Hundreds gathered at Ottawa City Hall, Thursday afternoon, to be part of football history in the making.

A pep rally held a day before the Ottawa REDBLACKS home opener showing just how excited people are to see football return to the capital.

“The players, we're going to feed off of this energy that we felt all week. We're looking forward to getting out there and seeing a packed house at TD Place and really getting things going,” says Henry Burris, REDBLACKS quarterback.

Karen Cote would hardly a Rough Rider’s game. Now, the 66-year-old is happy to feel the football excitement once again.

“You party, party, party! Hip hip hooray and rah, rah, rah,” she cheers.

CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon says having the REDBLACKS in Ottawa is good for the entire league. He says the fact the home opener is completely sold-out is a good indication the franchise will succeed.

Cohon adds that the Ottawa REDBLACKS have sold more season tickets than other team in the CFL’s Eastern Conference.

With Friday’s home opener the hottest ticket in town, CTV Ottawa introduced you to Robert Lee . The fan was in desperate search for tickets for his 23rd birthday.

After hearing the story, the CFL made his wish come true with a pair of the coveted tickets.

“I didn't think I'd be going that's for sure. Definitely, my parents won't be topping this birthday present,” says Lee.

With a report from CTV’s John Hua