The spirit of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats is akin to unwavering enthusiasm. It is tangible in the driveway-turned-parking lots and Tiger-Cats flags proudly adorning the front lawns. It is a spirit which engulfs the heart of Hamilton on game days and prevails even when a winning season may not.
Still, while the Ticats culture invokes a relentless feeling, the fans and sport community will be challenged this season to keep the energy alive despite the loss of their beloved stadium. In preparation for a new venue, Ivor Wynne Stadium, the iconic home of the Ticats has been torn down, leaving the Ticats to find a temporary home in Alumni Stadium at the University of Guelph.
It makes sense then, that as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats make their way north for the upcoming 2013 season of the Canadian Football League, that team personnel are looking to the Guelph community to maintain a sense of enthusiasm in the stadium atmosphere.
As listed in an advertisement on the downtown Guelph website, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization is encouraging Guelph connoisseurs with a passion for football and an interest in sharing the Guelph culture with visiting spectators to serve as volunteer ambassadors for the home games to be played at Alumni Stadium. Volunteers must commit to attend 80 per cent of the home games held in Guelph.
The decision to play in Guelph was confirmed in a memorandum signed this past November. While other venues were considered as potential sites for the team to call home for the 2013 season, the organization committed to Guelph for its proximity to Hamilton. Given the integrity of the fandom supporting the team, the ability to keep the organization close to home was a guiding factor.
To add momentum to the move, several improvised changes have been implemented in an attempt to maintain the pride of the Tiger-Cats spirit. A shuttle, known as the Findlay fan express has been confirmed as a method of transportation linking Hamilton to Guelph on game days. In addition, event organizers have responded to the woes of fans and confirmed that parking will be made available in various locations near to the stadium, again emphasizing the convenience of the temporary move to Guelph.
While the home opener debut is scheduled for early July, the Tiger-Cats have been busy immersing themselves in the culture of the Guelph community. An early spring visit to the area saw Tiger-Cats players visiting local schools to discuss the importance of balanced lifestyle and dietary habits.
Still, it is apparent that if the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization are to fully embrace and engage in the community, it will not be without a warm welcome. Individuals interested in committing to the ambassador volunteer program are encouraged to email jobs@Ticats.ca with the subject line “Guelph Ambassador – Your name.”