Say it ain’t so!
But, when it comes to the big show, Big Joe is a no-go!
Big Joe, the manly mascot of the Ottawa Redblacks, will not be with the team at the Grey Cup final in Winnipeg.
Some fans smell a scandal, plaid and simple. How can Ottawa not have its mascot there for the biggest game of the year?
“We’ve got to start a petition,” demands Walter Reid, tongue-firmly-in-cheek while lunching at a local sports bar.
“He’s been part of the game all season. Why shouldn’t he go?” echoes Elaine Dumais.
Has the lovable lumberjack been axed?
Hardly. Big Joe has a big job back in Ottawa says Randy Burgess, V.P. of Communications and Fan Experience for Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. He’ll be hosting an estimated 5,000 fans at a free Grey Cup viewing party at the T.D. Place Arena.
“The reason that he is here is to lead our fans in the building. He's part of our nation. He's the leader of our nation. And this is where our nation is going to be,” says Burgess.
It means Ottawa might well be the only team not represented by a mascot at the Grey Cup. The opposition Edmonton Eskimos are not planning a local viewing party of their own.
While some fans have been felled by the news, others say it’s the right call. “I think Big Joe should stay here and motivate the gang at home that can’t make it out to the game,” says Jocelyne Dubois.
The Ottawa Redblacks watch party is free, but you do need to book a ticket. That ticket will also allow you to ride free on OC Transpo. The game will be shown on a 32-foot by 18-foot screen.
