It is clear that getting your hands on Montreal Canadiens tickets can be a difficult task and an expensive one. However, there is another sports team worth checking out just outside Ottawa, the Montreal Alouettes, winners of the 2009 and 2010 Grey Cups.
The journey across the 417 from Ottawa to Montreal to experience a football game makes for a great weekend getaway or day trip. Sitting on the steel bench, if you fail to bring a cushion, in the recently renovated Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, home to the McGill Redmen and the Montreal Alouettes, provides a thrilling experience. It also gives you the chance to see a CFL living legend in Anthony Cavillo, the all-time leading passer. The stadium, perched on Mount Royal, arguably the most majestic park in Montreal can now accommodate 25,012 spectators. Since 1998 the sports ground welcomes both teams allowing McGill University, the owners of the stadium, to avoid being in the red.
The Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, named in memory of Captain Percival Molson, a McGill student and athlete who died during the First World War, has to be one of the nicest stadiums in Canada. Once inside the bowl, built in 1915 and designed by Percy Erskine Nobbs, your eyes set on a wonderful scenic view of Montreal’s skyline. However, don’t go straight to your seat as there are plenty of gatherings before kick off. You can join in the tailgating near the coliseum enjoying the park, some grilled meats and perhaps a few drinks. You might want to get a few beers in before game-time since they go for a steep $9.25 inside. You can also sway your way to the nearby Tam-Tam festivities. There tourists and Montrealers alike, gather every Sunday from spring to fall near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument to partake in hippie-like activities. Why not bring your sword and shield to join-in the elaborate medieval battle which takes place on Park Mont-Royal.
During the game, the atmosphere is exceptional as player’s chirp one another and fans screech incessantly supporting their angry birds. Unlike hockey, you are not as close to the action as there is a large perimeter separating the field and the stands. Within the space, cheerleaders and mascots frolic during play stoppages. Speaking of entertainment, at half-time, the Boston Screaming Eagles Marching Band orchestrated a mesmerizing show parading inside the sports arena. It is impressive to see those young musicians and dancers manoeuvring in unity around the field forming shapes seamlessly while playing captivating music. The tenor drums will surely captivate your tympanum.
After the hyperactivity inside the amphitheatre, you can keep up the rhythm waltzing on the nearby Mont-Royal Avenue. This commercial pathway offers restaurants, bars, boutiques and coffeehouses. The strip also connects with St-Laurent Blvd. and St-Denis St, two of Montreal’s most animated arteries. If you’re hungry you could check out the famous Au Pied de Cochon restaurant, fitting after a pigskin game.
