Preparations behind the scenes for the first Kal Tire Kalamalka Bowl Canadian U-Sports exhibition football game have been going on for a few months.

For the two combatants, things are just beginning.

The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds will take on the University of Calgary Dinos Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. at Greater Vernon Athletic Park, the first such game of its kind in the North Okanagan and at the facility.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e not allowed to start (preparations) until the weekend,害羞草研究所� said Calgary head coach Wayne Harris on Wednesday, Aug. 10, referring to CIS U-Sports rules. 害羞草研究所淩ight now, it害羞草研究所檚 just team meetings and filling out forms.害羞草研究所�

For both clubs, the game in Vernon will be their one and only exhibition game before the regular-season kicks off.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e expecting a tough game,害羞草研究所� said Harris. 害羞草研究所淯BC is a veteran team, we have a lot of young guys who will possibly be starting their first at the U-Sports level. We害羞草研究所檒l be rotating in a lot of players, doing evaluation.害羞草研究所�

The T-Birds went 3-3 in 2021, Calgary was 2-4.

The Dinos have five former Vernon Panthers on their roster 害羞草研究所� Josh Hyer, Liam Reid, Brady Szeman, Zack Smith, Roan Reid 害羞草研究所� while UBC害羞草研究所檚 lineup includes former Panther Brad Hladik, Salmon Arm害羞草研究所檚 Brandon Sanford, Nicholas Stanford of West Kelowna and Lliam Wishart from Kamloops.

Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Isaac Athans, Easton Schmuland and Nate Beauchemin are expected to suit up for the Dinos.

害羞草研究所淎ll the players are excited to be heading to the Okanagan, especially the guys from the local areas,害羞草研究所� said Harris. 害羞草研究所淭hey will get a chance to play in front of family and friends.害羞草研究所�

Standing-room tickets are still available for purchase at kalbowl.com.

Former B.C. Lions legends Jim (Dirty 30) Young and Angus Reid will be guests of the honour in the VIP tent.

Nissan has joined the Kalamalka Bowl committee as a sponsor, and will operate a Kick To Win contest between the third and fourth quarters.

On Tuesday, Aug. 23, a special Huddle in the Park free, family event will be open to the public at Polson Park starting at 6 p.m. A live concert by local band Cod Gone Wild will run from 7-8:30 p.m. Players/coaches from both teams will be oh hand while Silver Star Rotary provides a concession.

roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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