Fans of Football: Matt

Matt McQueen had always been around the Canadian Football League.

From attending games as a kid with his brother, going to Grey Cup parties as a teenager and watching on television, he’d been exposed to the league and considered himself a casual fan.

Then, last year — after floating the idea of taking his son, Brady, to a Stampeders pre-season game — his wife Sandra surprised him.

“She goes ‘well, I should just give you your Father’s Day present early then’,” chuckled McQueen from his home in Calgary. “It was a certificate for Stampeders season tickets — we have a family zone, (and) for $250 you get one adult ticket and one kid ticket in the end zone.”

Matt and his son Brady at a game last season. (Matt McQueen photo)

Like most season-ticket holders, Matt and his 10-year-old son have a #CFLGameDay routine and stick to it.

“We always take the C-train, (because) my son loves trains (and) it’s an inexpensive way to get to the stadium,” outlined the 38 year-old. “We always get pizza and pocket dogs, that’s a staple for us.

“Aside from wearing the jersey and stuff, he’s always got to have his bell and flag, and then we’re good to go.”

With season tickets in-hand, father and son decided to make 2018 the year they went all-in on the Stamps.

Matt’s young son Brady has been a spark for his renewed CFL fandom. (Matt McQueen photo)

“We went to our first out-of-town game, in Edmonton for the Labour Day rematch,” said Matt. “We’ve met so many passionate fans, connected through social media, and then you meet these people and they’re just great humans.”

While that first trip to Edmonton didn’t end in Calgary’s favour — the Esks downed their visitors, 48-42 — Matt and Brady shared an unforgettable experience at the same stadium during the 106th Grey Cup a few months later.

“It was an incredible year, with a great atmosphere at Stamps game — 25, 30,000 people there with so much energy,” he reflected. “Then playoffs, winning at home in the Western Final…in my first year as a season-ticket holder, to win the West Final and go to the Grey Cup was special.”

Watching his team win a Grey Cup in Edmonton capped an incredible first year as a season-ticket holder for Matt McQueen.

Naturally, he renewed; in addition to his two tickets, he added a third and picked some up for the 107th Grey Cup too.

“Hopefully the Stamps make it back there, and we can defend it on home turf,” said Matt. “The atmosphere at Stamps games is what keeps us coming back.”

Matt McQueen and his family sit near the top of Section J, in line with the southern goal line.

“We’ve upgraded two sections closer to midfield, (and) we’re up high which is great because it offers such a great view of the field,” he added, before laughing. “My son has a cowbell and a flag, and he goes all game long.”

Matt and Brady in (friendly) enemy territory at Commonwealth Stadium last season. (Matt McQueen photo)

To join the McQueens and the rest of the Stamps faithful at McMahon Stadium this season, click here.