How (and where) to watch pro sports in Canada

By Jim Byers

Where (and how) do we watch sports in Canada? Here are a few tips and places:

MONTREAL

League: NHL

Canadiens: Bell Centre Anthem: The big song played at games is called “Le But” by Loco Locass. The song talks of their colours being “white like winter, red like the blood flowing through our veins, and blue like the St. Lawrence River.” Post-game: Maclean's Pub in downtown Montreal is a hub for Habs' fans, with food specials such as a pepper steak named for famed Canadien Maurice Richard, and a chili dog named for Guy LaFleur Hashtag: #Habs

League: CFL

Alouettes: Percival Molson Stadium What to eat: Last year “The Als” began a tailgate party at their downtown stadium, complete with picnic tables and BBQs… they’ll even supply cutlery. Food trucks are around if you don’t want to cook. Tradition: Before the game starts players venture into the end zone, where fans give them high-fives and even hugs. Hashtag: #MTLAls

OTTAWA

League: NHL

Senators: Canadian Tire Centre What to eat: Egg rolls from the Golden Palace restaurant, fried extra crispy. Post-game: Sens House is an airy spot in the Byward Market. Bier Markt is close to the new Alt Hotel Ottawa. Hashtag:#Sens

League: CFL

Red Blacks: TD Place Stadium Tradition: A gentleman who sits in section UU pours a beer into a specially designed shoe and downs it as the crowd chants “Shoe-Beer, Shoe-Beer, Shoe-Beer.”
Best Seats: North Siders — folks who sit on the north side of the stadium — are teased as being soft because the former stadium had a large roof on the north side. South Siders were more subject to rain or snow and cold, which became a badge of honour. The team feeds the rivalry with games that pit north vs. south. Hashtag: #RNation

TORONTO

League: NHL

Maple Leafs: Air Canada Centre Pre or post-game: Real Sports is a massive bar next to the ACC that’s next door to Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square. Le Germain’s Play Lounge is an ideal spot for visiting fans to stay. Tradition: Honouring former greats but not actually winning. The Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. Hashtag: #TMLtalk

League: CFL

Argonauts: BMO Field Tradition: Until recently, Toronto’s beloved “Argos” played at cavernous stadiums with little fan support. In 2016 the team switched home games to cozy BMO Field at Exhibition Place. Pre-game: Tailgating starts three hours before each home game in Ontario Place and Exhibition Place parking areas. Pre-game fan fests take place in The Shipyard: huge burgers and $4 beers. Hashtag: #Argos

League: NBA

Raptors: Air Canada Centre Mascot: The guy in the red dinosaur suit is fun and mischievous. What to wear: Whatever team supporter Drake is wearing. Mostly black and red and now some gold. Some fans still wear the old purple and red jerseys with the dinosaur logo. Hashtag: #WeTheNorth

CALGARY

League: NHL

Flames: Scotiabank Saddledome Chant: “Go Flames Go” sung to the beat of mascot Harvey the Hound pounding on a drum. Best seats: Sections 109 and 120 are close to the ice. 212 and 226 are higher up but still have great views. Hashtag: #NHLFlames

League: CFL

Stampeders: McMahon Stadium Tradition: When the Stamps score a touchdown, a rider on a white horse gallops down the sidelines with a Stampeders flag snapping in the wind. Karyn Drake handled the duties for more than 20 years, riding her steed Quick Six. She retired this year and handed the reins over to her daughter, Chelsea. HASHTAG #CalStampeders