The loss suffered by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, at the hands of the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, while a devastating blow-out loss, changes nothing in regards to the importance of the last game of the season. Fortunately for the team, having won their previous match-up against the Als the week before, they rendered the game this past weekend as a “nothing” game, with only pride on the line. While Montreal won this round (completing a very impressive 9-0 home game sweep against all opponents during the regular season), the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can now fully shift their focus towards their next big task: making a run in the playoffs so they can return to Montreal on November 22nd to play in the CFL Eastern Final at Olympic Stadium.
On Nov. 8, the Bombers will take on the Ti-Cats at CanadInns Stadium for the final game of the 2009 regular season. All the storylines involving Kevin Glenn or any other former Bomber players aside, the game has huge implications for both teams as the season series is tied 1-1. Second place in the East Division and a home playoff date the following week will be up for grabs. After a year of highs and lows and a string of headline grabbing “controversies,” this is the proverbial bright light at the end of the tunnel, and to help support our favourite team, a hardcore base of die-hard Blue Bomber fans have taken it upon themselves to start a movement to rally up support for Winnipeg’s premiere pro-sports franchise.
It’s being called the first ever “blue out,” or alternatively, the “sea of blue.” If you haven’t heard of it yet, it will only be a matter of time. The premise is simple, and it’s easy to join in and have tons of fun. The organizers are looking to sell the stadium out with loud and proud Blue Bomber fans dressed head to toe in Blue. Anyone old enough to recall the Winnipeg Jets era should remember the epic “white outs” that unified all Jets fans together with a simple goal: white out the arena, and get loud for the home-team. The spirit of the “white out” is still alive in Winnipeg, and that spirit will find a new home across the street from where the Winnipeg Arena used to exist, and we need everyone in the city’s help to get this done. The Bomber organization has already recognized this fantastic, grassroots movement and has completely jumped behind it, helping with promotion and offering free blue rally towels to the first 20,000 fans through the gate on Sunday.
Here are some tips that you can use to make sure that you don’t stick out like a sore thumb in the “sea of blue.”
Obviously, if you own a Blue Bomber jersey (preferably the Navy Blue ones of the modern era, or any Blue from any previous decade) that’s a great start. If not, anything blue works: whether it be a blue jacket, sweater, mechanic’s outfit, Halloween costume — use your imagination! One of the simplest ways to account for half your body being blue is to wear a pair of blue jeans. It’s just that easy! Don’t be afraid to get creative, it’s just part of the game-day fun!
It’s going to be an early November afternoon in Winnipeg, so chances are you will need to bundle up a bit. Dollar stores are a great place to snag some dirt-cheap blue gloves or headwear, or you could always check out the Bomber Store, They are well-stocked with Blue and Gold outerwear for the winter season.
‘Tis the season to find face-paint, or blue wigs, or anything that fits in with the sea of blue theme. For example, I have a blow-up orca whale that might be taking a swim in a deep blue sea on Nov. 8.
Noisemakers are definitely encouraged, as we want to be as loud as possible when Hamilton is on offence.
If we all come together and this really takes off, it could be the beginning of a brand new tradition. Every Bomber fan despises “’rider nation” and everything it represents (damn those wheat-eating, banjo-picking hicks!), but the resounding support that they show for their team whenever an opportunity presents itself, as much as we may hate to admit it, is truly admirable (I think I need to go vomit now).
On top of the sea of blue, there will also be a rally held at Portage and Main on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m.. Those of you who may be taking part in the “day of action” protest rally at the Legislative building earlier that day are more than encouraged to march down to Portage and Main to join Buzz and Boomer and the group of die-hard Bomber supporters who will be there making noise, leading chants and gaining attention for the team we love during rush hour at the busiest intersection in the city.
And, if that weren’t enough as it is, there has also been grumblings of starting an official Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan club. For those of you who may be interested in getting involved in the “blue out” movement, the rally, or joining the fan club, check out the fan forum through the Blue Bomber’s website for more information.
Remember — be proud, get loud and wear blue!
