Kyle Myers
Ticats.ca
Saturday marked the Tiger-Cats annual Black and Gold Day: a pre-season practice where fans are invited to spectate, have the chance to win prizes and grab some autographs from their favourite Ticats players.
This season, Black and Gold Day took on added significance, as it was the first chance for Tiger-Cats coaches, players, and fans alike to take in their new home field for the 2013 season, Alumni Stadium.
Hamilton’s new ‘home away from home’ drew rave reviews from coaches and players alike, and all believe that Alumni Stadium will soon feel just like Ivor Wynne for the Ticats.
“I am really impressed,” said Head Coach Kent Austin about the stadium. “It’s really well thought out, and I think it’s going to be a great environment for us.”
The stadium is just a short drive from the team’s headquarters in Hamilton, but Coach Austin is not worried about any effect that may have on the team. “This day is good for helping us get used to the venue, and after this I don’t think there will be any trepidation on game days coming in and playing.”
Quarterback Henry Burris echoed Austin’s sentiments, and cited the incredible atmosphere at the University of Guelph campus.
“This place reminds me of playing in College, which was something I was really looking forward to,” said Burris. “We’re truly excited, and when this place gets filled up on game day it’s going to be rocking. Now all we have to worry about is getting our stuff together and getting ready for that first game day.”
Andy Fantuz was also impressed with the team’s accommodations at Alumni Stadium, and shunned any notions that playing in Guelph would make the entire 2013 season feel like a road trip.
“It’s not too far, so we’ll still get to have practices in Hamilton,” said Fantuz. “I feel like this place will give us a huge home field advantage. We don’t consider it a distraction, it’s more of an edge than anything.”
As a UWO alumnus, Fantuz has played many games at Alumni Stadium as a member of the Mustangs, but he sees no difficulty in adjusting his mind to considering it his team’s new home.
“It’s been a long time, so it shouldn’t be a problem,” said the seven-year vet. “And I can’t remember ever losing [at Alumni], so I want to keep that streak going, and make this our home.”
Fans were treated to free giveaways from the Ticats cheerleaders, and got to see the team take the field at Alumni Stadium for the first time. Much has been made of the difficulties this Tiger-Cats team will face playing outside of Hamilton in 2013, but if you ask any of them, they feel right at home.
