Return to Tiger Town
June 13, 2016
For the second year in a row, I made the trek to Hamilton for the open house at the Tiger-Cats’ new stadium.
As soon as I boarded the Barton bus after getting off the GO, I knew I wasn’t going to be alone as it was filled with fans, young and old, decked out in Ticats gear. CFL football may not have that strong of a following in this part of the world, but those who do follow the league are mighty passionate about it.
Outside, there was a table where they were clearing out some of last year’s merchandise at heavily discounted prices. Evidently, Hamiltonians like their bargains as much as Winnipeggers do, as there was a mad rush to get in line for first crack at the goodies. Having a strong aversion to crowds, as they say in Texas, El Paso.
As was the case last year, there was no charge to get in, but this time around, they forced attendees to register and show their ticket at the gate. The lines moved agonizingly slow, and I’ve made it through the pat-down security at NFL games in Minneapolis faster than it took me to get through the gate on Sunday. I don’t know what the hold-up was, but I hope they clear up the problems if they do this again.
Once I was eventually let in, I took some shots around the south end before going up to the club level.
The “Champions Club” is an impressive restaurant/bar where VIPs can sit and watch the game while enjoying their food and drink.
Outside, I spotted the flags representing the Ticats’ two retired numbers. At left is Bernie Faloney’s #10 and at right is Angelo Mosca’s #68. After a Google search, I learned that Mosca lives right here in St. Catharines.
I was also pleased to see more recognition of their proud past with the names of those on the Wall of Honor displayed inside the Champions Club.
Nearby was a dedicated “No Alcohol” section, and I would later spot another such section at the opposite corner of the stadium. Having been treated to some horrid experiences at Winnipeg Stadium back in the 1980s, I would be curious to see if there was the same rowdy, out-of-control atmosphere here as there was in Winnipeg. Maybe one of these days, I’ll actually go to a game and find out.
I spotted this guy on the west side concourse. You think he’s a fan?
Later, once we were allowed on the field, he went to see quarterback Zach Collaros.
On the east side is the steam whistle they blow before every game.
There’s undoubtedly some history behind it that I’ll have to look into one of these days.
At noon, they let us on the field and we were free to roam at will for the next hour.
I wasn’t aware Brantford was in line for a CFL franchise.
Many players were stationed along the sidelines and fans could line up for the chance to meet them. Not surprisingly, the line to see Collaros was the longest.
I continued on over towards the alumni table. I would have been quite interested in meeting some of the greats of years past were I a long-tenured fan of the franchise. But I’m not.
Jeremiah Masoli, who eventually became the starting quarterback after the midseason injury to Collaros.
Chad Owens, who came over from C.U. during the off-season. “Argos Suck” was a familiar line I saw and heard during the day.
One of the mascots.
Luke Tasker, the son of Buffalo Bills’ great Steve Tasker.
Mike Filer, the team’s starting center, takes the stage for an interview.
Having covered the field several times, it was time to return home. I’m not sure I’ll go if they have an open house next year, but it was nice of the team to offer us the opportunity to look around and I was glad I made the trip.
| Previous post | Next post |