How to attend Stingers games

Now that you know what’s on the schedule, it’s time to figure out which sport will become your go‑to

Does attending a Stingers game feel like a treasure map to nowhere? Let’s fix that. Graphic Halle Keays

If you’ve always imagined your university life feeling a little like the movies—packed bleachers, roaring crowds, school colours everywhere—but you’re not quite sure how to make that happen here at Concordia, you’ve come to the right place.

The Stingers offer diverse varsity sports lineups. Fall brings football, men’s and women’s soccer and rugby, and women’s flag football, plus the start of hockey preseason. By October, hockey officially hits home ice. When winter settles in and outdoor sports wrap up, basketball and hockey become the stars of the semester.

This is your ultimate guide to attending a Stingers game, the perfect cherry on top of your Concordia University experience.

Check the schedule

The first step in attending a Stingers game involves knowing when one is taking place. You always have two options: home games, played here at Concordia, and away games played at the opponent’s university. 

To learn which games are being played and when, check the schedule tab on the Stingers website. You can also check the respective sport’s Instagram account, where game announcements are being made. If you’re not sure where to go, the main Stingers account (@the_stingers) is a good place to start. 

Find a sport you’ll enjoy

Now that you know what’s on the schedule, it’s time to figure out which sport will become your go‑to. 

If you’ve always dreamed of the stereotypical American college vibe, or if you watch the Super Bowl mostly for the food and the spectacle, football might be your perfect match. No Bad Bunny halftime show here, and the rules aren’t exactly NFL, but you’ll still get cheerleaders, big plays and more than your fill of action.

If you already know football but want something a little wilder, rugby is your next stop. Think full‑contact intensity, no pads and teammates literally lifting each other into the air.

If you prefer strategy over tackling, flag football is a fun twist. No hits, just speed, quick reads and snatching the flag off someone’s hips. It’s fast, smart and a great addition to the Stingers family.

If the World Cup had you glued to your screen this summer, give our soccer teams a whirl. You already know the basics, so it’s the perfect chance to dive deeper before the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

If your childhood was shaped by High School Musical, basketball is your moment to “get your head in the game.” No singing and dancing, but the energy is just as entertaining.

And finally, hockey. If you want the full Canadian experience (or if you’ve been obsessed with Heated Rivalry and Off Campus), this is the sport for you. Bring a hoodie: the arena gets chilly, but the atmosphere is electric.

How to buy tickets?

To buy tickets, go to the tickets tab on the Stingers website or in the bio of each sport’s Instagram. Students receive a discount on all match tickets, which is all the more incentive to attend. 

If you’re living in one of the on-campus residences, you might even have access to the Residence Pass, a ticket package that allows you to attend an assortment of games throughout the year. Ask your resident assistant about it if you’re interested!

How do you get to the stadium/arena/gymnasium?

The stadium, arena and gymnasium are all on the Loyola campus. For people travelling by public transport, take the shuttle bus and cross the street. You will see the stadium right in front of you.

If you are going to see a hockey or basketball game, you have to get into the Athletics building. The ice rink will be on your left, and the gymnasium on your right.

If you plan on driving, the P7 parking lot will be your best friend. Park there and walk behind the building to get to the stadium, or go inside the building on your right, and you will enter the Athletics building. If you get lost, consult this map to get back on track.

How do you enjoy your fan experience to the fullest?

Finally, here are some quick tips and tricks for an unforgettable experience.

  1. Go with friends. Friends always make it more fun.
  2. Show your colours. Wear your merch, show your affiliation. It’s always more fun rooting for a team.
  3. Sit in a crowded area (the one with Concordia people). Sitting with a lot of people always makes the ambiance better!
  4. If you’re going to a football game, attend the tailgate. Tailgates happen before the game and are the perfect time to eat, drink and hang out with friends to get a feel for the shared energy before the game.

So grab your friends, throw on some maroon and gold, and head to Loyola. Your next favourite university tradition is waiting for you! And who knows? You might just become the person who never misses a home game.

This article originally appeared in Volume 47, Issue 1, published September 8, 2026.