Yes, I realize that this is almost a week old... but I have other things on my plate and I cannot blog at will. With that out of the way let's start.
Saturday was such a great day. Even the city of Toronto felt the Rider Pride as seen by how they lit up City Hall...
City Hall decked out in Green.
On the glorious day that was Sunday November 25, we awoke to a crisp and clear day. I'm sure there were birds singing joyful trills. We got our game faces ready. It was in the midst of this revelry (I believe the Western Final was being played on the big screen in the living room...) that my dear N, raised his fist in the air (he tells me now that it was to show off his new Rider tattoos) and proceeded to put his fist through our kitchen light fixture. Glass everywhere. When the glass shards settled we were relieved to see that his hand had only a small cut (thank God) as no one wanted to even think about spending game day at the hospital emergency room.
Pre-Neil fist pump and the after.
Thank God he was okay. I still cannot believe he walked
away from this escapade with mere scratches.
After we cleaned up, we ventured out in search of some lunch/brunch. We ended up at Quotes Bar and Grill where the the service staff proceeded to tell us that we could be as loud as we liked and we then partook in a game of "catch" with some guys at the bar. I've never been in an establishment that allowed you to toss footballs around and scream to your heart's content -- well, the Dizzy Monk probably comes close.
Then we started walking towards the Roger's Centre. We were met by loads of fans in green and white. "The Flame" orchestrated a parade of the Green and White to the gates of the Rogers Centre. It was glorious. Chants of "Green is the colour!" mingled with cries of "Let's go Riders!" The atmosphere was electric. I'd wager a guess and say that every second person on the street by the Rogers Centre was decked out in Rider green. It was awesome to behold!!
Once near the gates, "The Flame," lets her rip:
Then as if the stars weren't already in line -- the Snowbirds (from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) decide to also state their allegiance to the Riders by flying high over the Skydome. Beautiful!!
Finally we make our way through the gates into Skydome to witness history. I could discuss how I spent the next hour in line buying beer -- but let's not cheapen this experience with what will forever go down as the crappiest service ever at a Grey Cup.
I got to my seats and took in the field and here's a look at the crowd:
The game started. It was one of those games where you felt tense throughout. Too close to call until the end. That's why Lenny at half time was some much needed levity.
The second half continued and we all know the outcome now -- A RIDER VICTORY!!!
Now the cup gets brought to the fans -- to Rider Nation!!
And then as you are aware -- just like in Saskatchewan -- Rider fans took to the streets. Here they are on Front Street in TO after the game.
WOO HOO!!!
City Hall decked out in Green.
