I still don't see how the team/stadium will be able to control it. And it does annoy me when I watch those games, despite the justification:

I had read the article before you posted it and when I saw the headline I thought "Uh, oh" this guy is going to put up a fight.

But he seemed cooperative and the team reached out and they discussed it.

“The Alouettes called me through the process and wanted my opinion,” Genereux said. “They were transparent and explained that multiple other season ticket holders complained about the constant noise they had to face when attending games, especially the ones in front of the horn players. I respect the decision.”

Remember when vuvuzelas were all the rage and they were successfully banned from stadiums and now some Montreal STHs want the air horns gone too. I don't blame them.

Personally I used to find the recorded PA announcement "Make some noise" annoying AF. It was used far too much.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by elly63

I had read the article before you posted it and when I saw the headline I thought "Uh, oh" this guy is going to put up a fight.

But he seemed cooperative and the team reached out and they discussed it.

“The Alouettes called me through the process and wanted my opinion,” Genereux said. “They were transparent and explained that multiple other season ticket holders complained about the constant noise they had to face when attending games, especially the ones in front of the horn players. I respect the decision.”

Remember when vuvuzelas were all the rage and they were successfully banned from stadiums and now some Montreal STHs want the air horns gone too. I don't blame them.

Personally I used to find the recorded PA announcement "Make some noise" annoying AF. It was used far too much.

Vuvuzelas.

I don't like the announcements either. To me it's right up there with "piped in" crowd chanting.

Several years ago a couple sat in the same row as me and my friends in Hamilton, and they had wooden noise-makers that rotated around a handle, but they were deafening! I don't recall if they were Ticats fans, but they only went to one game... the sound was awful (and left me feeling deaf, for sure; I know I have a hearing issue in one ear, and blame that on a concert I went to in the late 1990s but genetics is also a factor). Hopefully this guy isn't planning something similar.

13th "man" is best when the noise is generated from human sources, IMO.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

13th "man" is best when the noise is generated from human sources, IMO.

Totally agree. I do have no issue with artificial noise like the Hamilton steam whistle after a touchdown or something like that but keep it to a minimum, artificial noise not touchdowns Although they go together in Hamilton.

That got me to thinking do they still cut the log cookie in Ottawa, I haven't heard about that in a while. It pissed me off when the old, crappy Edmonton regime wouldn't let them do it at the Grey Cup (going on memory here)

[ScreamingViking]

They've been doing the steam whistle and playing the "Ticats are humming" song after field goals! Hopefully this team gets them to revert.

The local stuff is good. No reason to cut it out.

[elly63]

Lions home opener surpasses 50,000 ticket sales with Snoop Dogg

“Snoop Dogg is a global icon and it’s exciting to see the entire province and beyond get behind the 2025 Concert Kickoff,” Lions’ president Duane Vienneau said in a statement.

[Coldrsx]

^I had the pleasure of chatting with Duane at the Elks game last night. He and served on the 2018 Grey Cup Committee here in Edmonton. Nice guy with a lot of skill/passion.

We also got to meet the Elks Prez Chris Morris as we were being hosted in his suite for the game!




Fun comeback win last night with gorgeous weather. The Elks/org are definitely heading in the right direction and here's hoping we can get 20-25k on a regular basis this year to have some sort of atmosphere in there.



Sizeable tailgate

[elly63]

CFL on TSN to rotate active players on panel, no timeline for Milt Stegall’s return
John Hodge 3downnation.com June 4, 2025

The CFL on TSN is taking a renewed approach to its broadcasts for 2025.

The network’s panel will travel to all nine stadiums over the course of the upcoming season, sources told 3DownNation, including visits to Regina and Montreal in Week 1. Kate Beirness is returning to host the panel with Henoc Muamba and Davis Sanchez filling the main roles alongside her.

Paul LaPolice will also frequently appear on the panel, though he will also perform colour commentary for one game per week. As previously reported, longtime panelist and Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Dunigan is no longer with the network.

As for Milt Stegall, who has been with the network since 2009, there is no timeline for his return after the death of his eldest son, Chase. The 20-year-old died unexpectedly at DePaul University on Monday where he was a member of the school’s soccer team.

“Our CFL on TSN family is absolutely devastated over Chase’s passing. If you know Milt, you know that his family is everything to him, and we cannot imagine the pain he is going through right now,” said producer Chris Edwards in a statement to 3DownNation. “Milt is our brother and we are going to give him our love and support him in any way we can, and in whatever way he needs.”

