The Ottawa Redblacks held an open practice Friday for some of their youngest fans.
It was a PD Day, and with no school, the stands at TD Place were filled were kids trying to get a glimpse at the team before their CFL Eastern Conference game against the Hamilton Tiger Cats on Sunday.
The Donnelly brothers were inspired to toss the football around as they watched the practice. “We have been a football family through and through and it's awesome,” says older brother Joseph. But James has never seen a Redblacks practice before. He says, “We love football and we just wanted to see what it would be like to see their practice.”
Also at practise- one of the Redblacks most loyal fans- Jimmy Fata, who came decked out in a lumberjack costume. He says he has been to every game this season and is ready to cheer loudly on Sunday. “This is what CFL football is all about- is to get motivated, paint your face, and be a superfan!”
He even brought a toy ax as a prop to get signed by quarterback Henry Burris. “We have Hamilton’s number for sure.”
But there were many other fans who showed up to the practice Friday, as brand new fans. Michael Bailey brought his four year old twins William and Victoria. “We have seen it on TV, but this is their first time in the stadium and seeing the players on the field.” And even after a short period of time- little William has thoughts. “I like the tackling,” he says.
This is the first time a CFL playoff game will be played in Ottawa since 1983, and this is the first playoff game in the second-year Redblacks franchise history.
It will be another sell-out crowd at TD Place, all 24,000 tickets snapped up, and the team even announcing 500 additional standing room only tickets earlier this week.
The game gets underway Sunday at 1 p.m.
