Some summer nights are perfect. The temperature in Ottawa had come down from tropical to comfortable. A friend and I decided to check out an Ottawa Rapid soccer game.
The Ottawa Rapid are in their first year in the women’s Northern Super League. The fan experience and game were far from a start-up.
My friend and I arrived early at TD Place to soak in some of the pre-game atmosphere. The first thing we noticed was a tent staffed by CBC radio and television personalities. Kids and overgrown kids took turns shooting the soccer ball while CBC anchor Omar Daghabi-Pacheco did a very good job playing net.
The pre-game activities did not stop. There was a kids’ zone where the younger fans could enjoy a variety of activities.
It was game time with Ottawa facing the first-place Toronto. Ottawa controlled most of the play for the first twenty minutes or so. At the twenty-second minute, Toronto made a rare appearance in the Ottawa end and got a goal off a header. In the forty-third minute, Ottawa equalized on a goal by Min-a Lee.
The half-time show had a Kpop theme featuring dancers and a prominent Kpop singer.
Photos: Martin Ruddy
My friend and I found a photo booth that turned a photo into a personalized sports card. Having never come close to any professional league, it was awesome to have my own sports card.
We also had a chance to chat more in-depth with some of the CBC personalities. They were all very personable.
The second half featured back-and-forth action without any team scoring a goal.
I am far from being an expert, but the calibre of play was extremely high. I spoke to chief operating officer, Stephanie Spruston to learn more. “The new Canadian league has attracted players with experience playing professionally both overseas and in the States, many of whom play for their countries at the national level,” said Spruston. “It also provides a long-absent pro pathway for Canadian university and youth club stand-outs, allowing Ottawa-Gatineau to retain its homegrown talent.”
On the way out of the stadium, some of the dancers who were performing at halftime did an impromptu dance.
That perfectly encapsulated the laid-back vibe of the whole experience. A Rapid game would be a perfect family event, date night or local soccer club looking to check out a professional game.
For more information about game times and tickets, visit rapidfc.ca
Header image: Courtesy NSL
