Following the Ottawa Redblacks’ playoff loss to Saskatchewan, there have been numerous stories focusing on the fact that some in the nation’s capital have chosen to try to re-sell their Grey Cup tickets.
The tone of (and reaction to) many of these stories has at times, come across as extremely condescending. Everyone needs to take a step back and relax.
First off, let’s be clear that the Grey Cup is sold out, it has been for over a month. So no matter what happens, there will be butts in seats. Whether those butts happen to be the people who originally bought the tickets or not shouldn’t matter.
It might have been naive, but many in Ottawa bought tickets hoping to see the Redblacks repeat on home turf. With their team no longer participating in that game, it’s understandable that it’s suddenly not as appealing.
While many across the country love the CFL as a whole, watching every game and cheering for multiple teams, others only follow their local team. And you know what, that doesn’t make them less of a fan or fake fans or amateurs or small minded or anything else. And comments of that nature do nothing to encourage those casual fans to further immerse themselves in the CFL.
The Grey Cup is a week long festival that culminates in a game between two of the country’s best football teams. For many, that’s enough of a spectacle and draw that they’ll keep their tickets. For others, maybe the money they put out in hopes of seeing their team play could suddenly be better spent elsewhere.
Who really cares? If someone sells their ticket, good on them! The person buying gets a ticket to see their team, and the seller can pay a bill, take a trip or use that money however they want.
And contrary to some truly awful Twitter takes, people re-selling tickets does not reflect poorly on Ottawa. It happens in every Grey Cup city every single year.
Ultimately, someone doesn’t even need tickets to enjoy the upcoming Grey Cup. With dozens of events, from concerts to meet and greets to parties to tailgates, there’s literally something for everyone.
So to those keeping their tickets, enjoy! It’s going to be a hell of a game. And to those selling, good luck!
