Readers of this blog will recall that Sunday was going to be a special day. It was the first fathers day without my dad, and I wanted to do a nice tribute to him by cooking his French Toast at the tailgate party on the site where he took me to my first professional sporting event.

I never got to do that because of the tailgate issues, and along with some of the food I had purchased, the idea went to waste.

I have to admit, that last night I was pretty down. What should have been a great day filled with great memories had a real damper put on it, and I wondered if I would ever bother to tailgate again. I didn’t blog last night because I wanted to do so of clear mind and I wanted to see what today would bring.

I have to say, I’m thrilled with what has transpired today.

I did a lot of media requests today. Global TV, The Bill Good Show, The Sun, The Province and 24 HOURS. I received a nice call from the BC Lions and was informed that President Dennis Skulsky personally spoke to the PNE. Then late this afternoon, I got the call from the same media outlets that claimed the PNE was going to allow the tailgates to proceed.

Our group has always been respectful, and tried to do things the proper way. We prove ourselves by our actions, and back up our promises. It’s the reason why we already have an open invitation to return to the lot given to us last season.

There are many people to thank here:

• First to our regular group, that took yesterday’s news in stride. No one lost control, no one was disrespectful, and I think that was probably relayed in the discussion that took place today.
• Then there was the media. Starting with Global’s Ted Field and ending with CKNW’s Jim Mullin. These two really got the ball rolling for us in the last 24 hours, Jim especially. Jim has been a regular visitor to the tailgates for years, and his football knowledge and experiences proved to be a valuable tool for our cause.
• The BC Lions for quickly addressing the issue, and trying to work on our behalf. Arlene Stewart-Irvine took the time to personally call me and that was a nice gesture.
• To the PNE for letting common sense prevail. I promise our group will not disappoint you, AND we will ensure people new to tailgating are educated on the culture.

If you’re new to tailgating, and are thinking of joining the fun there is a basic code you need to follow to ensure you and others around you have a good time. Here is the one we live by and will be promoting in the lot.

So…it’s “gate” on for July 10th and time to get back to enjoying all of this again, in a beautiful new place to watch a game! Unfortunately all this talk about the price of parking and the tailgate situation detracted from what was a great first game at Empire Field. The Lions have done an outstanding job and I can’t wait for the next one!

See you there!

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