By Erin Sue
Hamilton, Ontario – Fans piled into the stands at Ivor Wynne Stadium with much anticipation as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats went head-to-head with their infamous rivals, the Toronto Argonauts in the 2009 CFL season opener.
Faces were painted, flags were waved, and a swarm of black and gold took over as the “Oskee Wee Wee” reverberated throughout the stadium. The thundering of thousands of feet in the stands only escalated the already heightened exhilaration that was felt by all.
By 6:56pm eyes were on the search and rescue parachuters as they floated down from choppers above onto the turf, guided by orange flares. As everyone cheered and stood for the national anthem, the stadium, as one of our own put it, was “dripping with patriotism.” Just as the anthem finished, an F-18 fighter jet blasted overhead. Fireworks erupted and the players were introduced and entered through the traditional helmet which was smoking for just a little bit more of an effect.
The introduction to this year’s season opener was one to remember and a Canada Day that will be discussed by Hamiltonians for a long time coming.
There’s something that can be said about the Tiger-Cat fans as they come out to the games and their support for the team and this organization. Only here can you find such dedicated fans who stick by their team no matter what the odds. Walking around the stadium, fans are decorated with Ticats garb, many carrying posters and banners. Here in Hamilton, fans aren’t just here to watch football, it’s a tradition, a love for a team that spreads from generation to generation. A community that comes together to show who they are and what they’re about, as well as sporting their adoration for players and coaches who come from all over North America to represent them.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats stand out as a unique team within the CFL specifically due to their undying fan base and their family oriented morals. Fans who have been supporting this team their entire life. Some in their 80s sit in a lawn chair everyday at training camp with tiger print runners, some run over to watch practices on their lunch breaks, ladies who send homemade cookies to the team, and those who can be seen wearing Ticats clothing all over Hamilton everyday of the year.
There are some who simply attend every event, bringing their enthusiasm and cheer “bring the dogs into the jungle, feed ‘em to the tigers – we’ll eat ‘em raaaaw!”
These are the fans who make this team and the Hamilton community, and who continue to dedicate their unwavering fanaticism for the name and what is symbolizes – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
