'I think we all need it': Bombers excited to have fans in the stands for upcoming season
When the Blue Bombers return to the field for the first time since winning the Grey Cup in 2019, they will have a full-capacity crowd cheering them on.
The province announced on Wednesday that when the season opens on Aug. 5, IG Field can have a full crowd of fully vaccinated Manitobans.
This comes as welcome news to the players and coaches who are excited about playing in front of fans again.
"I think we all need it," said Buck Pierce, the offensive coordinator for the Bombers.
"As players, besides the game itself, missing that interaction, that is so great about the CFL and its players, is your interaction with the fans, and there is none better than here in Winnipeg."
Pierce added that the team is ready to walk onto the field and play in front of a packed stadium.
Head Coach Mike O'Shea said it's great to see the strides the province and country has made in fighting against COVID.
"I think, obviously when Aug. 5 rolls around, it will be a massive event. It will be exciting and besides the football game, I think people will just be very excited to be sitting shoulder to shoulder with people cheering and being outside," said O'Shea.
The Blue Bombers are currently in training camp and the regular season starts on Aug. 5 as they host the Hamilton Ti-Cats in a 2019 Grey Cup rematch.
The kickoff for that game is 7:30 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.