During a broadcast teeing up the 2025 season on Tuesday, TSN dedicated its coverage this year to Chase’s memory.

TSN plans to flesh out the panel by rotating in active players, though it doesn’t appear as though this will happen every week. Players will generally make panel appearances during bye weeks, though there may also be opportunities for in-studio appearances when players are in town to play the Argonauts or Tiger-Cats.

Friday Night Football, a longtime network staple, will have a brand new presentation featuring fresh animations, graphics, and music. One source called the scope of the production “bigger.”

The play-by-play personnel at the network has remained unchanged for 2025, featuring Rod Smith, Dustin Nielson, Marshall Ferguson, and occasionally Farhan Lalji. Colour commentary will be performed by Glen Suitor, Duane Forde, and LaPolice.

The CFL on TSN will kick-off its regular season coverage on Thursday evening when the Ottawa Redblacks visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The network has been the league’s exclusive Canadian broadcast partner since 2008.

[TimB09]

Nice to see they are FINALLY updating the Friday Night Football intro. Been years!

[elly63]

I've been confused about the CFL on CTV schedule and this story kind of threw me off as well because it sounded like an addition of games to the schedule, but it is the same as previously announced. There will be 22 total games simulcast on CTV and TSN (19 regular season and three post regular season).

Also until now you couldn't find which games would be on CTV (important for a cord cutter like me). There were places that said they had the schedule that didn't.

Here is the schedule.

2025 CFL ON CTV
​(Date | Matchup | Kickoff (ET))

June 7 | HAM at CGY | 7 p.m.
June 14 | SSK at HAM | 7 p.m.
June 21 | WPG at BC | 7 p.m.
June 28 | BC at SSK | 7 p.m.
July 5 | BC at MTL | 7 p.m.
July 12 | OTT at HAM | 7 p.m.
July 19 | SSK at BC | 7 p.m.
July 26 | WPG at TOR | 7 p.m.
August 2 | HAM at EDM | 3 p.m.
August 9 | OTT at TOR | 3 p.m.
August 16 | HAM at SSK | 3 p.m.
August 23 | BC at TOR | 3 p.m.
September 13 | EDM at TOR | 3 p.m.
September 20 | WPG at OTT | 3 p.m.
September 27 | HAM at WPG | 3 p.m.
October 4 | HAM at TOR | 3 p.m.
October 11 | CGY at HAM | 3 p.m.
October 18 | MTL at OTT | 3 p.m.
October 25 | MTL at WPG | 3 p.m.
November 1 | Eastern Semi-Final | 3 p.m.
November 8 | Eastern Final | 3 p.m.
November 16 | 112th Grey Cup | 6 p.m.

Here is my synopsis of what team we will be seeing most on the CTV schedule and in parentheses the number of home games. Sad to see the team getting the most home games is the team with the worst attendance, somewhat similar to last year's schedule which had the worst TV rated team historically, being seen the most (Ottawa).

I'm not sure what sort of coordination has gone on between the CFL and CTV/TSN but a southern Ontario team is being featured in 13 of the 19 regular season games being simulcast. You could interpret that several ways, positive and negative.

Games on CTV (Home Games)
HAM 8 (3)
TOR 5 (5)
BC 5 (2)
WPG 5 (1)
SSK 4 (2)
OTT 4 (2)
MTL 3 (1)
EDM 2 (1)
CGY 2 (1)

[elly63]

Former NFL player Luke Willson to join CFL on TSN as sideline analyst
3Down Staff June 5, 2025

Former NFL player Luke Willson is joining CFL on TSN as a sideline analyst for select games.

On Thursday, Bell Media put out a press release stating that Willson would be joining the TSN panel for Friday Night Football. Sources have since confirmed to 3DownNation that this was an error, though he will become a presence on some broadcasts beginning this week.

The native of LaSalle, Ont. has been an NFL analyst for TSN since 2022. Earlier this offseason, he made waves on social by declaring that “2025 should be the year of the CFL in Canada” and jokingly claiming the title of league commissioner.

The 35-year-old played eight seasons in the NFL as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, recording 111 catches for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns over 102 career games. He won Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014 as a member of the Seahawks when they romped the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. by a score of 43-8.

Though he never played collegiately or professionally in Canada, Willson has close ties to those who did. His father, Mike, played at the University of Windsor, while his brothers Greg and Eric played at Western University.

The CFL on TSN broadcast is undergoing significant changes this season, with a rotating circuit of active players set to join the panel. Long-time panellist and Hall of Fame quarterback Matt Dunigan will not be returning this season, as first reported by 3DownNation.

