Saturday, September 06, 2014
The Ottawa RedBlacks...horrible name, horrible team...but a fun night out
Ottawa's major sports franchise, the Ottawa Senators, has an arena built on the other side of the city that takes forever to get to and takes even longer to get out of (thanks to that God-forsaken parking lot). It is something of a running joke in this town, although fans like myself grin and bear it. We've been dealing with it for such a long time, I don't too many people give it much of a thought any more. Most other cities have their arenas and stadium centrally located, where using public transportation and getting there in a reasonable amount of time are variables to look forward to in getting to the game. It's something taken for granted I'm sure. Anyway, I usually plan to leave about two hours before the game starts, and if the game ends at 10 pm, I know I'm likely home by 11:30 pm on average.
So when the Ottawa RedBlacks made their CFL debut at TD Place, TD Place being a football stadium located in the Glebe, or downtown, Ottawa, it was a refreshing change of pace.
Even though the team hadn't yet played a game, and let's be honest, the RedBlacks name is still somewhat of a head-scratcher to put it mildly, the number of fans already decked out in RedBlacks apparel was something to behold. Public transport would drop off fans right in front of the stadium, free of charge with a game ticket, and on the way there you can see the fans walking to the stadium, ready to cheer on their team. The local pubs have decked out their establishments in local sports team colours, people are enjoying beer, buying food from street vendors, you can hear some music from a live band in the background...in short, it felt like a GAME day. Something that is truly refreshing when it takes you over an hour to get from your car to the exit ramp after a Sens game.
Atmosphere...yes, that's what it is! You know there's a game about to be played...there's a buzz with the fans and it adds to the enjoyment. Actually, that's pretty much the highlight so far this season. The RedBlacks, being an expansion franchise, are the worst team in the CFL and it doesn't look like it'll change any time soon. But the three games I've been to, I've enjoyed all of them. The stadium is sold out and people just seem to enjoy the fact there's some football happening, whether or not it's the winning kind.
I hope they stick around, and maybe the Senators can finally take a look at the big picture and find a way to get their team to play in a downtown arena. I'm certain it will add to not just to the convenience of fans of heading to a central location, but will add to the fun factor that seems to be missing.
So when the Ottawa RedBlacks made their CFL debut at TD Place, TD Place being a football stadium located in the Glebe, or downtown, Ottawa, it was a refreshing change of pace.
Even though the team hadn't yet played a game, and let's be honest, the RedBlacks name is still somewhat of a head-scratcher to put it mildly, the number of fans already decked out in RedBlacks apparel was something to behold. Public transport would drop off fans right in front of the stadium, free of charge with a game ticket, and on the way there you can see the fans walking to the stadium, ready to cheer on their team. The local pubs have decked out their establishments in local sports team colours, people are enjoying beer, buying food from street vendors, you can hear some music from a live band in the background...in short, it felt like a GAME day. Something that is truly refreshing when it takes you over an hour to get from your car to the exit ramp after a Sens game.
Atmosphere...yes, that's what it is! You know there's a game about to be played...there's a buzz with the fans and it adds to the enjoyment. Actually, that's pretty much the highlight so far this season. The RedBlacks, being an expansion franchise, are the worst team in the CFL and it doesn't look like it'll change any time soon. But the three games I've been to, I've enjoyed all of them. The stadium is sold out and people just seem to enjoy the fact there's some football happening, whether or not it's the winning kind.
I hope they stick around, and maybe the Senators can finally take a look at the big picture and find a way to get their team to play in a downtown arena. I'm certain it will add to not just to the convenience of fans of heading to a central location, but will add to the fun factor that seems to be missing.
# posted by SBP : 9:48 PM
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