Porter Airlines, which recently started service out of Hamilton’s John C. Munro International Airport, announced a new “long-term partnership” with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which makes them the Official Airline of the team.
A press release says that the partnership marks Porter’s “latest step in expanding its presence in Hamilton and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region.”
The Tiger-Cats will also fly exclusively with Porter Airlines for all of their away games this season.
The partnership will even involve a redesign of part of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats stadium.
The Tiger-Cats announced that, in 2026, the north end of the stadium will become a “newly designed, fully branded space” that will “redefine elevated hospitality at Hamilton Stadium.”
The space will reportedly have “elevated sightlines, refined finishes, and a social atmosphere that blends the thrill of football with the generosity and style Porter is known for.”
It should be noted that the Hamilton Tiger-Cats venue is currently called Hamilton Stadium after the Tim Horton’s Field naming rights agreement expired. It is unclear how much progress has been made in finding a new stadium naming rights partner.
Several other new initiatives and branding changes are also a part of the new agreement.
For example, Porter branding has been added to the shoulder of Tiger-Cat game-day jerseys, including on official merchandise.
A new co-branded digital documentary series on the team will also be produced.
The series will reportedly “follow the team as they prepare, travel, and compete throughout the CFL season – capturing the untold stories, personalities, and moments that define the locker room, the road, and game day.”
Fan-focused programs include Porter Fan flights to away games, Porter benefits for Tiger-Cats fans, destination travel packages, and digital contests.
Porter and the Tiger-Cats will also launch a new youth-focused community program promoting healthy, active lifestyles and personal empowerment.
In terms of other branding, Porter is receiving exclusive naming rights to the Club & Suite Gate on Melrose Avenue and will have visibility across digital displays and broadcast-visible signage.
Hamilton Sports Group President and Chief Operating Officer Matt Afinec commented on the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to the Tiger-Cats family and look forward to flying Porter throughout the season.”
“Porter’s investment in our team, our fans, and our city reflects their commitment to the region. With their continued expansion at Hamilton International Airport, they’re bringing thousands of Canadians to our community every week. This long-term partnership will further deepen their local connection and create outstanding new fan experiences at Hamilton Stadium,” he continued.
Porter flies non-stop out of Hamilton to three Canadian Football League cities – Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
