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Bombers vs. Tiger-Cats Grey Cup rematch to kick off CFL season

Derek Leung / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The CFL revealed its schedule for the 2021 season a day after confirming the 14-game campaign will begin Aug. 5. The upcoming season follows a forced hiatus resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reigning Grey Cup Champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats will open the season with a rematch of their 2019 title game.

"We're so excited to kick off this season," said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie. "Excited for our players, our coaches, our partners, and especially our fans, who have stuck with us and stood by us.

"It’s going to be a great season leading to a Grey Cup that promises to be an incredibly special moment in history for our game, our league, and our country."

Other Week 1 matchups include the BC Lions at the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Aug. 6 and a doubleheader featuring the Toronto Argonauts at the Calgary Stampeders and the Ottawa Redblacks at the newly renamed Edmonton Elks on Aug 7.

The Montreal Alouettes will kick their season off in Week 2 against the Elks after a Week 1 bye.

The 108th Grey Cup will be played on Dec. 12 in Hamilton. The league won't have a preseason this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"I want to thank everyone who has made this schedule and this season possible, from players to governors to partners to fans, and all of the health care workers, front line workers, and scientists who have done so much to allow us to endure this pandemic and start to emerge from it," Ambrosie said.

"The 2021 CFL season will be one we’ll truly never forget. It will be a celebration of our game, our gratitude, and our pride. It will culminate in a Grey Cup that will shine a very positive light on our host, the city of Hamilton, our league, and our future.

"We believe this season and this Grey Cup will signal more than the return of the CFL. It can show the world that Canada is back."

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