Grey Cup fever grips Hamilton

At 48 hours from kickoff of the 101st Grey Cup, it’s clear fans in Hamilton are gearing up for the big day. The Tiger-Cats store’s merchandise is flying off the shelves, schools are holding pep rallies, and sports bars are ready to hold some serious Grey Cup parties.

Cindy Csordas has more on the Ticats fever.

The energy around the city of Hamilton is contagious. Almost everywhere you go, people are dressed up in the black and gold ready to cheer on the Cats and we caught up with many of those fans Friday.
Students at St. John the Baptist school in Hamilton held a pep rally Friday afternoon to cheer on their home football team: “I am a champion, you’re gonna hear me roar.”

Matthew Lech is a student: “I think all the supports gonna pump them and they’re gonna be ready to beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders.”

Students had to pay two dollars to wear black and gold at the pep rally Friday. The money raised will help support typhoon devastated people in the Philippines and show the Ticats they’re behind them all the way.

Julie Martin is a student: “I think it will encourage them and show them we’re all behind them and we have their backs and we’re all waiting and watching.”

J.P. Marin has been a Ticats fan for 50-years: “Oskee Wee Wee, Oskee Waa, Waa. Holy Macinaw. Tigers, Eat ’em Raw.”

At the Tiger-Cats store, business is roaring.

Ticat staff say normally they see about 60 people come in to buy Ticats merchandise. But during this Tiger-Cats fever, about 800 people are coming in daily.

Fans are talking about a huge party on the streets of Hamilton if the Ticats win the Grey Cup.

Eric Panucucci is a Ticats fan: “I think it’s gonna be crazy. I think people are gonna go out of their minds and I hope everyone keeps it fun and celebrates in a good way.”

They’ll be cheering on the Cats here at Frisco’s Eatery on Upper James on Sunday.

John Drysdale is Frisco’s Eatery owner: Q: How many people you expecting? John: “About 100.” Q: And how many people can you fit in here? John: “About 75 ha ha ha.”

John says he’s had to buy about 30% more beer than normal and has bought some beers he doesn’t usually buy because of special requests. There will be a $10 buffet here Sunday and a chili bake off as well. So if you’re looking for a place to party with a group, Frisco’s is one of many sports bars ready to play host to Ticats fans across the city.