Labour Day C;lassic
Calgary Stampeders running back Tyreik McAllister makes a break for it against the Edmonton Elks in the Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
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It has, indeed, been a while since the Labour Day Classic between the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks could truly be deemed a ‘big’ game.
The Elks have struggled mightily the last few years but, with Mark Kilam at the coaching helm, the rejuvenation of quarterback Cody Fajardo and the Justin Rankin running factor, Edmonton has become the class of the West in the Canadian Football League.
The latter brought a special fan down from Edmonton.
“I do have an added bonus to come,” smiled Mark Rankin, father of Justin. “From what I’ve heard, the rivalry is bigger for Edmonton, because they do have a better record than in the past. Does it mean more? I think it means more because it’s a rivalry game; it doesn’t matter if it’s CFL or college or high school, rivalry is rivalry.”
Calgary, meanwhile, has had its share of struggles this campaign, coming into the Classic at 5-6 and needing an overall momentum swing for this crucial part of the season.
And that, according to head coach Dave Dickenson, is what is most critical about the Labour Day Classic … timing.
“We’ve always said, if you can get hot from Labour Day on, you have a chance to win it,” suggested Dickenson before the game. “So you want to make sure to start playing your best football from this point forward.
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“When I first got into the league, I felt the West was an Edmonton and Calgary thing, whoever would win that season series was going to win. There was a lot of animosity. I don’t know about a bigger game … but I felt with the crowds, with the flyover, with the jerseys being talked about, I always felt it was a big, big game.”
That was reflected on Monday. The game was preceded by one of the most anticipated moments in a Classic: the flyover. Since 1993, two CF-18 Hornets have flown over McMahon Stadium at the conclusion of the national anthem and then again just prior to kickoff. They did not disappoint.
Two RCAF CF-18s fly over McMahon Stadium before Monday’s game. Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia
Sartorially, the Stamps wore their black unis, which they debuted on Labour Day in 1994.
The conditions were wet and cool, yet attracted an announced crowd of 25,698. A couple of fan buses drove down from Edmonton, so there was a share of Green and Gold in the stands, including Brett Litke and his friends.
“The Elks have struggled for a few years, so now it’s renewed. There’s a good vibe in Edmonton with the Elks,” said Litke, who wasn’t going to let a little gloomy weather keep him away. “This is more important because the Elks are finally back to where they should be. They have new ownership, a new spirit; it’s a lot better than what it used to be. The Stampeders have been up and down this year, but they’ve got (starting quarterback) Vernon Adams back, so this is a big clash, playoff implications. This is a major, major CFL game.”
And, as it turned out, a major win for the visitors, 38-28. Papa Rankin watched his son elude a number of would-be tacklers and rumble for 50 yards for the winning touchdown with less than five minutes left in the game. Calgary led by 18 at one point.
As far as the combatants are concerned, the Labour Day Classic is just a name for another game.
“For me, I’m an older guy, I’ve been around a long time. I’ve been in the Labour Day Classic in Saskatchewan, too,” said Derrick Moncrief, the Stamps’ 33-year-old linebacker who was on the other side with the Elks in both 2021 and 2024. “It’s a Western opponent. It’s that time of the year where you want to play your best ball. In order to get to the playoffs, you have to knock out one opponent at a time and they’re the next opponent.”
The outcome not in the Stamps’ favour, they now look to the rematch Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium where the Elks will once again be “the next opponent.”
Labour Day Classic
Labour Day Classic
Labour Day Classic
Labour Day Classic
Labour Day Classic
Labour Day Classic
The rainy weather didn’t dampen all spirits during the Labour Day Classic. Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia
The damp weather didn’t deter Stampeders fans such as Bruce Pineau, Kevin Goodhew, Alec Holt, Cherylann Clapdorp, Adrian Rosvick and Devan Holt from enjoying a tailgate party before the Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium. Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia
Stampeders fans Madison and Josh toss the pigskin around while enjoying a tailgate party on Monday. Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia