Due to the demolition of Ivor Wynne Stadium and the construction of Tim Hortons Field on the same site, the Tiger-Cats were forced to play the majority of their home games outside of Hamilton for the first time in franchise history. On November 20, 2012, the Tiger-Cats announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to play most of their 2013 schedule at a renovated Alumni Stadium in Guelph.[1] The decision came after scouting and considering several other venues within and outside the region.[2][3]Ron Joyce Stadium, the nearest available stadium, ruled itself out in June 2012.[4]
On March 5, 2013, the 2013 schedule was released, revealing that eight of the regular season games would be played in Guelph and one would be played in Moncton, New Brunswick as part of Touchdown Atlantic.[5] When the Tiger-Cats clinched a home game in the 2013 playoffs, the team announced that that game would also be played in Guelph.
The 2013 CFL Draft took place on May 6, 2013. The Tiger-Cats had eight selections in the seven-round draft, including the first overall pick. The club had an additional selection in the fifth round coming from Calgary after a trade for Milton Collins.[6]