Grey Cup 105 - already a success

Calgary Stampeders Cheerleaders entertain the crowd prior to game day.

It has only been 4 years since the Ottawa RedBlacks (#Rnation) came back to the CFL.  In that short time span the team has played in two championship games, won one and are now hosting the 105th Annual Grey Cup Game.

Not bad for the equivalent of an expansion team!

However, this blog isn't about the team so much as it is about the entire organization.

Given that the long history of the Ottawa Rough Riders and then - short lived Ottawa Renegades - was encapsulated in strife and confusion, pundits expected a 'similar' feeling would be the norm when Ottawa re-entered the CFL.   What they failed to realize is the team wasn't being installed by American interests with deep pockets and little knowledge of the CFL or the city itself.

Previous owners Lonnie Glieberman and Horn Chen had failed to understand Ottawa.  They tried to bring American-style football and American-style thinking to the city.  It simply didn't work.

The current crop of business people, led by Jeff Hunt (who also owns the Ottawa 67's hockey team), are Canadian and mostly local.  After years of running a successful OHL hockey team in the city, Jeff Hunt was well aware of the nuances and requirements to create a new Ottawa Football tradition. 

Ottawa has a rich history of football.  Players such as Russ Jackson, Tony Gabriel, Marc Kosmos, Val Kilmer stayed here after their playing days were over and while some like Jackson and Gabriel moved to different cities for their - after CFL work lives, all kept close with the organization.

Ottawa RedBlacks loggers after a demonstration on how to cut a wood 'cookie'  - something that is done after each touchdown.  Cookies are saved and given to various people as awards, or mementos.

Did you know? Ottawa was one of a handful of CFL teams that played vs NFL teams - in CFL-NFL exhibition games - back in the 1950's.  They lost twice (in 1950 and 1951 to the NY Giants), but played well enough for the New York and Ottawa newspapers to give them kudos.

This week however, has been different in many ways.  While Ottawa does have a rich and vibrant history in CFL football, it has now thrown a party like no other.

Comparing the Super Bowl and Grey Cup is like apples to oranges.  The CFL week long party celebrates not only the two teams playing in the final, but celebrates each city, each team, and each community.  Canadians are unlike Americans in this regard, we love our team, but we also celebrate the game itself and the very league is part of that.

Teams that didn't even make the playoffs have representation here.  Fans from across the country gather for the week before the game.  Real football fans, not just bandwagon fans are here all week.  People from Saskatchewan, Edmonton, BC, Hamilton, Montreal and other cities ave been partying all week long.

Much of the festival has been happening at revamped Landsdowne Park (TD Place).  And most of the events and activities are absolutely free.

The Calgary Stampeders organization had players and staff cooking free pancakes and sausages, handing them out by the thousands over a 3 or 4 day period.  Cheerleaders gave audiences some thrills with their dance moves.   Each team had a spot to showcase themselves.  The Ottawa RedBlacks loggers gave wood cookie cutting demonstrations.

Landsdowne Live

Bands from all over the country have or will perform this week;  (Trooper, April Wine and - of course - Canada's darling, Shania Twain just to name a few). 

The Canadian Armed Forces set up an obstacle course for kids and adults to try out, handing out much appreciated certificates and hours of fun.  There were games and events organized all over the park.

RedBlacks players, Stampeders players, Argos and more wander around the complex greeting people, shaking hands, signing autographs in the true Canadian spirit.  I saw one of the RedBlacks walk up to a young military guy and thanked him for his service to the country saying, "You are the true hero in my books".

All of this, the week of fun, parties, dancing concerts and much more, was due to the organization of the RedBlacks and CFL - led in part by Jeff Hunt and the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.

These guys haven't missed a beat since they announced the return of the team.  The new stadium, revamped park, the influx of a ton of entertainment-type businesses, restaurants, shops and a huge condo, have really ensured the success of this franchise for decades.

And then yes, there is the game itself.   The 105th classic.  A tilt between the Toronto Argos and the heavily favoured Calgary Stamps.  Calgary is looking for revenge from losing to Ottawa in the 104th Grey Cup an should be a nasty bunch.  But this is the CFL - where the game is played on the field, and in the players minds - anything can happen and likely will.

One thing for certain, this week is already a success. Ottawa has earned a great reputation in football circles, and Jeff Hunt has positioned this team and organization to be the class of the CFL for years to come - regardless of what happens on the field.

#RNation - for years to come.

Thanks Jeff Hunt and OSEG!