It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

McGill Redmen fans could not have asked for more beautiful conditions for a football game this past Saturday.  The sun was shining, the heat was bearable- one could even argue enjoyable- and the dark, unfriendly rainclouds overstaying their welcome the previous week, were nowhere in sight.  Whether it was the ideal weather or that it was the McGill Redmen Season Opener against Bishops on home soil, fans of all ages were out in full force, sporting a plethora of red apparel in support of their varsity football team.

For most McGill fans, a varsity football game entails much more than the game itself.  Football games for McGill fans extend far beyond the mere four quarters and final score- these games are an experience enjoyed by fans of all ages.  A large number of these fans, unable to contain their excitement and anticipation before the one o'clock start, convened before the game at the season opener's tailgate party outside Thomilson Hall.  There, fans were able to enjoy two dollar beers, hamburgers, hot dogs, the company of equally enthusiastic fans and a live band.

Fifteen minutes before the game, those fans in attendance at the tailgate party, and those fans just crawling out of bed after a Friday night, made their way to the stadium.  Seats were filled quickly as McGill's cheerleaders performed on the field and players, both from McGill and Bishops, completed their pre-game warm-ups.  Accompanying the yelling, cheering and at times screaming of McGill fans, was the talented Fight Band, comprised of McGill's music students.  Situated at the top of the stadium, at the fifty yard line, the Fight Band, in a sense, became the conductor of all the fans in the stadium, playing the most suitable tunes for a football game and a rowdy crowd.

For those fans paying attention to the game (a large number were either too busy pestering Bishops fans or were occupied with a giant slice of pizza) the events leading up to the first touchdown of the game were highly appreciated and noted.  For the other fans, a touchdown was simply a touchdown and the crowd immediately errupted.  Fans were on their feet, screaming, dancing and some boisterous male fans were even removing their tops in celebration of McGill's early lead.

The day's warm weather and the crowd's lively atmosphere encouraged not only the true football fans, but those simply there for the love of McGill and its athletics, to stick around until the last quarter to show their support.  Despite a loss on the scoreboard, McGill Redmen's season opener was a win for all fans within the McGill community.  With McGill fans anxiously awaiting this Friday's most anticipated football game of the year, "Fill the Stadium," Concordia fans better be on the lookout.