Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP and champion, is receiving a memorable homecoming celebration in Hamilton on August 7, his hometown. The celebration, dubbed “Shai Rally Day,” involves his hometown CFL team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who are paying tribute to Gilgeous-Alexander during their game against the BC Lions that evening, highlighting the importance of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Hamilton Celebration.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star, recognized for one of the most outstanding seasons in NBA history, will be honored with a special in-game tribute and a commemorative Gilgeous-Alexander towel distributed to all fans attending the match at Hamilton Stadium. This event celebrates both his athletic achievements and his strong connections to the city where he grew up.

Deep Ties Between Gilgeous-Alexander and the City of Hamilton

Gilgeous-Alexander’s connection to Hamilton runs deep, influencing both his professional career and personal growth. Reflecting on his upbringing, he stated,

“Hamilton is the city where I grew up, and it shaped the most pivotal years of my life,”

emphasizing how the city contributed to his development beyond basketball.

“It laid the foundation not only for who I am as a basketball player, but for the man I’ve become. I wouldn’t be who I am today without this city, and I’m deeply grateful for the continued love and support.”

—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA Player

In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Gilgeous-Alexander will receive the Key to the City from Hamilton’s mayor, Andrea Horwath, marking the first time in 27 years that this honor has been bestowed. The celebration is designed to unify the community and honor one of its most successful athletes.

Community and Officials Praise Gilgeous-Alexander’s Success

City manager Marnie Cluckie expressed the excitement surrounding the event, remarking,

“We are incredibly excited to host the Shai Rally Day and honor his remarkable success. As a local athlete who has gone on to achieve greatness, Shai shows us what’s possible when you follow your passion and work tirelessly for your dreams. We are incredibly proud and excited for Hamiltonians to come together in the community.”

—Marnie Cluckie, City Manager

Gilgeous-Alexander’s return to a Tiger-Cats game is also a special moment since his 10th-grade basketball teammate, Tyler Ternowski, is now a wide receiver for Hamilton’s CFL team. This adds a personal connection for Gilgeous-Alexander, intertwining his basketball journey with the local football community.

Milestones Achieved During an Historic NBA Season

This past season cemented Gilgeous-Alexander’s place among NBA legends. He won the regular-season MVP award and became only the second Canadian ever to claim this title after Steve Nash. Additionally, he secured both the NBA scoring title and Finals MVP honors. Earlier this month, he signed the largest contract extension in NBA history, underscoring his rising prominence in the sport.

The 2025 ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete also went to Gilgeous-Alexander, where he competed against other top athletes including Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his acceptance, Gilgeous-Alexander gave credit to his team, stating,

“I want to thank the Thunder organization for allowing me to be me. I want to thank my teammates. Best basketball team in the world.”

—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA Player

Celebrating a Local Hero and Inspiring Future Generations

The celebration of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the city highlights not only his individual accomplishments but also his broader impact as a role model for Hamiltonians. This event brings together a community proud to see one of their own achieve greatness on the world stage, reinforcing the message that dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary success.

With the special tribute at the Hamilton Tigers-Cats game and the symbolic Key to the City honor, Hamilton continues to embrace its native son, creating lasting memories that will inspire both current and future athletes.