Football fans of all ages filed into the Pengrowth Saddledome Sunday to take in the 97th Grey Cup at the Family Viewing Party.
Roughly 200 were already inside at kickoff, taking in some fun and games on the ice-rink floor while the game played on the giant scoreboard overhead.
Originally from Rosetown, Sask., Cameron Gartner’s Canadian football allegiance has stayed solidly behind the green and white, despite living in Calgary for the last 20 years.
Now able to pass his love for the Roughriders on to his three sons, Evan, 8, Lucas, 5, and Caleb, 2, Gartner was happy he and his family could enjoy the big game without boozy revellers spoiling their fun.
“It’s good because it’s nice to be with the kids,” said Gartner from a seat in the lower bowl. “It’s indoors and we don’t have to worry about anything.”
Long known for their love of Pilsner beer, Roughriders fans are considered the loudest, craziest and zaniest in the league.
“They’re not ready for that yet,” said Gartner with a laugh.
And it was nothing but good clean fun at the Saddledome during the Grey Cup broadcast, which included face painting, Wii football, a field goal challenge and human foosball for the older kids along with a ball pit, bouncy castle and toy section for the younger ones.
There with his wife, two kids, parents and sister-in-law, Peter Reicher was also appreciative of the family atmosphere at the Saddledome.
“This way we’re not outside because it’s a little cold out there for the kids,” he said.
“They can go racing around down there and I get to watch the game.
“This was a great idea, it’s a lot of fun and it’s worked out well.”
A Riders fan since living in Regina about 10 years ago where he “learned a whole new appreciation” for the green and white, Reicher is still trying to convince his dad, who was proudly wearing an Edmonton Eskimos sweater.
“It doesn’t matter, I’m still a west supporter,” said the elder Reicher.
“I’ll cheer for whoever’s from the west.”
dave.dormer@sunmedia.ca
