CFL kickoff is finally here!

The Edmonton Eskimos and Winnipeg Blue Bombers kickoff the regular season at Investors Group Field on Thursday night and we couldn’t be more excited. Will Mike Reilly and his Esks start the season off on the right foot or will rookie QB Chris Streveler lead his Bombers to victory at home?

The players spend all day getting ready for the big game and you should too!

I’ve put together a few must-do things before you get settled on the couch (or in the stands if you’re at IGF) before the big game.

1. GET UP TO DATE ON YOUR READING

The first thing you want to do is get caught up on all of the incredible content that CFL.ca has put out ahead of the regular season. Head to cfl.ca/kickoff2018 where you can find a season preview for all nine teams. Each preview is written by one of CFL.ca’s fantastic stable of writers. You’ll also find predictions for the 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw, CFL.ca’s writer picks, and everything you need to know to get to fantasy glory.

2. LISTEN TO THE WAGGLE AND THE CFL FANTASY PODCAST

While you’re getting ready for your day or trying to get through the last few hours at work, help pass the time by listening to The Waggle presented by Sport Clips and The CFL Fantasy Podcast.

First, James and Davis will get you prepped for all four games on The Waggle, then check out The CFL Fantasy Podcast where Pat Steinberg, Jeff Krever and Hannah Nordman hand you the fantasy scoop.

3. REWATCH HIGHLIGHTS ON CFL.CA

Relive Duron Carter’s one-handed grab (and his pick-six, while you’re at it), all 12 of Ed Gainey’s interceptions or just rewatch the recaps of every single game from 2017.

Head to CFL.ca/highlights and get caught up on everything that happened last season.

4. SET YOUR FANTASY ROSTER AND PLAY PICK ‘EM

This is my favourite part – playing TSN CFL Fantasy and CFL Pick ‘Em!

Set your roster and make sure you’re confident with your picks. You want to set the tone of your year off right. Maybe you splurge on Mike Reilly and James Wilder Jr. and then go with a few sleepers at receiver. Or perhaps you spread out your money evenly.

Whatever your strategy is, don’t forget to make your picks before kickoff at 8:30 p.m. ET.

And when you’re finished with TSN CFL Fantasy, don’t forget to lock in your picks for Week 1 for Pick ‘Em!

5. GRAB YOUR BUDS

Before the game starts, you’re going to want to get your crew together to catch the game! Grab your buds, wear your gear and make sure you stay connected on social media with us @CFL using the hashtag #CFLGameDay!

6. WATCH CFL GAME TIME

One hour before kickoff between the Esks and Bombers, tune into the CFL’s Facebook page for CFL Game Time! Brodie Lawson and Davis Sanchez will be coming to you LIVE from Investors Group Field for 30-minutes to give you an inside scoop into the game day experience, preview the game and will have some very special guests join them.

7. GET READY FOR KICKOFF

And finally, settle in for kickoff on TSN! This is the best time of the year for us CFL fans and make sure you enjoy it!