We lost our voices cheering and feasting at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium — and it was worth it!
I’m not an avid sports fan per se, but I love being in a sports crowd. The energy is electric and nothing compares to the feeling of your team scoring a touchdown.
So when someone invited me to watch a Calgary Stampeders game, I grabbed the chance. I dressed myself in red and white and set off for the iconic McMahon Stadium.
For that day, I lived out my childhood dreams of being a cheerleader (“Hit ‘em again, ye men of Calgary!”) and screamed my heart out until my throat was hoarse. I did all the sportiest things I could imagine and wrote them down so that you can do them too.
If you plan on visiting soon, this handy guide has everything I did that made my visit to Calgary’s McMahon Stadium all the more exciting.
Where is McMahon Stadium?
The McMahon Stadium is located between University Drive and Crowchild Trail. It is situated right next to the main campus of the University of Calgary.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to McMahon Stadium is between the months of May to November. This is when you can watch the Calgary Stampeders play home games. The weather is also much warmer and pleasant at this time.
Outside of these months, you can still catch other events here such as festivals and concerts.
How to Get to McMahon Stadium
Via Light Rail: You can get to McMahon Stadium by taking the C-Train and alighting at the Nb Banff Trail Station. This stop is right across the stadium and is about a 5-minute walk away.
Via Bus: Bus lines 19, 20, 303, 40, 9, and 90 all have stops near McMahon Stadium. The closest one is at Wb 16 Av NW at Crowchild Trail NW, which is a 6-minute walk away from the stadium’s entrance.
Via Private Car: When driving, you can either take Macleod Trail, 16th Avenue, or Crowchild Trail to get to McMahon Stadium. The stadium provides paid parking, as well as accessible spots, for visitors.
What to Do in McMahon Stadium
Watch a game
– Media credit: claire_enroute
Of course, the most important thing to do at McMahon Stadium is to attend the event that it was built for. Watching a Calgary Stampeder game is practically a shortcut to getting immersed in Calgarian culture.
We love sports and it’s basically in our blood. So wearing our colors (red and white) and cheering for our touchdowns essentially makes you an honorary citizen of Calgary.
Don’t worry if you’re not an avid fan of the team, there are plenty of resources online that you can read up on to be familiar with the players. They even have an app that has all the updates from the current season.
To watch a game, you can buy tickets online ahead of the game or in person at the stadium’s ticket office. Be prepared to face a long line for the latter though.
Attend a tailgate party
– Media credit: calgaryrealestateadvantages
Before the match starts, you can get a taste of what’s to come by joining a classic tailgate party right at the parking lot of McMahon Stadium. This is a long-time tradition that most Stamps fans look forward to as much as the game.
This practice is so awaited that people arrive as early as 8 hours ahead to park and set up their areas. Selling food and drinks isn’t allowed here so most people cook and share what they make instead.
It’s a great way to socialize, meet fellow fans, and make lifelong friends. In fact, some fans have been doing this for over 30 years.
Tourists are definitely welcome since we Calgarians are a friendly bunch. You can even wear your own home team’s colors and we’ll still give you a plate of our favorite pre-game snacks (expect some jokes and playful banter though).
Sample some of their concession items
– Media credit: cseceats
Game day isn’t complete without a drink in your hand and a snack in the other. Lucky for you, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food at McMahon Stadium.
You’ve got your classic burgers, hotdogs, and popcorn. But we Canadians also have to have our poutine, which you can get from The Sideliner stall.
A range of cocktails and mocktails are available at The Endzone Oasis. However, those who’d rather keep it classic and simple can get a can from the Beer Shack or the Beer House.
Find other yummy treats such as nachos, tacos, sausages, smoked briskets, and more in the stalls all around the stadium. You can even make it a game to try as many vendors as you can.
Just make sure you’re ready to line up and weave through tons of Stamps fans on your way.
Try your luck at the 50/50 raffle
– Media credit: calstampeders
The Stampeders 50/50 is a raffle where a lucky winner will get half of the prize winnings while the rest go to The Stampeders Foundation.
Every Stampeder game day, fans can buy raffle tickets online or in the stadium from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. One raffle ticket costs $5, but you get discounts the more you buy.
The Stampeders are in on the fun too. From time to time, they raffle off memorabilia, such as signed warmup jerseys, for the lucky winner.
