Time in Vancouver:

BC @ SASK - Aug 12 - 13 - 2017

more northern pikes
It looks like it is just us four, and the team. That's pretty cool. (S's and G's phones ring). We're not supposed to be standing with the players. We're supposed to be on the 3rd floor for orientation, okay—we will be right up.
(Coach Buono meets us on the stairs). You guys are late. 
I think what he meant to say was: memorable. 
(Tyler G - Trip Coordinator). Don't worry about being late. The most important thing you missed was, Wally asked if there were any quarterbacks on the trip.

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One important note: Please remember the coaches and players are working. This is their workspace. They are approachable but please don't ask them distracting questions. They are focused on this game. Enjoy your weekend. We are happy to have you with us. Thank you!
The Stadium cost $280 Million. It was on time and on budget. It seats 33,000. If there are no more questions let's start the tour—I remind you, this is my day off. Okay, ma'am, you have a question. 
Why are there so many butterflies on the field?
Excuse me. I know you said we'd start the tour above the Pil Section, but my wife, just had leg removal surgery. I'm not sure if she can climb the stairs. Honey, do you think you'd be able to climb the stairs?

​NO. No, tour guide, she won't be able to climb, you know, the no legs thingy. I hope this isn't an inconvenience. 
Hello, Coach Buono. Would it be possible to get a photo with you?
Sure, hey, weren't you the late guys?
Coach, I know your quarterbacks are nicked-up. If you need me to go in, I played Junior, University, and, I have the longest touchdown pass in Canadian Junior History, 108 yards. Oh yeah, my friend here, he's a soccer star, he could fill in for your place kicker.
(COACH) Okay, let's warm you up. How long was the pass, 2 yards, a tipped ball, the receiver ran the other 106? You've got good hands. Big hands. Your forearms are a little skinny though. Mr Kicker, let me take a look at your calves. 
What's that Ego—correct him on the 2 yard, tipped ball, taunt? 

Okay, I will. Wally, I used to be a scratch golfer. Huh, Ego, you think I'm an Idiot—golf isn't part of this story?

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Wow, not a bad seat in the house. The site lines are amazing. 
G, can you believe it: for $280 million, if you are sitting in your seat, and you open your eyes—you’ll see the field. WOW.
Out there in that field, through the window, 2 hours before each game, it is set up for tailgating. Yes, you have a question?
Is there tailgating before the games?
Hey, 6-year-old son of the tour guide, who's your favourite all-time CFL Player?
Lady, I'm 6-years-old. 
There are tons of great places to eat by the hotel. There's Western Pizza, McDonald's, —​
OMG, there's a McDonald's?  

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Shall we order: Bring us several drinks—each. For food: we'd like a burger, some ribs, do you have any more meat? You do. Okay, we'll have another beverage, and bring us a large meat pizza, extra meat. No, we don't need vegetables. 

3 HOUR CONVERSATION NOT FIT FOR CONSUMPTION

Hello, Mary Jane, you'll be our server? GREAT. Do you have glassware? YES. Do you have Red Bull? YES. Okay, every couple of minutes, bring us some liquids in said glassware and throw in the odd Red Bull. I think we'll have a great relationship. Oh, one more thing, is there any meat lying around the kitchen, there is... GREAT AGAIN... can you throw all of it on a platter and bring it to us. Thank you!
My friend here, used to be a Rider's quarterback, before Kent Austin. (L, what's your before Kent Austin quarterback name?) And, my other friend, he's the back up place kicker tomorrow. You don't believe me. Let him show you his form? See!
Guy's, I must go. I don't want to die. I think if I stay, I might. 

4 HOURS LATER - THE HOTEL ROOM

(Somebody is at the door. They're struggling with the key. He finally enters). Why did I do this to myself. Snore...

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ACTUAL GAME DAY
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Good morning. Where did you guys end up last night. You don't know? We were all separated. You went for meat pizza. WOW. I'm going to go for a walk. I'll be back in a couple of hours. Before I go, I think I'll flood the bathroom. 
We love having you on this trip. Remember, this is our workspace. Don't distract the players or me, with ridiculous questions. We are focused on today's game. Now, enjoy the pregame meal!
K, G, S, this is pretty cool, we're having a pregame meal with Coach Buono!
(NOT US) Coach, do you think Halifax will ever have a team? Coach, do you think Hamilton's coach will get fired? Coach, 10-years ago, I was at a game in Calgary, Joe Smith scored two touchdowns: do you remember that game? Coach, coach, coach..?  
(NOT US) I'm not moving to Regina until they lower the prices of booze. What’s that—gas is cheaper here. 
K, G, S, this is pretty cool, tailgating? Who'd of thunk it?

BOX SCORE

Lion's suck. Lion's suck. 41-8 losers. 
(US) ​Hmm... we're flying back to Vancouver. Nice lake by the way. Wasn't it dug by inmates? 
I sure hope they serve meat on the plane!
MANY THANKS TO THE ENTIRE BC LIONS ORGANIZATION FOR THIS FANTASTIC TRIP!
IN PARTICULAR
COACH: BUONO
VICE CHAIRMAN: DENNIS SKULSKY
SENIOR COORDINATOR: TYLER GAMMON
AND ALL OF THE LIONS PLAYERS + STAFF