It’s perhaps the most common refraint, right behind ‘are we there yet?’
Going to a football game is a joy in itself for the hard-core fan.
For the casual fan, the first question in their investigation can be ‘what else is there to do?’
Fair question. This year, the Edmonton Eskimos have the answer: There is plenty … no matter what your age group.
First stop, a fun time for the bouncy castle set. Just follow the mammoth football player decked out in Green and Gold just outside Gate 2 at Brickley’s Knothole Corner.
Check out the huge inflatable maze, where kids can practice their moves running for a touchdown through a bunch of tough-looking tacklers.
There’s a balloon artist that creates an interactive field goal game that that your little one can wear on his or her head during the game.
Every kid loves to get their face decorated and in the mood for the game. That’s where the face-painter comes in.
Time to saunter up a bit further north where as many as 15 van loads of fans – and more – are getting their own version of putting on a game face in the tailgate section.
Their barbecues are cookin’ up bratwurst, hamburgers, hot dogs as the fans are cookin’ up some good times.
“We’re enjoying ourselves and having a good time,” said Gerry Hom.
As soon as Hom and his entourage heard about the Eskimos pilot project, they were all in.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.
“It’s nice to be able to come, cook up things, meet new people and enjoy the game.”
The small and growing colony has been expanding and word of mouth has given the idea life. It’s not only food, snacks and some liquid refreshment, the regulars have started their own competitive games hours before kickoff.
“It’s to get in the spirit, but there’s camaraderie,” Hom said. “You know, community. It’s a chance to get together and enjoy the sport. Just cook up some brats (bratwurst) … it’s awesome.”
Our crack investigative team has one more hot spot to hit, so it’s off to the east-side stands to take in Coors Light Fan Fest.
A local band or DJ is playing and the people are swaying.
“I love it, it’s great,” said Sue Dyke, who’s become a regular. “Nice entertainment and $5 beer instead of what it is in the Stadium. I’ll come to more. It gets me in the mood and I like the cheaper beer. My husband and I meet friends here first because we don’t all sit together during the game. We have seats all over the place, so it’s nice to say we’ll meet here, listen to the music, chit-chat, then go to the game. It’s a very good gathering place.”
There’s other reasons for showing up.
“Sometimes you get free T-shirts and things like that,” said Charlotte Mulvey. “Good music. We usually try to get in early enough to go to the pre-game. We come to every one we can. We don’t miss too many. The atmosphere and music is always good. I just enjoy coming to it. This is usually our meeting place, then we go up to the game.”
Get to the game as the gates are open an hour before kickoff, grab some mini doughnuts and watch the pre-game warmups.
Wander around. If you’re still hungry, there’s plenty of options beyond the burger, ribs and pizza that’s standard fare in any football stadium.
That jumbo hot dog, chips and small Coke catches our eye for a second.
Maybe the new items on the menu – chicken souvlaki on a pita or a chicken bacon ranch burger.
So much to do. So little time.