No one would have called the Montreal Alouettes the underdog team heading into yesterday’s Grey Cup.
But their fans may have felt like underdogs amidst the estimated 45,000 Roughriders fans that helped fill out a sold-out Commonwealth Stadium.
“(There’s) too much green. Really, too much green,” said Leo Drolet, in town from Montreal for his seventh Grey Cup in a row. “But football fans are really good fans. I think they’re the best fans in the world.”
Drolet wasn’t the only one not from Edmonton enjoying the tailgate festivities before kickoff, but many host fans kept their tickets despite the home team not making the big game.
“(We came) just to show pride and spirit in Edmonton in general,” said Louanne Lohnes, in attendance with her husband, Gary. “And to watch a good football game.”
Eskimos’ fan Dave Trithart had a hard time watching Montreal and Saskatchewan fans have a chance to cheer on their teams for the hardware but was excited to experience his first Grey Cup.
Lauren Hills, at her second, figured Saskatchewan was the second best choice to Edmonton, who she is sure will make it next year.
“It’s better than seeing Calgary here,” she said with a laugh.
