Thursday, 31 January 2013

Montreal Alouettes


Quebecer's are passionate. They are passionate about everything they do. Football happens to be one the things they do well. The Montreal Alouettes have a whole province to pull fans from. It is easy to have a fan base such as theirs with the success the team has endured since coming back into the CFL in 1996.

The passion that the Alouettes fan have force the team to plan trips to other cities for games. The Montreal Alouettes are the only team that actively plans and promotes to games outside of the province. Typically, Toronto and Hamilton are chosen cities. The ‘Fan Train’ provides fan the opportunity experience a game with fellow fans and travel hours outside of their hometown. I have experience the Montreal fans coming into Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario – passion is an understatement.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Nugent-Bowman
The team and fans have been able to experience success in the 2000’s. Having made it to the big show – the Grey Cup – eight times and winning three. 

The Alouettes typically play in McGill Stadium throughout the regular season. However, when entering the playoffs the demand for tickets is through the roof. The team moves operations into Olympic Stadium. The 'Big O' holds 60,000 plus fans for a football game and they sell out in minutes!
(www.cfl.ca)
Now, imagine a stadium of 60,000 thinking they are at a european football match and chanting 'Ole!, Ole!, Ole!' as a victory is in sight. Alouettes fans create an atmosphere that is truly unique to Montreal and Quebec for football in Canada.


Next up: Toronto Argonauts


Thursday, 24 January 2013

This is a first!


I am writing my first blog…ever!

I have chosen to write a blog over the next couple months looking at the Canadian Football League (CFL) and its fans. The CFL is unique in many ways compared to its counterpart south of the border.

This is why I have chose to name the blog ‘Canada’s Game’.

You are probably visiting my blog because you are aware of the CFL and its fans, because you have to as a fellow student or because you just stumbled upon here.
A few reasons why I have chosen to write on the CFL and the fans across the league.
  • Raised in Hamilton for 23 years – how couldn’t I love the CFL?
  • Conducted research on ‘fandom’ in the CFL while attending Brock University, this is a different way to continue that; 
  • I consider myself one the ‘crazy’ fans in the CFL.
Tiger-Cats Opening Day - July 1, 2009
I hope you enjoy the next few weeks. I hope I can provide a unique perspective. Comments, suggestions and feedback is welcomed.