Ottawa Football Returns With Preseason Opener in Montreal
Ottawa REDBLACKS fans have something to get excited about this Friday: the team opens its 2025 CFL preseason on the road against the Montreal Alouettes, giving the first real glimpse of what this year's squad looks like under game conditions.
Preseason football doesn't count in the standings, but don't let that fool you into thinking there's nothing at stake. For the coaching staff, these early games are about evaluation — finding out who's ready to contribute, who needs more time, and how the roster depth holds up when the pads are on and the plays are real.
What to Watch For
Preseason openers are always a chance to see the fringe players making their case. Veteran starters typically get limited reps in games like this, which means younger talent and newcomers get extended looks. That's where things can get interesting — unexpected standouts have a way of turning heads in August and earning roster spots nobody saw coming.
For Ottawa fans, the preseason is also the first chance to see how the offence and defence are coming together under the coaching staff's schemes heading into the regular season. Even a modest preseason showing can build momentum and chemistry heading into the weeks that matter.
The Rivalry Backdrop
There's added flavour to any REDBLACKS-Alouettes matchup. Montreal and Ottawa are CFL East Division rivals, so even a preseason game carries a bit of an edge. The Alouettes came off a strong season, and the REDBLACKS will want to signal early that they're ready to compete in a tough division.
Heading to Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal is a familiar road trip for the team — a chance to shake off the rust before the home opener at TD Place brings all the Lansdowne energy that Ottawa fans bring every season.
Gear Up, Ottawa Fans
If you're a die-hard who wants to watch the game, check REDBLACKS official channels and TSN for broadcast details — preseason games sometimes air regionally or stream online depending on the schedule.
And if you're already thinking about the regular season, now's a great time to grab your tickets for TD Place before the best seats are gone. There's nothing quite like a live CFL game in Ottawa on a summer Friday night with the city buzzing around Lansdowne Park.
The preseason may be short, but for Ottawa football faithful, Friday night in Montreal is the official start of something they've been waiting for since last November.
Source: Ottawa REDBLACKS / Google News Ottawa