I personally have never won yet but that won’t stop me from trying on the next game day. Because even if you don’t win, knowing that you’re supporting a good cause is more than worth it.
Where to Eat near McMahon Stadium
Nick’s Steakhouse & Pizza
– Media credit: nickssteakhouse
Address: 2430 Crowchild Trail NW
Phone: +1 403 282 9278
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Huge families looking for hearty home-cooked meals should look no further than Nick’s Steakhouse & Pizza. By the end of your meal, even the servers will feel like they’re part of the family with how they joke and make sure that everyone’s well-fed and satisfied.
First-time diners must try their steak or pizza ‚— it’s what they’re known for here in Calgary. But seafood lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to dive into their fettuccine, which is overflowing with fresh scallops, shrimp, and mussels.
If you’re on the way to the stadium, it’s the perfect place to stop by and get a pre-game meal. You’re sure to get into the spirit after seeing all of its walls decorated in fantastic Stampeders memorabilia from throughout the years.
Juree’s Thai Place Restaurant
– Media credit: jureesthaiplace
Address: 2055 16 Ave NW
Phone: +1 403 264 6477
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
With Juree’s Thai Place Restaurant, you don’t have to leave Calgary anymore to taste authentic Southeast Asian flavors. Even the waiters are dressed in Thai garb, helping set the scene for a wonderful meal.
If you’re not that used to spicy food, then this is the place to get over your aversion. Their spicy noodles, whether paired with chicken or beef, are life-changing. It’s what I recommend to people to convert them into being regulars like me.
It’s also best to visit with a buddy or a group since their servings are quite generous. Plus, ordering a couple of different dishes with contrasting sweet and spicy flavor profiles is the way to go.
Dairy Lane Cafe
– Media credit: fairylane_yyc
Address: 319 19 Street NW
Phone: +1 403 283 2497
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Dairy Lane Cafe may seem small at first glance but don’t underestimate it. This place packs big flavors and good grub.
What started as a ‘Mom & Pop’ shop in the 50s serving milkshakes now requires reservations for weekend brunch. That’s how popular and beloved this place is. Still, it hasn’t quite lost its charm and quaint atmosphere.
It has, however, updated its menu to reflect modern tastes. You can just tell them about your preferences, such as if you need something dairy or gluten-free, and they’ll happily accommodate it.
Out of everything they serve, it’s their tostadas that keep us coming back. We have a strong feeling it has something to do with them only using the highest quality locally sourced ingredients.
Where to Stay near McMahon Stadium
Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton Calgary – University Northwest
– Media credit: hamptonbyhilton
Address: 2231 Banff Trail NW
Phone: +1 403 289 9800
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Families with kids are going to love staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites. The young ones are likely going to spend hours splashing about the indoor pool and zooming on the water slide.
On the other hand, we bet their 24/7 complimentary tea and coffee will come in handy for parents who have to match their children’s limitless energy.
In the morning, you’ll be receiving a free hot breakfast which will enliven you for the rest of the day. The hotel is only a 12-minute drive away from Downtown Calgary, so you can easily do some shopping and exploring.
Once you’re done, you’ll get to come home to pristine rooms that have the most relaxing bedding. And if you have a small furry companion, you can bring them along since the hotel is pet-friendly as well.
Best Western Plus Village Park Inn
– Media credit: twinmamaslife
Address: 1804 Crowchild Trail Nw
Phone: +1 403 289 0241
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Although Best Western is better known as a conference hotel, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great choice for vacationing travelers and families. It’s got everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay without costing an arm and a leg.
When it comes to food, they’ve got a nice selection for their complimentary breakfast. Most people like their pastries and hot food, but we thought the fresh fruits they offered were a great way to start the morning.
During the day, families can bond and have fun at their indoor pool or at the nearby hot tub. You can also take advantage of their fitness center, which is surprisingly big and well-appointed.
The hotel itself isn’t exactly in the city, but it’s situated right next to a train station. So you can still easily access Calgary’s most popular attractions while having peace and quiet when you need to rest.
Apps to Download for a Trip to McMahon Stadium
Calgary Stampeders: Updates on the latest news about the Calgary Stampeders, McMahon Stadium, and game-day schedules
Waze: Driving navigation app with maps and live traffic data
Calgary Transit: Transportation ticketing app with real-time schedule updates for buses and trains
GasBuddy: Gas station locator with point earning system for discounts