WINNIPEG — Joey Pankiw is a superfan on a super-long commute to Investors Group Field for every Blue Bombers home game.
His round trip – 1,200 kilometres.
Pankiw moved to Regina in 2008, but over the last six years has made the six-hour trip each way for almost every home game. It’s time-consuming and costly. In one year alone he has spent as much as $1,800 on gas just to watch the Bombers play at home.
“I look forward to those times (with family),” said Pankiw. “So I really don’t want to miss it. There’s nothing like watching a game live.”
Pankiw has been a season ticket holder since he was 16. Now 30, he’s more committed than ever before.
Next to the Saskatchewan licence plate on his truck are two Blue Bombers bumper stickers.
And his Regina apartment, which also just happens to be on Winnipeg Street, is filled with Bombers clothing of every shape and size.
He said he’s never once considered not jumping in his truck and making the drive, although he admits it’s a lot easier when the Bombers are winning.
“At the end of the year when there isn’t much to play for, that’s always tough,” said Pankiw. “I’m a pretty competitive person.”
Besides – it’s a lot more fun to win, especially when the Bombers are playing Saskatchewan.
“You don’t want to lose. It’s not something I want to hear about for the next three weeks,” laughs Pankiw.
That’s when the Bombers head to Regina for the Labour Day Classic.
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