Background
The Argonauts had not appeared in a Grey Cup championship game since 1952. The Stampeders were making their third Grey Cup appearance in the last four years, but had not actually won a championship since 1948.
The 10-4 Argonauts faced the 9-6-1 Stampeders for the first time in the Grey Cup. Both teams finished in first place in their divisions, but Toronto, led by star rookie quarterback Joe Theismann was the favourite. Calgary was making their second straight appearance in the Grey Cup game, but had not won it since the famous 1948 game. Toronto had nearly as long a drought, with their last victory coming in 1952.
The 1971 Grey Cup was the first to be played on artificial (tartan) turf.
Read more about this topic: 59th Grey Cup
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