This message is generally directed at Canadians, but any one with
interest in Canadian Football ( In my opinion there is no more exciting
version of the game on Earth ) is more than welcome to read this message
and if so inspired or offended write back with your thoughts ( Its
FREEDOM baby YEAHHH! ).
Who saw the Grey Cup this past Sunday November the 16th ? Being an
Edmontonian ( Edmonton AB Can. Not Edmonton KY ) and an even bigger CFL
( Canadian Football League ) fan I decided to fork the large amount of
money out for a seat in the CFL's 85th GREY CUP. $120.88 later I had a
seat 14 rows up, an end zone seat ( there are no bad seats in
Commonwealth Stadium, the most well equipped stadium in North America,
and likely the world ) but what the hey I was going to the big game.
I think the City of Edmonton did a world class effort in Hosting
Canada's biggest party. Not only did they sell out ( 60 000+ ) every
seat, but earned the reputation of having put on the best Grey cup yet (
here personal bias will have an effect on individual opinion I know ).
Just take a look at the larger market CFL team ( i.e. Toronto ) who have
rich cities with millions of people and they struggle to fill their pads
which in most cases hold less than 30 000 people. The Commisioner of the
NFL was at the Grey cup for both the big game and the Grey cup kick-off
and celebration which was going on all week, and was quoted saying "I've
never in all my experience seen any thing like this. It is wonderfull
what this community has put together."
The Edmonton Eskimos and their fans can be compared to the Green Bay
Packers of the NFL. Green Bay has ( not only the same colors ( some
coincidence eh? ) but ) struggled in a Sport dominated by Rich owners,
Bigger markets to stay competetive. The Green Bay fans are noted for
their EXTREME loyalty. Last year there was this guy who drove accross
several states in a Garden Tractor to see the Super Bowl.....( my hands
are tired from typing ).... That is one of many cases.
In conclusion to my ( boring if you are likely a Torontonian ) message
hats off to the smaller market teams, it is a hard fight.
Joe.
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/Wildcat5! v2.0
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