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Because there wasn't a thread yet, because I haven't started a thread in forever, because @Zontar and I need somewhere to weigh in on this. Sunday December 5, 12:30pm local, BMO by-the-lake.. Standings: Argonauts: 9 - 5 Tiger Cats: 8 - 6 Prior meetings: September 6: Argos 19 @ Ticats 32 September 10: Ticats 16 @ Argos 17 October 11: Argos 24 @ Ticats 23 November 12: Ticats 12 @ Argos 31 Betting Lines (as of Tuesday): Argos: -1 Ticats: +1 O/U: 45.5 Weather (as of Tuesday): 1C, light snow, 10km SW wind (off the lake)

This week I've been travelling and had the opportunity to catch the Ottawa Redblacks vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Horton's Field yesterday. It was my first time watching a game in Hamilton. Today, I caught my second game ever in Toronto (Alouettes at Argos). Last year I got to see the Bombers win @ BMO Field. I wanted to share my experiences at both venues. For both venues, I bought tickets on StubHub. Tickets supplied are printable pdf's, but both stadiums could scan them off my phone. There were no Apple wallet or scan code options for either ticket. Tim Horton's Field Area and Parking: The drive into the stadium went through a heavy industrial area into a residential neighbourhood of older row homes. I got to the game very early (2.5hrs before game time). Parking was easy to find for $15, about 2 blocks from the stadium at a local grocery store parking lot (Freshco). Other parking in the area was $20, some of which is on the front yards of the residential properties. First 1/2 hour: The stadium south gates open 1 1/2 hrs before gametime, but you couldn't walk into seats of the stadium until 1 hr before game time. The announcer reminds everyone every 10 minutes before the game. The south concourse was open and had a steam whistle which blew throughout the game, beer gardens with picnic tables (ticketed area), and plenty of open air beer vendors. 1 Hour to Game time: I was seated on the east grandstands. Walking through the concourse on the east side, I went through a lounge area of patio furniture with an eclectic band (bass, washboard, and guitar?), through a craft beer area with standing bar tables, picked up some fresh chicken tacos, walked past the Coor Light Bar (with DJ and it's own music) and found my seat. Gametime: Big Canada flag, 10 yr old anthem singer (she was very good), flyover with a Hercules midway through the anthem, then again before kickoff. The game looked like it was the two worst teams in the league playing. Wait, it was the two worst teams in the league playing. The seats were comfy. I was near the 10 yard line. The seats could be turned towards center field, but aren't. Crowd: The crowd was all dressed in Ti-cat wear, was loud, thirsty, and boisterous. The crowd does not deserve an 0-7 team. They were friendly considering I was decked in Bomber Blue. Scoreboard: The only Video board is at the north end and was used in full resolution (no stats or ads on the board). The music and videos were well produced throughout the evening. There were lots of contests, crowd involvement, videos, and entertainment. Hamilton "Go-To" Sing Along Song - Like a Rhinestone Cowboy Pet Peeve - The DJ's music could be heard at my seat the whole game. I don't know how this isn't considered artificial noise in the stadium. It was as loud as bass of the music between the plays (from the PA system) Traffic leaving - quick and easy to get out of the area. BMO Field Area and Parking: I took the Go Train to the stadium from Mississauga as the Exhibition (CNE) was on. It's Toronto's version of the Red River Ex. The train worked well ($14 return), and it was a quick walk into the game. The web was showing $25 to $30 for parking. 1 Hour to Game time: Walked into the stadium, no tailgating in the normal area due to the lot being taken over for the CNE. The food was good (chicken tenders) and the 28 oz Stellas beer for $16.25 hit the spot. The cup, with it's unique lid is great (Look ma, no spills). Gametime: Small contingent on the field, much smaller flag pulled out across a part of the field. Rickey Ray was on fire (vintage 2003 Eskie Rickey Ray finding holes in D). Durant had one good drive but gave up the INT. Toronto special teams looked good, MTL not so much (gave up kick return fumble for a quick score TD). 2nd half was only about killing time. Seats are uncomfortable and there are no cup holders. Crowd: West side looked quite empty. Upper deck on the east side was more filled. The seats on the east side at field level looked sweet. Some guy on the west side had an air horn which he pumped. You could hear the thing through the whole stadium.a Scoreboard: I was further away, but the board is much smaller at BMO. Only one screen at the north end. T Toronto "Go-To" Sing Along Song - didn't notice one Pet Peeve - I had to go to the main concourse for 50/50 tickets. Apparently the wifi didn't work at the upper levels. A runner up pet peeve is that the 28 oz beers are not sold after halftime. Traffic leaving - Busy lineups at the train, but with the CNE, not sure whether everyone was from the game or the fair.