KICKOFF: Know Before You Go

University of Calgary Athletics

Plan Your Trip

KICKOFF is for everyone. Whether you’re a new or returning student, a proud UCalgary alum, or part of our campus community, you’re invited to join us at McMahon Stadium. Together, we’ll kick off the new school year with football, food, music, and unforgettable Dinos spirit.

In celebration of our 60th anniversary, we’re teaming up with the Calgary Stampede for an unforgettable KICKOFF! Start the festivities at the Taylor Family Digital Library Quad with a treat and swag from the Students’ Union, then join 60 members of the Stampede Showband at 4:00 p.m. as they lead a high-energy march to McMahon Stadium, where the tailgate party and game-day excitement await.
3:30 p.m. - Tailgate Begins
4:30 p.m. - Stadium Doors Open
5:30 p.m. - Game Starts
Entry for all ticket holders is available through Gates 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the east side of McMahon Stadium. All fans, including students, are required to have a valid ticket for entry.
UCalgary Students must register for the UCalgary Student Dinos All-Access pass and should have it downloaded on their phone. Students needing assistance can visit the Dinos booth at the tailgate for support.
UCalgary Alumni can pick up their tickets at the UCalgary Alumni tent in the tailgate area. Alumni will be directed to enter through Gate 2 and are asked to sit in Section T.
Bags of all sizes are allowed inside the stadium, but all bags will be subject to a security check at entry.
Food purchased from YYC food trucks on site may be brought into the stadium, but outside beverages are not permitted, and water bottles must be empty.

Orientation Tailgate

This is your chance to celebrate UCalgary-style with great food, music, games, and giveaways — all before cheering on the Dinos football team.

YYC’s best eats — grab a free food voucher and choose from a variety of local food trucks serving up delicious options for every taste.
Live DJ vibes — A DJ will be spinning tracks to keep the energy high pregame.
Games, prizes & more — test your skills at interactive games, snap photos with friends, and get in on the giveaways.
University of Calgary Dinos
YYC Food Trucks
Calgary Flames
Calgary Stampeders
Wild FC
Calgary Surge
University of Calgary Alumni Association
University of Calgary Residence Services
UCalgary Orientation
Schulich School of Engineering
Dinos Rowing
Food vouchers will be available for the first 800 UCalgary students at the Dinos booth in the tailgate area. To receive a voucher, students must be registered for the UCalgary Student Dinos All-Access, opens in new tab pass. Each voucher can be redeemed for a free meal (up to a $12 value) at any of the food trucks on site, courtesy of the University of Calgary Alumni Association.

Inside McMahon Stadium

Please bring a debit or credit card with you, as McMahon Stadium is fully cashless. All purchases at concession stands must be made using card payment.
KICKOFF T-shirts will be available to the first 500 fans and can be picked up at any of the four stadium gates.
For additional Dinos gear, visit the Bookstore table located behind Section S in the concourse.

Dinos vs. Rams

For many incoming students at the University of Calgary, KICKOFF is their first introduction to Dinos Athletics. Since 2006, nearly 90,000 fans have filled McMahon Stadium to celebrate the start of a new school year and the unofficial kickoff of the Dinos’ season.
The Dinos football team currently holds an 11-6 all-time record at KICKOFF games.
The University of Calgary Dinos officially kick off the 2025 season Friday with a big home opener, welcoming the University of Regina Rams to McMahon Stadium.
The Dinos and Rams squared off two times a season ago. Regina spoiled last year's KICKOFF event with a 24-16 win in Calgary before the Dinos bounced back with a dominant defensive showing in Saskatchewan in Week 5 for a 23-20 victory.
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