The Ottawa REDBLACKS 20023 season came to an end on Saturday. Despite Ottawa quarterback Dustin Crum’s 273 yards of passing, two touchdowns and two interceptions, they lost to the visiting Toronto Argonauts 27-22.
The Argonauts tied the CFL record of 16 wins in the regular season, an accomplishment only seen when the Edmonton Eskimos did it in 1989.
It was fan appreciation day at the game, with a lot of fun prizes being handed out, including one lucky winner who received tickets to this year’s Grey Cup game in Hamilton.
The game was another disappointing turn for the home team. Attendance was reported to be just under 19,000, but a glance around the stadium revealed that the number reflected the total tickets sold and not fans in seats.
It was a decent night for the game; the temperature was cool but doable. There was a Halloween costume contest at halftime. You have to give the team credit; while the on-field performance hasn’t been great, they make the in-game experience worthwhile.
The REDBLACKS took time to acknowledge several Cheer and Dance Team members who are leaving the program. Some have been with the team since 2014, and it was great that they were given recognition.
I spoke to one fan who commented that he loved coming to the games because he could bring his kids on the field after the game for photo opportunities.
It’s worth noting that the REDBLACKS don’t charge for this experience and do it every game, while many other teams either don’t do it or charge for the experience.
As the lockers get cleared out, and the stands sit empty until next May, many questions will be asked: Who will stay? Who will go? Will fans be renewing their tickets?
A review of the 2023 Ottawa REDBLACKS season will follow in the coming day, but as far as this game was concerned, Ottawa finished the season with a loss. Another 4-14 season with the hope of a better tomorrow.
Photo: Gord Weber
