When the Ottawa REDBLACKS host the BC Lions on Saturday, it will be for their first game at TD Place in 667 days. Excitement is at an all-time high in the nation’s capital, and even though the in-attendance crowd will be capped at 15,000, anyone who knows RNation knows that they are going to bring the noise.
It’s going to be the biggest party Ottawa has seen in quite some time, but if you’re still not convinced, here are five reasons why you should come out to see the return of the REDBLACKS!
Come Be a Part of History
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the longest pause between REDBLACKS games since their return to the CFL in 2014, and we can only hope that RNation never goes this long without seeing their team again.
It’s a game that you’ll remember for the rest for your life; the moment when football returned to Ottawa, and when you could gather with the rest of RNation again after nearly 22 months. We’re so excited, and we want you to be a part of a moment that will go down in history.
The REDBLACKS Have Never Lost a Home Opener
Yup, it’s true! The REDBLACKS hold an all-time record of 4-0-2 in home openers since 2014, with a pair of ties against the Calgary Stampeders in 2016 and 2017, respectively, being the only instances in which they didn’t get a win out of a season’s first game at TD Place.
Coincidentally, 2015’s victory also came at the expense of the Lions, whom the REDBLACKS face again this Saturday.
Of course, this is a new season, and both teams look much different than they did even in 2019, but if history is any indicator, RNation will be going home happy after Saturday’s game.
It’s a Chance to be Social Again
It’s been a long 17 months of social distancing, and chances to do exciting things with your loved ones have been few and far between. Live sports have been one of the unfortunate casualties of this pandemic, and now that they’re back – with COVID safety protocols in place – it’s a great chance to start feeling something like normal again.
Grab some friends, and come on by the stadium for a cold drink, and some exciting football action. You can even try a Broadhead Amber Ale, now available here at TD Place!
Broadhead Amber Ale is now available @TD_Place #ottawa #ottawaevents pic.twitter.com/IxJfsZlLW9
— Broadhead Brewery (@BroadheadBeer) August 18, 2021
You Could Win $50,000!
In partnership with the OSEG Foundation, the REDBLACKS home opener features a 50/50 draw, with a guaranteed minimum prize of $50,000!
Fans within the province of Ontario can buy tickets at 5050ottawaredblacks.com, but they’ll also be available in the stadium during the game. Look for our 50/50 sellers in the bright orange vests! Tickets will be sold right up until the start of the fourth quarter, so you’ll have plenty of time to nab as many entries as possible!
All proceeds will go towards the OSEG Foundation, helping to provide opportunities for kids in our community to play, learn, and develop through sports.
You Can Get Vaccinated!
If you were born in 2009 or earlier, and still need your first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, no worries! From 4pm until 7pm on Saturday, right before kickoff, Ottawa Public Health is hosting a popup vaccine clinic at 725 Exhibition Way, at the corner of Exhibition Way and Service Road, behind the TD Bank, just across from the stadium! There’s no appointment required, so why not help fight the pandemic, and reward yourself with a football game after?
Remember that as of September 12, TD Place will require guests aged 12 years and older to confirm a full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result within 48 hours of the event in order to gain access to ticket events, so if you’re planning to get vaccinated, this is a great opportunity!
For more information on the popup clinic, and the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, click here.
