Everywhere you look in Moncton, it's clear the Canadian Football League is soon making its return to the Maritimes.
There is excitement building among football fans for the Sunday, September 25 game that will see the Hamilton Tiger-Cats battle it out with the Calgary Stampeders, but event organizers are also trying to grow momentum by including non-football fans in the fuss.
Today the city announced a scheduled of events centered on the Touchdown Atlantic game, several of which have nothing to do with football. Organizers are hoping this will draw football and non-football fans alike.
"It's not just a game on Sunday, it's really to give a community atmosphere and a way for families and people from the area to attend various events throughout the week," says Bruno Roy, the co-chair of the Touchdown Atlantic organizing committee.
The events include a golf tournament, free pancake breakfast and a street fair that will shut down the city's main street and host live performances from musician Kim Mitchell and Halifax-born band Sloan.
"It's good for the city," says Moncton resident Dave Blekney. "Plus, the two teams that are coming to town get to see what Moncton is all about."
Event organizers say they know getting the support of the community, regardless of whether they are football fans, will be important as Moncton vies to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the entire 2013 season, while the team's home stadium is being replaced.
"All I can say about that is that anything is possible," says Mayor George LeBlanc. "I will not speak for Hamilton; they will make their own choices. I think we're able to host them if they wish to come back for more games."
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
