Every game is important in a CFL season, but every year certain contests stand out from the pack. Here is a list of 5 ‘can’t miss’ Ticat games in 2017.
Week 4 vs. BC Lions
Tiger-Cats fans will have to bottle their excitement until Saturday, July 15 before they can watch their team play at home. In week 4, the Lions bring their high-octane offense to throw down against the Tiger-Cats top-tier defense at Tim Hortons Field.
If a revamped Ticat secondary, a bolstered Ticat receiving corps, and an upgraded Tim Hortons Field, weren’t enough reasons to book your ticket, look no further than the halftime entertainment.
The Glorious sons, a Kingston-based rock band in the vein of big name acts like the Arkells and Cage the Elephant, will be rocking the venue at halftime. In addition, the first 4,000 fans entering through the FirstOntario Credit Union Gate will receive foam football helmets.
Make sure to come down to Tim Hortons Field early enough to claim your giveaway.
Week 5 vs. Edmonton Eskimos
Since 2014 the Edmonton Eskimos have been a contender in the CFL. In Mike Reilly’s time with the Eskimos, the team has won a Grey Cup and only seems to lose playoff games to the eventual Grey Cup champs.
Last year, the Tiger-Cats suffered a home playoff loss to the Eskimos in the East Division Semi-Final. In addition, another stinging defeat at the hands of the Esks toward the end of the 2016 campaign was a major reason the Tiger-Cats fell just short of the East Division title.
This year’s Ticats have not forgotten those losses, and they won’t forgive them either. Week 5 against the Esks will be a high-tempo, hard-nosed clash between two CFL powerhouses. The revamped Hamilton secondary looks to shut down Reilly and his favourite target, Adarius Bowman. This contest will be hard fought and Tiger-Cat fans won’t want to miss it.
Week 9 vs. Ottawa Redblacks
Last year’s Grey Cup champs are visiting Tim Hortons Field in Week 9. This will present a great opportunity for the Ticats to see how they stack up in the East Division. Zack Collaros will try to pick apart a Redblacks secondary that lost some major pieces in the offseason, including newly signed Tiger-Cat Abdul Kanneh.
The defending Grey Cup champs are also this year’s Grey Cup hosts, and the Tiger-Cats will look to send a message in Week 9: the big game might be in Ottawa, but the Ticats look to steal the show.
Week 11 vs. Toronto Argonauts
It’s the Labour Day Classic – need I say more.
Last year the Labour Day game mattered less in the standings, with the Argos in the rear of the Eastern Division pack. This season a Marc Trestman coached Argo team is poised to climb the standings, and may be firmly in contention for a playoff spot by the midway point of the season. With the Tiger-Cats and Argos likely jostling for position, there will be a greater level of urgency added in the heated rivalry.
Not only do the players bring their best on Labour Day, but fans do as well. WeatherTech Football Day in Hamilton will be back (more details to come), with another set of musical acts and a day of celebrating football in the Ambitious City. Anyone in attendance can expect a rocking building, and a Tiger-Cat team feeding off the electric atmosphere. If there is going to be just one date circled on your calendar, make it Labour Day.
Week 20 vs. Montreal Alouettes
The final game of the season against the Als may have major implications in the playoff picture. With a stout defense and a new quarterback in Darian Durant, the Als are very much in the Eastern conversation. Regardless, the Tiger-Cats will be looking to make a statement that carries over into the playoffs.
Week 20 vs. Montreal may be the last regular season game at Tim Hortons Field, but the Ticats hope one more game will follow – a playoff victory to close the season.
Do you have your tickets yet?
Check out ticats.ca/schedule to view the entire Visit ticats.ca/tickets to secure your seats
