Season Kicks Off At Ivor Wynne Stadium This Friday!

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will kick off the 2012 Canadian Football League season and the Final Season of Ivor Wynne Stadium presented by Tim Hortons this Friday, June 29 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  Friday’s season opener, presented by Primus, kicks off at 7 p.m.

With training camp and pre-season in the books, the Ticats will hit the field against the Riders led by Head Coach and Director of Football Operations George Cortez, quarterback Henry Burris and receiver Andy Fantuz, who will all make their Black and Gold debuts on Friday.  

All season long, the Ticats will pay tribute to the history of Ivor Wynne Stadium and the players that contributed to its legend.  At halftime, former Ticats quarterback and general manager Joe Zuger will be honoured.  Zuger played 10 seasons in Hamilton, throwing for 12,676 yards and 76 touchdowns.  On October 15, 1962, Zuger threw eight touchdown passes against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in front of 19,000 hometown fans.  Almost 50 years later, this incredible feat still stands as a CFL record and is depicted on Friday’s game ticket.

Fans can also kickstart their Canada Day weekend thanks to an elaborate on-field pyrotechnics display as halftime winds down.

The action gets underway at the Beechwood Pre-Game Party. Beginning at 5 p.m., the Ticats will shut down Beechwood Avenue for a streetfest full of inflatable games, great eats from Lick’s and Smoke’s Poutinerie, and more.  

Inside the stadium, fans will enjoy an unparalleled gameday atmosphere featuring the Ticats cheerleaders; mascots Stripes, Tiny and Paws; and a new addition for the 2012 season – DJ Young Legend, who will provide in-stadium entertainment until kickoff and throughout the game.  The Coors Light Cold Zone will include the Coors Light Summer Mobile unit and live music until kickoff.  SAR Tech parachuters will descend upon the stadium turf before the game as well.

The first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive a Stirling Print Solutions game roster/poster of QB Henry Burris.  Fisherman’s Friend will provide samples to fans as they enter  Ivor Wynne.  As fans exit the stadium after the game, they’ll be treated to ice cream and chocolate bar giveaways from Nestle.

Tickets are available by visiting Ticats.ca or calling the Ticats sales staff at 905-547-CATS.