There are casual CFL fans and the most dedicated, die-hard fans. There is definitely something special that differentiates the two. The latter have some unique features you can recognize, and feel the special vibe of passion, loyalty, and tradition.
If you are not yet sure whether you’d pass the exam for the most dedicated fan, check out our list of seven features each die-hard CFL fan has (all these included but not limited to!). You can also test your friends and measure the level of their loyalty and passion.
1. You’ve Braved Freezing Weather for a Game (And Loved It!)
Being a Canadian already means that freezing weather is not a problem for you, and being a CFL fan means you can actually even enjoy it if simultaneously you’re watching an exciting game. Only the real CFL fans can endure brutal Canadian weather to watch games despite freezing wind or rain. Eventually, it is all part of the experience other countries don’t have! (Probably good for them!).
If you are a true weather-proof fan, you also know that you have to dress in multiple layers of clothes, have a cup of hot tea or chocolate as a hand warmer (and heart warmer!), and probably wear a toque with the team’s logo!
2. The Grey Cup is More Important Than Thanksgiving Dinner
For real fans, the Grey Cup is the pinnacle of the year. Maybe comparing it to Thanksgiving Day is not accurate enough but the fact is that people tend to rearrange family dinners, social plans, and visits to the doctor only to be present and never miss any second of the whole action.
While it may sound a little too much for non-fans, or not-so-dedicated fans, in reality, it depends on how you look at it. Some fans manage to make the Grey Cup feel like a holiday for family and friends, turning it into a social event with snacks and decorations. So instead of separating fans from non-fans, this can be something that includes everyone.
3. Your Wardrobe is 50% CFL Gear
Ok, this is not an obligatory feature but still! Real die-hard fans do not limit themselves to wearing team colors or clothes with logos only on game days. Whether it’s a jersey, toque, hoodie, or scarf, you proudly wear your team’s colors all year long.
4. You Know All the Words to “O Canada” in Both English and French
All Canadians are proud of their country and of course, they know O Canada by heart but what makes a true CFL fan stand out is their knowledge of the anthem in both English and French. Singing the anthem in a packed stadium together with thousands of other people, regardless of what province you are in, is probably one of the most magical moments all fans share. It also unites people a lot, and the usage of a particular language is not that important at that point.
5. You’re Emotionally Invested in Every Single Playoff Game (Even If Your Team Isn’t Playing)
Even if your favorite team didn’t make it to the playoffs, as a dedicated league fan, you’re still almost glued to every game. Regardless of what team is playing, you follow all the highs and the lows to be aware of what’s going on and what are the trends. While it might seem a little bit like an emotional roller-coaster, it is still more fun than just emotionally withdrawing from everything if your team is not there. Some fans actually enjoy making bets on games at sites recommended by CasinosHunter Ontario and being passionate about more than one team means being interested and entertained more.
Also, real fans follow all the personal rivalries and competitions between teams (that are sometimes picked up by the fans as well).
6. You Can Name Every CFL Mascot… And Have Strong Opinions About Them
Only the true CFL fan can not only identify each team’s mascot but also provide some background behind it. Moreover, most fans have very passionate opinions about the mascots and (considering how ridiculous or absurd the mascots usually are) they can argue about these opinions for eternity.
Actually, mascots are fun, and to be honest, they are a big part of the CFL’s quirky charm that some people fail to connect with. However, they are traditional at this point, and therefore fans get to love them or hate them as much as they love or hate teams or stadiums.
7. You’ve Made the Great CFL Pilgrimage: Attending a Game in Every Stadium
Each stadium is unique and has its own rich history of failures and victories, as well as some local stories about it. Some stadiums are great, other stadiums are awful but we still love them. However, a real CFL fan usually makes it a point to visit all stadiums across Canada! It is the ultimate fan road trip and it can be shared with family and friends as a nice vacation or journey.
This true fan pilgrimage may sound a little complicated but again, it depends on how you look at it. If the pleasure of a good journey is shared, even with non-CFL fans, this can be a nice social experience that brings people closer.