The Winnipeg Blue Bombers won their first game in their new stadium with a 25-13 win over prairie rivals the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Banjo Bowl on Sunday.
The Banjo Bowl got its name when a former Blue Bomber referred to people in Saskatchewan as "banjo-picking inbreds." It has become a rivalry that not only pits province against province, it even divides some families.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall posted a video to YouTube apologizing for not being very good at playing the banjo. "Kinda like the Bombers...at football,” he said.
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger responded with a tweet. “Well done video. How many takes? I'm betting 12…or was it 13? #flagontheplay.”
The tweet referred to an embarrassing penalty that cost the riders the Grey Cup in 2009.
The rivalry often pits fathers against sons and husbands versus wives.
"There was almost a divorce at Grey Cup '07,” said Trevor Prosky. That was '07 though. We were supportive last year."
Some families are forced to make compromises. Kiley and Mike Hammond’s daughter Lily was dressed in Riders gear last weekend, but on Sunday she wore the blue and gold. “I won this one,” said Mike.
One Winnipegger joked about his opponents’ oral health as a Rider fan showed off a full set of teeth.
"Pass the good news around,” said Bomber fan Justin Kiezik.“Make some new friends today. Hopefully we'll get another win."
With their team comfortably in first place, Rider fans are laughing. "I just laugh it off because it's good to have a prairie rivalry going on, for sure," said Dana Rankin.
- With a report by Ben Miljure
