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Hi guys,
I'm an Argo fan visiting from England and looking to take my girlfriend to the Labour Day game. I've read about harassment from drunk TiCat fans in previous years so was wondering if people had any recommendations on the best area/section to sit in and whether wearing Argo gear should be avoided.
Thanks, Jason
Family Zone (Non-alcohol) is the best bet, if they still offer such section. But, since moving into THF, the amount of drunks really went down. Just avoid the cheap seats, if possible. That's where the greatest risk may be?Quote:
Originally Posted by EnglishArgo
[QUOTE=EnglishArgo;115346]Hi guys,
I'm an Argo fan visiting from England and looking to take my girlfriend to the Labour Day game. I've read about harassment from drunk TiCat fans in previous years so was wondering if people had any recommendations on the best area/section to sit in and whether wearing Argo gear should be avoided.
Hi Jason,
In Canada, its is pretty common for fans travelling to 'away' games to wear their kit. Hamilton is a little more verbal towards Argos fans than most teams. Don't worry, there are no police/razor wire separating home and away required here.
If you engage the Tigercat fans in your section and explain that you are from the UK enjoying a CFL game you'll get along just fine! Hamilton fans are proud of their city, team and stadium. For goodness sake don't let them sway you choice of CFL teams!
Most problems are caused as much by the visitors as by the home sir.
Enjoy the match.
Its not even close to being like england here having attended both chelsea and west ham's old stadium.Quote:
Originally Posted by EnglishArgo
CFL is very family friendly. Hamilton on labour day is worst as it gets, it not even close to what you see at home.
Let people around you know your from england and they will gladly help you out.
As others have emphasized, the "away fan" culture in North America is much different than it is in Europe. Several stadiums in the NFL do have a bit of a reputation such as Philadelphia and Oakland, but that does not extend north of the border. Traditionally, Labour Day in Hamilton has attracted an unsavory element, however, this has been mitigated significantly by the switch from Ivor Wynne to Tim Hortons. I personally sit in Section 204 at Tim Hortons Field and have experienced no trouble in the 3-4 years the team has been there and that includes the Argos @ Ticat games where I've been wearing Double Blue.
As some have said, a visitors game day experience at Tim Hortons Field is pale in comparison to the Ivor Wynne Stadium days. A lot of Argos fans congregate behind the Argos bench, section 107-108. 109 is also good but it's the family zone, no alchohol I believe. I would try for a seat around there. OK to wear Argo gear, just don't be in someone's face about it, especially when we are winning! Too bad you couldn't join us at BMO. I agree, once people know your from England, you'll be treated very well.
Could be a bit of shell-shock from England football, where visiting fans are bused in, then escorted to seats segregated and surrounded by police, where they remain post game to let stadium empty, followed by an escort to the exiting bus. On my last visit to England, the fine print on my ticket said that I agree to be a supporter of the home team only, LOL.
I've only been to THF a couple of times for non Argo home games and always wear my gear. Truth be told, I had been to IWS at least 20 times over the years, some times loud and obnoxious admittedly, and never had a problem. The key is being able to take it without taking offence, especially if you are also giving it to their fans.
Purely out of curiosity, how did you become A) a CFL follower and B) an Argonauts fan?Quote:
Originally Posted by EnglishArgo
Btw, which is your Premier League team?
I had some bad experiences sitting in the end zone at the old Ivor Wynne wearing Argos stuff. But yeah THF seems to be a much more subdued environment. If you antagonize the Hamilton folks they will respond, but if you are quiet and just there to watch the Argos you'll be fine.
There are still a bunch of tickets on Stubhub and the prices have been slowing going up getting closer to gameday.
I don't see much on the ticat web site... looks like it is the Puralotor tackle hunger game in Hamilton.... if you bring food to the game that can be used at the local food bank.... you can usually get your picture with the grey cup.... or sometimes you make a cash donation and they will take your picture with the cup .... https://www.purolator.com/en/resourc...ger/index.page ...
Thanks for the help guys, I've bought some tickets :)
A) I did an exchange year at UofT in 2007/08, went to every Argos game when I was there as well as the 2007 Grey Cup and have followed the team long distance ever since.Quote:
Originally Posted by GreyDragon
B) Norwich City in the Championship.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EnglishArgo
That is awesome. Thanks for your support of our team. Hope you have a great time at the game.... Go ARGOS!!
Nice!!Quote:
Originally Posted by EnglishArgo
Perhaps the Argos should hire you to market why stupid Torontonians should appreciate their CFL team instead of looking to the U.S. for some sort of validation - which would never come anyway since Americans don't notice us even for the Blue Jays and Raptors in their otherwise American-only leagues.
Btw, since you would have watched the Argos in Rogers Centre in 2007/08, anyone here will tell you that BMO Field is a significant upgrade. Hopefully you will be able to see the Argos play there soon.
Sorry about my Premier League bias. I have heard of Norwich City actually.
Hey EnglishArgo--
Funny: I have followed Norwich as one of my English soccer teams since I saw them play Inter at San Siro in 1993 (!). What are the chances of us being the only two Argo-Norwich fans in the world? Even weirder, I was thinking of going to the game on Monday-- I have been to games in Hamilton in the past (at Ivor Wynne), but never an Argos game/LDC. If I end up going, we will have to meet up!
On the ball City, Never Mind the Distance, Steady On, Now's Your Chance, Here we scored again! (or something like that, as I can barely remember it).
Any argos ticket offer for the game this year? Usually her something.
How did you enjoy the game? Did you stay? If so, good for you!