The Ottawa REDBLACKS kicked off the 2018 football season on Sunday, roaring out of the signature inflatable helmet onto the field at TD Place in front of a few thousand members of RNation for the team’s inaugural Fan Fest presented by CARSTAR.
Following an offence versus defense scrimmage which saw the latter win the day by a score of 51-35, fans charged onto the field where—lined up from end zone to end zone—every member of the team awaited with smiles on their faces and markers in hand.
Fan Fest brought out the team’s diverse fan base who enjoyed the afternoon of family games, signature stadium snacks, a scrimmage previewing this year’s roster and an intimate autograph session where they met and laughed with their Ottawa REDBLACKS. Both veterans enjoying the successful rebirth of Ottawa football after seeing two teams fold and new fans who have only known the REDBLACKS to play at TD Place unanimously agreed meeting the team was the most memorable part of the day.
The team plays its first preseason game tomorrow, Thursday May 31, at home against the Montreal Alouettes with another game the following Thursday June 7 against the Toronto Argonauts in Guelph. The team plays its first regular season game on Thursday June 21 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at home, following a bye during week 1.
