Random Bytes...by Ross Rader

Ivor Wynne Stadiium

Ross — Sun, 03 Aug 2003 10:10:00 -0400

Went to see a football game in Hamilton yesterday. Winnipeg v. Hamilton. Ivor Wynne Stadium is pretty neat - its nestled in the middle of a neighborhood that butts up against Hamilton's steel manufacturing district.

True Fans

Ross — Sun, 03 Aug 2003 10:17:00 -0400

The one thing that you will immediately notice about the neighborhood is that the residents take their football very seriously. This particular house was all painted up in team colors, had signs all over the place, they'd even painted huge Tiger Cat foot prints on their drive and suited their SUV up in various slogans, pictures and what looked like autographs from team members.

True Blue Fans

Ross — Sun, 03 Aug 2003 10:22:00 -0400

As a former 'pegger, I felt compelled to don blue and gold in support of the team. Knowing how much Hamilton loves their team, I half-expected to be the only person there that supported the Bombers. Thankfully, we ran into this group shortly after showed up at the stadium.

Great Seats

Ross — Sun, 03 Aug 2003 10:31:00 -0400

When the cheerleaders danced onto the field to welcome the home team, there were still a lot of empty seats. The other side of the stadium never really filled out, but the side we were on was almost full. We managed to luck into some great seats right at the 50 yard line. I would have liked to have been a little but closer to the field in order to see a little bit more of what was going on at the bench and on the sidelines, but I really shouldn't be complaining.

The Bombers take the field

Ross — Sun, 03 Aug 2003 10:36:00 -0400

I would have cheered except I was talking this picture....and the guy beside me might have beat me up.

Just after this, we sang the national anthem. It was odd going to a sporting event where the crowd actually sings along with the national anthem instead of just mouthing the words like we mostly do here in Toronto.