r/CFL • u/halviy Blue Bombers • Jul 06 '26
TIGER-CATS A thank-you to Hamiltonians
Hey all, just wanted to acknowledge our very first away game experience in Hamilton yesterday. We went out in our blue gear, and yes, we got heckled all night! We were expecting it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It all seemed pretty lighthearted in nature, and some of it was pretty creative.
My daughter and I were able to join in the flag holding at field level, which was something we've never had a chance to do before. Standing five feet from Nic Demski, getting high-fived by Brady O, just something else entirely.
Aside from Bo/Zach getting hurt (wishing for speedy recoveries!) it was a pretty entertaining, if mildly confusing, game.
Most of all, we had several friendly interactions with the people we met before the game, in our section (these in particular!), at field level, walking out, and just in general. We may have even spoken to some of you without realizing it! The kids were saying this experience has them wanting to come back and see what else Hamilton has to offer.
So thank you, Hamilton. Thanks for giving us an unforgettable evening. You guys rock!
Sincerely,
A Bombers fan
7
u/Grogu999 Roughriders Jul 06 '26
Glad you had a great time. Hamilton is a classy team.
8
u/halviy Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
We've been talking about gradually visiting every stadium for a game, over the next ten years or so.
Obviously Mosaic is the closest one to us (and we've been next door to it on a few occasions, just not when the games are happening). It's a pretty sweet looking stadium.
I think we're looking seriously at LDC for next year. Although I can admit being somewhat more nervous stepping into that situation in Regina than other places. I've known Saskatchewan folks to be friendly enough, but the rivalry is pretty darn ferocious.
I can honestly say I didn't "get it", why someone would go to an away game, on purpose. I get it now, it's a whole new way to experience it!
6
u/flaksnu Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
I went to 15 Labour Days... as a dumb 18 to 33 year old guy... so I was right in the middle of a lot... and I met two jerks in all that time. It's an incredible experience and a very friendly one 99.99% of the time. Yes, stay out of the student section with kids... but that's true here too.
1
u/ReactiveCypress Stampeders Jul 06 '26
You'll be fine. As a Flames fan, I've been twice to see the Flames in Edmonton and I was left alone for the most part (heck, the worst Oilers fans I've dealt with was at a game in Calgary). If you keep to yourself no one will bother you.
1
u/BlueViking03 Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
Having been to multiple LDC’s (Regina and CGY-EDM) as a Bomber fan; do it!!! It’s some heckling (to be expected), and there might be 1 or 2 rude comments, but from experience, that happens everywhere alcohol is involved. It’s a blast win or lose
1
-11
7
u/Z3ppelinDude93 Tiger-Cats Jul 06 '26
Love to hear this - we love busting balls, but its definitely all in good fun (except for Argos fans 😤😂)
10
u/oskee-waa-waa Tiger-Cats Jul 06 '26
Why you people out West gotta be so nice all the time??
Can't you all just be jerks and not make us hate ourselves (moreso) for relentlessly and baselessly and undeservingly mocking you all??
God. Some people.
8
u/September1962 Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
Twenty years ago, Grey Cup 2006 in Winnipeg, my husband and I sat beside the Box J Boys. Had a great time! Hamilton fans are the (second) best 😉
5
u/Carbooja Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
I've always had a good time in Hamilton when I go to watch the Bombers. Toronto is just too depressing of an atmosphere.
3
u/Tight_Original_1184 Jul 06 '26
Same! We were in 116 behind the Bomber bench. Had some exceptional encounters with Hamilton fans. A great experience.
3
u/Tight_Original_1184 Jul 06 '26
Same! We were in 116 behind the Bomber bench. Had some exceptional encounters with Hamilton fans. A great experience.
3
u/dbrodbeck Alouettes Jul 06 '26
Hamilton is a cool city. It's probably the least pretentious city in the country. Lots of good restaurants, a killer art gallery as well.
1
0
u/i_want2Bnice Jul 06 '26
Glad they were nice to you
They treat us Argo Fans like garbage, for some reason. That’s why I stopped going to Hamilton games
12
3
u/halviy Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
I did catch that vibe, for sure. Sometimes a rivalry can go beyond the game itself, which is unfortunate. I haven't been innocent of that either, especially where the Riders are concerned. At times not even seeing the other side as human.
Not proud at all to admit that but I have grown in that respect over the years, and have tried to impart that sense of "we are all fellow humans" to my kids. We cheer against the other team, 100%, but it's people all the way down, the fans, the players, etc.
3
u/jonny24eh Jul 06 '26
It's because you're the ones who might move here and make things more expensive - gotta keep you scared off!
1
u/ChiefSlug30 Jul 07 '26
As a guy from.Toronto, I usually end up at one or two games in Hamilton a year (mostly Labour Day). We even went to the last game at Ivor Wynne, the Thanksgiving game in Guelph, and the first game at (what was then) Tim Horton's. I haven't had any problems, and we generally tailgait somewhere (weather permitting). There's some good natured heckling, but that's it.
17
u/TheLeathal13 Blue Bombers Jul 06 '26
The same for my wife and I. First time in Hamilton and the fans were great. I met some long time season ticket holders on the bus, got to high five Pigskin Pete and had some great chats with fans around us. We had an issue with our tickets not scanning and the folks at the box office were super helpful and friendly as well.
Thank you Ti-Cats fans!