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.
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| 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!
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| (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
Alright, you make this sound like good times. I think I would actually enjoy going to a game if the beer was cheaper.
ReplyDeleteSounds crazy. Really makes me think of the culture of Premier League soccer matches.
ReplyDeleteThat's madness! I can't believe they sell out in minutes...well, I can. But maybe I don't want to.
ReplyDeletethe fan train sounds like the best part...is it basically tailgating while in motion?
ReplyDelete