It only happens once a year and it’s the most exciting part of the CFL season.

No, I’m not talking about the Grey Cup (although, the Grey Cup is pretty great). It’s the weekend during the season that we get THREE games in one day. Yes, you read that right. One day. Three games. All of the excitement.

This Saturday all of your CFL dreams will come true as the first, and only, tripleheader of the season gets under way. Things start in Winnipeg for the Banjo Bowl between the Bombers and Riders. Then we move to Ottawa as the Tiger-Cats visit the REDBLACKS and finally, the Battle of Alberta rounds out the night with Calgary in Edmonton.

So I know what you’re thinking. How am I going to survive an entire day of football? Well, here are my best tips for getting through the most wonderful day of the year.

MAKE SURE YOU EAT.

I know this seems obvious but when you’re committed to watching over nine hours of football, your body is going to need some fuel. Think of whatever you eat as your pre-game meal. Maybe take a suggestion from Jerome Messam. He has a really big breakfast for an afternoon game – eggs, pancakes, toast, etc – and lots of pasta for a night game. Think carbs – you’re going to need energy if you’re going to make it through all three contests.

Food during the games? This is where the fun begins. Maybe have a hotdog as long as your arm. (This actually exists in Saskatchewan, right Max?) Are you a Bombers fan? Maybe snack on some watermelon to show the Riders just how tough you are. Of course you can snack on the classic football foods too. A nice bowl of chili, some chicken wings, maybe a buffalo chicken dip?

STAY HYDRATED.

Again, obvious, but sometimes we can forget that just like our favourite players on the field, we need to keep hydrated. Have some water or Gatorade at an arms length at all times.

KEEP #GREYCUPFITUP GOING.

Worried about staying committed to your #GreyCupFitUp routine? Incorporate your workout DURING the games.

For every touchdown scored, do as many jumping jacks as the yards on the play. Greg Ellingson scores a 55-yard touchdown? You do 55 jumping jacks. Roy Finch scores a 103-yard punt return touchdown? Yup, you do 103 jumping jacks. How about field goals? Do a squat for every yard. Justin Medlock boots a 45-yarder? That’s 45 squats for you.

DON’T LET ANYONE CHANGE THE CHANNEL.

Is someone trying to change the channel because they, ‘don’t want to watch football anymore’? Well first, they are wrong, everyone wants to watch football and second, don’t let them. Conveniently “lose” the remote. Sorry about your luck, TSN is staying on all day.

GET OUT OF PRIOR COMMITMENTS.

Did you have dinner plans with your aunt? Perhaps you had to take the kids to karate practice. Or maybe you just had to cut the lawn. Whatever it was, get out of doing it all.

You’re sick on Saturday or maybe you pulled something in your back. Doesn’t matter what your excuse, you’re not moving from the couch.

CHOOSE YOUR COMPANY WISELY.

Do you have a friend who is the biggest Blue Bombers fan ever? Maybe that’s who you invite over for the first of the three games. Then your REDBLACKS die-hard comes for the second and your Esks super-fan joins you for game three. Or maybe you have a friend or two who watch every game and would be the best to stay for the long haul and watch all three games with you.

Whoever you decide, make sure it’s someone that won’t give up half way through the marathon.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR FANTASY TEAM.

I’m sure you’re probably already doing this, but make sure that you keep an eye on how your TSN CFL Fantasy lineup is doing. You’re going to get a lot of points in one day (assuming that most of your players are in those three games).

WEAR ALL OF YOUR GEAR.

Have a Hamilton Tiger-Cats hat, Edmonton Eskimos jersey and a Bombers scarf? This is the one day a year you can wear ’em all.

STAY CONNECTED.

Connect with other CFL fans on social media throughout your day. Check in with everyone – including me! Tweet us @CFL or you can tweet me @kcostabile1 using the hashtag #CFLGameDay.

AND FINALLY… GIVE IT 110 PER CENT.

What? Did you expect me to get through this without a football cliché?