We at Pucked in the Head would like to introduce our new BC Lions correspondent, Sam Anderson. Located on the mighty Twitter at @SamelaAnderson, this football gal represents everything that is right about football fandom. Beer, check. Permasmile, check. Large collection of BC Lions paraphernalia, check. So much enthusiasm you can’t even imagine watching a game without her, check.
Football’s Back!
by Sam Anderson
Ahhh I’m getting so excited! The return of preseason football is the equivalent of Christmas for CFL fans. While I’m bummed that TSN opted not to televise the preseason games this season (BOOOOOOOOOO!), and happy that our boys eked it out vs the Stamps last Friday night, it’s being back in my seat at BC Place that I’m really looking forward to. This Friday night can’t come soon enough.
More, including Grey Cup and Fan Fest reminiscin’, after the jump.
This offseason has been a great one. It started with the 100th Grey Cup, which was my first away Grey Cup (and my second overall, after the 2011 bash in Vancouver).
Toronto was an amazing host city, and while I was still stinging from the Lions’ Western Final loss to the Stampeders, it was incredible to be at such an historic game. The Grey Cup Festival did not disappoint either, and I came home with loads of swag and pictures to remember it by.
Earlier this month, the Lions hosted a season ticket holder-exclusive launch party at BC Place to kick off their 60th season. As usual, they outdid themselves, offering an opportunity for autographs from some of their most beloved players, free food that included poutine and orange cotton candy (the kid in me was beyond delighted), words from coaching and management staff, a tear-inducing 60th season video — don’t judge me, football makes me so emotional — and wrapped with an opportunity to tour the locker room. (I learned there that it’s bad luck to step on the logo. Whoops! Who knew?)
The Lions delivered on the season ticket packages too. This year, holders received commemorative boxes covered in imagery of seasons past and emblazoned with the lyrics to Roar You Lions Roar.
Along with the usual stickers and merch coupons, they included a stellar Season Ticket Holder lanyard, which I expect to lose almost immediately.
Last Sunday was the Lions’ annual Fanfest in Kamloops. This is when it really kicks in that football is a-comin’ soon!
An overnighter wasn’t in the cards, so four of us got up bright and early Sunday morning to make the trek from Vancouver. I always wish that training camp was held closer to home, but the drive is beautiful and every year when I make it to Kamloops I remember what a beautiful setting it offers. And don’t get me started about the awesome facilities for the team and way better weather than Vancouver.
Fanfest offers a unique opportunity to meet every single player on the team. I took advantage, grabbing 30 sigs on a new team ball. The guys are always so friendly and it’s obvious that they’re genuinely excited to meet their fans. They’re probably also happy that Fanfest is a reprieve from their grueling two-a-day workouts. (Actually, I’m not sure about this. I assume there’s too much going on that day for them to do their two regular workouts, but I could be wrong.)
The long and short of it: if you haven’t been to Fan Fest before, go next year! It’s definitely worth the four-hour drive.
The mood heading home from Kamloops was a mix of excitement and anticipation, because we knew that the next time we saw our boys they’d be on the field showing the Esks whose house they’re in.
While this offseason has been awesome, I’m ready for it to be over. This season is already proving to be an exciting one; we’ve got a great roster packed with seasoned vets and some promising new recruits, and I know the Lions will have some amazing things planned to commemorate 60 years of football. I can’t wait to be back in BC Place, and I’m pumped for another season full of high-fives, spilled beer, lost voices and won games.
Sam is gearing up for her sixth year as a BC Lions season ticket holder, can be found making SFW noise on D in Section 237. In her non-football life she works for Atimi Software, the makers of BC Lions Mobile. Shameless employer plug: download it for iOS, Android, and the recently-released BlackBerry 10!
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/bc-lions/id467259399?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atimi.lions
BlackBerry 10: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25897900/?countrycode=CA