[Coldrsx]

Elks new jersey has no reference to the Elks per the comments from the new owner when he took over...

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Elks new jersey has no reference to the Elks per the comments from the new owner when he took over...

Edmonton emphasize Green and Gold legacy, fade Elks branding with new jerseys
3Down Staff June 5 2025

The Edmonton Elks have unveiled a pair of new jerseys for the 2025 season, though you won’t find that name written anywhere on them.

The organization continued its trend of de-focusing its new name in favour of an emphasis on the club’s history. The home and away uniforms make that strategy clear, removing the word ‘Elks’ from the chest in favour of ‘Edmonton’ and replacing the antler logo on the shoulders with a classic Double E.

Making a return to the green home jerseys is gold numbering, which was a staple of Edmonton’s uniforms from 1949 until 2021. The throwback trend continues with the iconic striping being featured on the sleeves of both jerseys.

For away games, the Elks will wear white jerseys with green numbers and gold trim. Those uniforms will debut on Saturday, when Edmonton visits the B.C. Lions for their season opener.

Edmonton will be keeping their third uniform that was introduced last season, known as the Icon jersey. They will wear it three times this year.

[craner]

I’m glad the Elks are returning the gold numbers to green jersey - the white numerals were giving off a GB Packers vibe. I always liked the EE but I thought the antlers were kind of cool too.

Exciting time of year for me with the opening of the CFL season. Pretty good game last night but the crowd looked pretty disappointing in Regina.

[ScreamingViking]

https://www.ticats.ca/2025/06/05/update-on-general-manager-ted-goveia/

All the best Ted. It's going to be a battle off the field for you this year too.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by elly63

As for Milt Stegall, who has been with the network since 2009, there is no timeline for his return after the death of his eldest son, Chase. The 20-year-old died unexpectedly at DePaul University on Monday where he was a member of the school’s soccer team.

“Our CFL on TSN family is absolutely devastated over Chase’s passing. If you know Milt, you know that his family is everything to him, and we cannot imagine the pain he is going through right now,” said producer Chris Edwards in a statement to 3DownNation. “Milt is our brother and we are going to give him our love and support him in any way we can, and in whatever way he needs.”

During a broadcast teeing up the 2025 season on Tuesday, TSN dedicated its coverage this year to Chase’s memory.

How awful for the Stegall and TSN families.

What other sad news will come out this early in the season.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by craner

Exciting time of year for me with the opening of the CFL season. Pretty good game last night but the crowd looked pretty disappointing in Regina.

26K may be disappointing for the Riders but pretty good for anyone else. Plus it was up 1K from last year, it's early June and Ottawa is usually not a good draw.

[elly63]

Apparently, he previously had a seizure that sent him to hospital, last year.

• Video Link

[elly63]

New-look Edmonton Elks to field 11 Canadian starters in opener against B.C. Lions
3Down Staff June 6, 2025

In an era when buying Canadian has never been more important, the Edmonton Elks are leading by example. They will field a whopping 11 Canadian starters for Saturday’s season opener — four more than the mandatory quota of seven.

Quarterback Tre Ford leads the heavy home-grown contingent, which is highly concentrated on the offensive side of the ball. The Elks will start three Canadian receivers in Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Kaion Julien-Grant, and Zach Mathis, as well as four along the offensive line. Mark Korte, David Beard and Gregor MacKellar are set in stone along the interior, while right tackle Brett Boyko is listed as a game-time decision after being limited in practice with a hamstring injury.

Despite already exceeding their ratio requirements on offence, Edmonton will also field three Canadians on defence — all of whom are new to the team. Tyrell Ford will get the start at field cornerback after coming over from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while safety Royce Metchie and defensive end Robbie Smith make their debuts after being signed from Toronto.

In addition to the Canadian newcomers, the rest of the team’s impressive 2025 free-agent class will debut. The list of newcomers includes halfbacks Emmanuel Rugamba and Kobe Williams, defensive tackles Jake Ceresna and Jared Brinkman, defensive end Brandon Barlow, receiver Steven Dunbar Jr., and punter Cody Grace.

Edmonton will begin the season relatively healthy, with just three Canadians on the six-game injured list: defensive lineman Noah Curtis (knee), tight end Skyler Griffith (knee), and linebacker Oliver Muembi (Achilles).

The Elks will open their season on Saturday, June 7 against the B.C. Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EDT at BC Place.