No More Ivor Wynne

Originally called Civic Stadium, and built in 1928 for the British Empire Games, my favourite stadium ever, is now done.

No more games at Ivor Wynne.  Yes, the place was broken down.  Yes, it did stink.  And yes, it was all of those cosmetically horrible things that a lot of people said it was.

But I loved it.  It was the place that I saw my first of many CFL games.  There was nothing better than paying $5.00 to park at the Polish Hall, walking through a really cool neighbourhood, and then watching a great game.  Every seat was excellent, giving you a view of Pigskin Pete, and the Box J Boys from anywhere in the stadium.  The product was not always excellent though, and if you went back to the Polish Hall after the game, you knew that.  $3.00 for 500 ml of imported European beer would get you every armchair athlete's idea of what the Cats had to do.  It was always a fun, affordable night out.

I hope that in 2014, the new venue is good.  Because anything that is new has not had a chance to build any memories or character, I will go and give things a chance......

But I'm very sad today, and will really miss the old stinky Ivor Wynne.