David wrote:I thought the celebration/rally was really well done. Being an "outdoor stadium" kind of guy I loved the venue, but I realize for maximum effect they could have quadrupled their numbers if they'd held it in the evening at GM Place (the Canucks are out of town all this week after all). They could still have done the "We Are Champions" schtick on the arena PA complete with the scoreboard graphics etc. Still, I thought it was a great turnout for a Tuesday afternoon and I really enjoyed the intimate atmosphere.
After a long delay (bordering on too long....the natives were getting restless and I was worried the sun was going to disappear. Fast.), MC Phil Reimer called each member of the team up to the Art Gallery steps. Phil was a curious choice....I didn't know he had any affiliation with the club and be botched a few of the names. Not sure why Lions pre and post-game host Scotty Rintoul was not handed the whole thing....he knows the team intimately. Anyway, after the intros, Bobby and Wally said a few words, then Scotty came up and called some of the key personnel up to the podium for interviews - Aaron Hunt, Tyrone Williams, Paul McCallum, Dave Dickenson, and Brent Johnson. There was a lot of love at that rally! Shouts of "One More Year," "We Want Carl" "Re-peat" Wal-ly, Wal-ly" bellowed throughout the hour long event.
Then dozens of black and orange helium balloons were unleashed into the slate gray sky, the legendary Dal Richards led the crowd through a stirring rendition of our fight song, "Roar You Lions Roar" then the players took the mic and did their own chant and response with the crowd. Very cool! The players (Carl Kidd and Bobby Singh) then took the Grey Cup that was being passed around the team and shared it with crowd while the DJ played "We Are The Champions."
The threatening skies then shed a few tears for the end of the season, and the crowd quickly disbursed hoping to do it all again in 12 months time.
DH 8)
Awesome recap Dave, wish I could have made it, sounds like a good time was had by all. Thanks for the pics jim604, nice job they're sharp and not at all blurry, nice!
Have to agree Dave, it would have been wise to have the event at an indoor location (Even Plaza of Nations would've been better) since it's November and it gets cold, dark and rainy fast. But it still seems like the event went great were the Felions there at all?
