Edmonton Elks, Calgary Stampeders move practice indoors due to poor air quality

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders have moved their practices indoors on Tuesday due to poor air quality from ongoing wildfires in northern and central Alberta.

Edmonton’s practice will now take place inside the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre fieldhouse from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. local time, while the Stampeders will practice from 10:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. at the Calgary West Soccer Centre.

In 2019, the CFL and CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) agreed that players should not practice or play outdoors if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is plus-seven or higher. On Tuesday, the AQHI is expected to reach a level of seven in Edmonton and six in Calgary.

The Alberta rivals are scheduled to open the CFL’s preseason on Monday when the Elks visit the Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. Kickoff will take place at 4:00 p.m. EDT.