Toronto Argonauts return home to BMO Field for first game of season against Calgary Stampeders

By Liam Tremblay — 6 August 2026 — 3 min read

Argonauts return home after challenging start

The Toronto Argonauts are set to play their first game of the season at BMO Field on Thursday night, hosting the Calgary Stampeders. This marks a significant shift for the team, which has spent nearly three months with extensive travel and a temporary practice setup. Veteran linebacker Adarius Pickett expressed anticipation for a more traditional routine after the demanding start to the 2026 season.

The Argonauts conducted their training camp and practices in Guelph, Ontario, located 88 km from their usual practice facility at Lamport Stadium. This arrangement was necessary as BMO Field hosted World Cup matches. The team also played seven consecutive road games to begin the season, including three instances where they were designated as the ‘home’ team.

Pickett described the initial phase of the season as an “extreme challenge,” highlighting the constant travel. He noted the team often returned from games in the early morning hours. Despite these difficulties, the Argonauts maintained a 3-4 record, placing them second in the Montreal Alouettes-dominated East Division ahead of their home opener.

Key players return for Toronto

Quarterback Chad Kelly and Canadian linebacker Cameron Judge are both expected to be available for the Argonauts‘ game against the Stampeders. Kelly, who suffered a neck injury during Toronto’s 26-12 road victory over the B.C. Lions on July 25, has been a full participant in practice this week. Judge is also returning after missing three games due to a hamstring injury.

Kelly’s return to BMO Field marks his first start at the venue in over a year, having missed the previous season due to a leg injury. He expressed excitement for the game, noting it will be the first time his children will be able to watch him play. Judge also shared his enthusiasm for being back in familiar surroundings at BMO Field.

The Argonauts‘ head coach, Mike Miller, emphasized the importance of execution against the Stampeders, acknowledging Calgary’s strong offensive capabilities. Toronto leads the CFL in passing yards per game and is second in net offence and touchdown passes.

Stampeders present a formidable challenge

The Calgary Stampeders enter the game with a 4-4 record and are in strong form, having won two consecutive games. They lead the CFL in offensive points per game and offensive touchdowns. Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has a 21-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season and has not thrown an interception in 295 consecutive pass attempts dating back to last year.

Running back Dedrick Mills is second in the league in rushing yards, contributing to Calgary’s multi-faceted offense. The Stampeders are ranked second in rushing yards per game. Calgary is coming off a 44-20 road win against Hamilton last Saturday, giving them a short week of preparation for the game in Toronto.

This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Stampeders previously defeated the Argonauts 58-36 at McMahon Stadium on July 2. Cameron Judge noted that the previous loss still “lingers a little bit” for the team, providing motivation for the upcoming match.

The game is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. MT.

Source: sportsnet.ca