Moncton Times and Transcript
By: Alyssa Mosher
Date: 2011-08-22

For many people in Metro Moncton, late September makes them think of one thing and one thing only: the big Touchdown Atlantic CFL football game.

But the City of Moncton and the Touchdown Atlantic Festival Committee plans on making that most anticipated day about more than a just the one game.

Like many events that come to Moncton during the summer months and throughout the year, organizers want to turn those few days surrounding the Touchdown Atlantic CFL game - featuring the Calgary Stampeders and this year's home team the Hamilton Tiger Cats -into a festival.

"If you're interested in the game that's awesome, but it's more than just a game so if you're interested in attending other events as well or you're more keen to see the concerts...that's cool too," said Sarah McBeath , a member of the marketing team for the Touchdown Atlantic Festival Committee. "We're trying to make the festival appealing for everybody and all ages."

And that's exactly what it will be.

The Friday and Saturday before the game on Sept. 25 will feature the all-day Touchdown Downtown street festival.

Plans for the festival aren't set in stone yet, but the set-up will be similar to other Moncton festivals, which involve closing down part of Main Street and bringing in booths, vendors and the concert stage.

The City of Moncton has yet to confirm the bands for Friday and Saturday night's concerts, that are set for roughly 6 p.m. each night.

Starting Thursday, Sept. 22, there will be a series of high school and university football match-ups at the Rocky Stone Field at Centennial Park. Thursday's game will feature l'Odyssée Olympiens and the Mathieu-Martin Matadors at 7 p.m. Friday afternoon will begin a double-header with Bernice MacNaughton

Highlanders and Moncton High Purple Knights at 4 p.m. and the Tantramar Titans and Harrison Trimble Trojans at 7 p.m. Each high school game, presented by Economy Glass, will cost $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Of course the high school games lead up to the big university rematch between the Saint Mary's University Huskies and the Mount Allison University Mounties at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets to this game are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

As for Saturday night, there will be a special Pigskin Soirée at the Delta Beauséjour, presented by Scotiabank. The gala will feature a four-course meal, entertainment, a silent auction, Newfoundland comedian Trent McClellan as the master of ceremonies, as well as CFL personalities.

Ticket packages are still available for the gala and can also include Platinum Seating tickets to the Touchdown Atlantic game the following afternoon. Those interested in attending the soirée should contact Amy Richard at (506) 867-5800 ext. 5062.

Sunday, game day, brings the traditional tailgate party and Enbridge Family Barbeque starting at 10 a.m. in the field behind the stadium.

McBeath said the event is meant for all ages, so there will be separate areas for families and for those over 19 years of age who choose to drink. All alcohol and food will be provided at charge and people are asked to refrain from bringing their own cooler. Entrance to the tailgate party and barbeque is $5. Kids 14 years old and under get in for free.

Oh yes, and let's not forget about the game itself - Calgary versus Hamilton - at 2 p.m. at the Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium, immediately following the tailgate party and barbeque.

All proceeds, including the ticket sales for the gala, the high school and university football games as well as the tailgate and barbeque admission fees and the money raised at the silent auction, will go towards Moncton Minor Football and New Brunswick Amateur Football.

Tickets are still available for Touchdown Atlantic Moncton 2011 at www.tickets.moncton.ca. But they're about 95 per cent sold, so don't wait too long.

All other festival tickets can be purchased in advance or on site.