Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/80542
FROM MY SEAT IN THE UPPER BOWL OF B.C. Place Stadium, I watch 54,000 spectators per- forming the wave. The synchronized motion seems oddly out of date in this glittering, state- of-the art stadium, which was recently reno- vated at a cost of $563 million. The world's largest cable-supported retractable roof is closed today, but afternoon sunlight streams through the windows beneath the roof, bath- ing the crowd in a warm, cathedral-like glow. Although orange is the most visible shade in the patchwork of team colours in the stands, I'm surrounded by the green Rider troop from Dash Tours. Unable to bring themselves to pull for their arch-rival Blue Bombers or the dome-dwelling Lions, they tell me that they're simply rooting for a good game, a novel perspective that strikes me as unique to the Grey Cup. In fact, this may be one of the few sports championships where, for a majority of fans, enjoying the experi- ence takes precedence over who wins or loses. Of course, keeping score is still serious business for the players, as the bone-crunching collisions taking place on the gridiron confi rm. At half time, the Lions lead by six points, one less than the oddsmakers' offi cial point spread. A trip to the beer concession is the logical move at this juncture, but I opt to stay put for Nickelback's pyrotechnic halftime show. The haze left in the Alberta rockers' wake lingers for 15 minutes, and by the time it finally lifts, it is clear that the Bombers are no match for either B.C. or the bookies. The hometown squad pulls away and cruises to a 34-23 victory. In the aftermath, the police form security lines, TV cameras shift into position and two Mounties in red serge, accompanied by a fl ourish of trumpets, carry the Cup to a stage. The Lions hoist the trophy in jubilation as confetti cannons boom, enveloping the field in a swirling blizzard of orange and white fl akes. AMA MEMBERS SAVE MORE Before you go: The Grey Cup is in Toronto this year. Do a little sightseeing and save more than $50 on fi ve attractions with a Toronto CityPASS. Visit the CN Tower, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum — all for just $65.99 per person. Visit your nearest AMA Travel centre or visit us online. AMATravel.ca Can't make it to the Grey Cup? AMA members now save $10 on tickets to Edmonton Eskimos regular and pre-season home games. AMARewards.ca Spirit of Edmonton BEST OF THE FEST Toronto hosts the 100th annual Grey Cup November 25, but the city's pre-game festival may steal the limelight this year. At 10 full days, and hosting more than 50 shindigs, spectacles and scenes, the cup's biggest fest yet promises to be epic. Below, our picks for where the cool fans hang: BEST PARTIES: • The Spirit of Edmonton Hospitality Room at the Sheraton Centre (123 Queen St. West). Canadian bands, cheer squads and dance troupes take to the stage at this cover-charge- free bash (Nov. 22–24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre). On the Saturday before the game, dig into a buffet and gulp down some secret-recipe Sluice Juice at Spirit's popular Grey Cup Breakfast (spiritofedmonton.com). • Stamps House brings a little bit of country to the Big Smoke with live music, mascot appear- ances, autograph signings (Nov. 23 and 24 at the MTCC) and a chuck-wagon pancake breakfast Nov. 22. The topper? Stampeders fans will ride a horse into the lobby of the Royal York Hotel, just like they did for Calgary's fi rst Grey Cup victory in 1948 (stampeders.com). • Riderville. Let's face it: nobody parties like a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. And if you can't beat the green-swathed, watermelon-wearing hordes, you might as well join them where they get down — for live music, dancing and a heavy dose of Rider pride (Nov. 23 and 24 at the MTCC; riderville.com). BEST PLACE TO PLAY OUT YOUR QUARTERBACK FANTASIES: The Grid Iron at the Nissan Family Zone. This mini football fi eld at Yonge-Dundas Square will be the site of a mock CFL train- ing camp, where fans can learn to toss the pigskin and kick like a pro (Nov. 17–24). BEST SPOT TO SCARE YOURSELF SILLY: Whizzing over downtown Toronto on Canada's highest- ever urban zip line, at the Adrenaline Zone in Nathan Phillips Square. Also on site: a military obstacle course and BMX biking, skateboarding and other extreme-sports demonstrations (Nov. 17–24). BEST WAY TO INDULGE NOSTALGIA: Rushes Football Film Festival — nightly screenings of famous football movies at Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond Street West, Nov. 15–18). Expect celebrity appearances at the red-carpet kickoff Nov. 15. BEST CHANCE TO GET DOWN 'N' DIRTY: The Mud Bowl. At the 35th Grey Cup in 1950, the Toronto Argonauts beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 13-zip on a soaked Toronto Varsity Stadium fi eld. Affectionately dubbed the Mud Bowl, the game gets a second coming Nov. 21 when festi- val organizers turn a local school sports fi eld into a giant mud puddle and stage an exhibition match. Proceeds go to a new fi eld for the school. TOP PICK Matt Jeppesen, AMA Travel Specialist from (1-888-989-8423) BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR HANDS ON THE GREY CUP: Your hometown — because the trophy is going on tour this year. Travelling via rail and road, the cup will pass through Alberta Sept. 13-25, making several stops along the way. After snapping a photo with the hardware, tour the museum train car and check out the other fun family activities. (For dates, times and a full list of stops, see greycuptour.com). Full festival details: 100thgreycupfestival.ca WESTWORLD >> SEPTEMBER 2012 25 Festival 2012 Toronto, Nov. 15–25 Grey Cup