I played football growing up, both recreationally as a youth at recess and as a junior right offensive tackle for the Northern Red Knights in high school. In fact, one of the greatest sports memories I have was coming back from a 20-6 halftime deficit to defeat our dreaded rival the North Toronto Norsemen (sorry Jen) 28-26, with our team scoring a last second touchdown to win the Toronto city championship. It was the stuff dreams are made of, except that my dad left at halftime thinking we were done like dinner. Thanks pops.
Clothing retailer, Old Navy, who I have always been a big fan of, due to their comfy cotton ware (and available larger sizes) afforded my family and me the opportunity to attend a Toronto Argonaut game the other night. As a football fan, I also have a history with the Argos, attending games with a season ticket holding friend growing up during their Grey Cup winning teams in the 1990’s.
This was also a great opportunity for the four of us to go out together (at night! During the week!) and spend some time eating six dollar popcorn (popcorn markup drives me nuts, how much does it cost really cost? Eight cents per bag?).
The fact that we got to do it looking so very cool as part of Old Navy SuperFanNation campaign in our totally stylish vintage Argo T-shirts made it all the better.
Here is Tasman, obviously very excited about his night out.
Me and my boys at the game, soaking up the blue atmosphere and loving the our respective beer and slushies!
And finally, my lovely wife, who asked how many periods there are in football, outshining us all in her own lovely Old Navy SuperFanNation t-shirt.
Nights like this are pretty rare, all of us out together, among the shining lights of downtown. And it turned out to be a pretty exciting game with the Argos beating the Hamilton Tiger Cats 43-40 and eliminating them from the playoffs. The Argos are in the playoffs this year and with the 100th anniversary of The Grey Cup being played here, it would be pretty special if they could make a magical run to the Cup and win and help generate some positive energy for the CFL as it is not followed as ardently here as it his in other parts of Canada.
I know football has taken some knocks lately, but it was a big part of my youth and Hudson and Tasman like it a little bit, and for kids who generally don’t play sports, this is a big deal. Making it a bit personal by going to these games helps them be part of more than the competitive, aggressive aspect and just enjoy the spectacle of it all and provide a sense of loyalty to some of our local, and often pathetic, local sports teams.
And being able to yell….Arrrrrrrrgoooooooos as we walked back to the car was pretty fun too!
That Argos game looks like a fun family night out. As for our high school rivalry, yeah, I was at that game and unlike your dad I stuck around to the (very bitter) end. I bleed red and grey, Jason…never knew you were a Red Knight. Will never look at you the same.
FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! I want one of those shirts now…. ARGGGGGOOOOS
Sounds like a great night! And you are all looking very snazzy in your gear 🙂
AWESOME! What a fun night out with the family! And those shirts? I know what you mean..they are totally soft and comfy! Going to look for tix now! ARGOOOOOOSSS!!!!
Great post even with dissing me for leaving early.